The Kelowna vibes and summer sunshine are in full force in August, with plenty of fun to be had by visitors and locals of all ages.
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.
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!
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.
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:
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.
Red Bird Brewing live music event.
For more events in and around Kelowna, visit our online Calendar of Events.
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.
Photo by: Shawn Talbot Photography
Plan a purposeful and rewarding trip to Kelowna by using the resources available on our website:
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.
Tourism Kelowna would like to thank Westbank First Nation and Okanagan Indian Band for the privilege to live, work, and play on the tm̓xʷúlaʔxʷ (land), that is the unceded and traditional territory of syilx Okanagan peoples, the original stewards of these lands and to whom we give thanks to as our hosts