Traditionally, July and August see many overnight visitors travelling to Kelowna, making them some of the busiest months of the year. Local businesses will always welcome walk-ins as space permits; however, if there are specific accommodations, restaurants, activities, or events you want to visit or participate in, we highly recommend making reservations or booking them in advance to guarantee your spot and avoid disappointment.
Read on to learn more about what you can discover and what to expect in and around Kelowna when visiting this time of year.
Soak up the Summer Sun
Kelowna City Park. Photo by: Shawn Talbot Photography
There is no shortage of sunny days in August, so there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and make the most of Kelowna’s outdoor playground. Hikers and mountain bikers can explore the numerous trails throughout the region, including those at Big White and SilverStar Mountain Resort, both of which offer several biking-specific events throughout the month.
For those who want to take in the summer sun without working up a sweat, there are ample beaches and parks to choose from—head down early in the day to beat the crowds or seek out the smaller, lesser-known beaches that dot the shoreline of Okanagan Lake and others throughout the region.
If you want to get out on the water while you’re at the beach, Okanagan Beach Rentals are set up at Tugboat Bay, Boyce-Gyro, and Rotary Beach in Kelowna as well as at Bear Creek Provincial Park in West Kelowna, offering stand-up paddleboards, water trikes, kayaks, and more. You can also take a boat tour, go sailing, rent jet skis, try your hand at fly fishing…the options are endless!
Celebrate and Explore Kelowna
Kelowna City Park and Okanagan Lake. Photo by Nic Collar Film
There is no better way to get to know a place than to attend its community events and explore like a local. Throughout the summer, visitors and locals can enjoy free programming through Meet Me on Bernard, Parks Alive!, and Live! in Lake Country.
Local arts groups will also showcase their talents throughout the month. Kelowna Actors Studio will present the much-loved musical Mamma Mia! from August 1 to 17, 2024, while Opera Kelowna will deliver its mainstage production of Pagliacci & Gianni Schicchi on August 23 and 24, 2024.
Savour Local Flavours
Peaches and Plums. Photo by: Matt Ferguson Photography
Summer means that you can find the freshest local flavours at area farmers’ markets on several days of the week:
- On Wednesdays and Saturdays, discover the best of the region at the Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market.
- On Fridays, travel north of Kelowna to the Lake Country Farmers’ Market.
- Every Saturday until the end of September, head to the Westbank Farmers’ Market.
- On Sundays, check out the Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market satellite location in Kerry Park or visit the Peachland Famers’ & Crafters’ Market.
There are also numerous local farms, orchards, and markets where you can pick up fresh fruit and veggies all week. In August, most Okanagan fruit is ready for harvest at some point in the month.
Kids and adults can have fun gathering their fruit at one of Kelowna’s u-pick orchards. Never been fruit picking before? We’ve got you covered!
PLEASE NOTE: Due to several devastating weather events in the fall and winter, area farms and orchards anticipate low yields in 2024. Please contact u-pick orchards or farms directly before visiting to confirm availability.
Local Events
Red Bird Brewing live music event.
Major Events
- Cheer on logger sport athletes from across Canada at STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® Canadian Championships 2024, coming to Prospera Place on August 17 and 18, 2024.
Arts & Culture
- Take part in Caravan Farm Theatre's outdoor cinema experience at its Indigenous Film Festival, which will take place August 22-24, 2024.
- Red Bird Brewing will host NESTFEST 2024 on August 3 and 4, 2024. The festival will include an array of performers, including Sam Roberts Band, Ruby Waters, Dear Rouge, and more!
- Find live music at venues including Eldorado Resort, Frind Estate Beach Winery, Jackknife Brewing, Peak Cellars Winery, Priest Creek Family Estate Winery, Rotary Centre for the Arts, The Broken Hearts Club at Crown & Thieves, and The Vibrant Vine.
Walking Tours
- Learn more about the traditional uses of local plants from Indigenous knowledge keepers on the na’ʔk’ʷulamən (what we do): syilx Traditional Plant Use Walking Tour, taking place on several dates throughout the summer.
- Discover Kelowna by taking one of the City's free Cultural District Walking Tours or one of the other guided tours offered in the area.
For more events in and around Kelowna, visit our online Calendar of Events.
Weather
July and August are the hottest months of the year—in both months, temperatures reach an average high of 28°C / 82°F and an average low of 11°C / 52°F. It’s not uncommon to see temperatures nearing 40°C / 104°F in mid-summer, so be sure to pack lots of sunscreen, your beach umbrella, and plenty of water to make the most of Kelowna’s sunny days—there are several spots in downtown Kelowna to refill your reusable water bottle, including the Kelowna Visitor Centre so that you can stay hydrated. Need to cool off? Jump in one of the area’s lakes, grab an ice cream, sip a cool beverage on a patio, or take advantage of Kelowna’s indoor activities and attractions if you want a break from the sun.
Helpful Planning Resources
Photo by: Shawn Talbot Photography
Plan a purposeful and rewarding trip to Kelowna by using the resources available on our website:
- Use our itinerary-builder to keep track of things to do and to plan out your schedule.
- Learn more about Kelowna’s array of accommodation options.
- Discover more about summer in Kelowna.
Have more questions about your trip to Kelowna? Connect with our team at the Kelowna Visitor Centre.
Be sure to follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more inspiration and share your adventures using #exploreKelowna.
