July in Kelowna

July means summer is in full swing in the Okanagan! Visitors flock to sunny Kelowna all summer, ready to get out on the lake, lounge on sandy beaches, and sip some of the region’s award-winning wines.

July and August typically see the highest number of overnight visitors travelling to Kelowna, making them the busiest months of the year. Walk-ins are welcome as space permits, but if there are specific accommodations, restaurants, activities, or events you want to visit or take part in, be sure to make reservations or book them as early as possible 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 at this time of year.

Get Set for Fun in the Sun

^{Kayaking on Kalamalka Lake. Photo by: Ken Hagen}

July is the perfect time to take advantage of the more than 30 beaches in and around Kelowna and to spend lots of time in Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake, or one of the area’s smaller lakes.

In addition to boating, parasailing, and jet skiing, you can take a Tiki-themed lake tour with Tiki Time Tours, explore the Kelowna Paddle Trail, or test your skills with Okanagan Flyboard. Find boat rental options and explore more lake activities here.

If you’re looking for local expertise and lots of fun, why not take a guided tour? There are options for food and wine lovers, adrenaline junkies, nature explorers, and more. You can even hop on Smile Cycle Tours’ 15-passenger big bike for a beverage tour of downtown Kelowna.

Celebrate Summer in and Around Kelowna

^{Meet me on Bernard. Photo by: Nic Collar Film}

From May 17 to September 2, the 200 and 300 blocks of Bernard Avenue in downtown Kelowna will be transformed to pedestrian-only for Meet Me on Bernard 2024, with extended patios and a pop-up program, as well as several annual downtown Kelowna events, including Block Party, Show N Shine, and a satellite location of the Kelowna Farmers' & Crafters' Market. 

The summer festival season kicks off on July 1 with free Canada Day celebrations hosted by Festivals Kelowna, with interactive and drop-in activities. Canada Day celebrations are also held in Central Okanagan’s other communities, West Kelowna, Lake Country, and Peachland.

Head to Memorial Park in West Kelowna from July 12 to 14, 2024, to take in the fun and entertainment at Westside Daze! The free, family-friendly festival includes amusement park rides, carnival games, food trucks, and more, including a drone show and free pancake breakfast.

Throughout the summer, Parks Alive! also brings free, family-friendly concerts to parks in and around Kelowna.

Savour Local Flavours

^{Kelowna Farmers' & Crafters' Market. Photo by: Salt Food 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.

Local Events

^{Across the Lake Swim} 

Special Events

• Rock the Lake returns to downtown Kelowna from July 12 - 14, 2024, with performances from Our Lady Peace, Tom Cochrane, Theory of a Deadman, and more.
• On July 15, 2024, swimmers of all abilities will face the challenge of crossing Okanagan Lake by participating in Across the Lake Swim. If you’re not ready to make the swim yourself yet, cheer on the participants from shore.
• Cheer on the competitors at the second annual Kelowna Classic Lake Water Polo Tournament on July 13 and 14, 2024, at Cold Sands Beach in City Park.

Live Performances

• Mission Hill's 2024 Summer Concert Series kicks off on July 4 with a performance by Canadian legends, The Barenaked Ladies. Award-winning artists, Melissa Etheridge and Jewel, will take the stage on July 15, while renowned Canadian singer/songwriter, Sarah McLachlan, will perform on July 29. 
• From July 4 to 7, 2024, music lovers can take in live performances as part of the Okanagan Guitar Festival.
• Caravan Farm Theatre's outdoor summer show, The Bear and the Proposal, will run from July 9 to August 4, 2024.

Arts & Culture

• On July 11, 2024, you can don your fanciest white summer garb and get ready to travel to a secret location where you’ll dine under the Okanagan sun at Le Diner en Blanc Okanagan.
• Arts on the Avenue returns to downtown Kelowna on July 16 and August 1, 2024, with interactive demonstrations, live music, and local artisans. 
• Opera Kelowna will announce its summer season performances on May 9, 2024.

For more events taking place in and around Kelowna, visit our online Calendar of Events.

Weather

July is the clearest month of the year, with the sun typically shining bright all month long and few clouds in the sky. Temperatures reach an average high of 28°C / 80°F and an average low of 11°C / 52°F.  July and August are the hottest months of the year, so be sure to pack lots of sunscreen, beach umbrellas, and water to make the most of Kelowna’s sunny days. And if you need to cool off quickly, Okanagan Lake is ready and waiting.

Helpful Planning Resources

^{Photo by: Ken Hagen}

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.