Things to Do in St. Johns in July

July Weather in St. Johns

29°C (84°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

89mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Peak berry picking season - wild blueberries and cloudberries reach perfect ripeness in July, offering unique foraging experiences on Signal Hill and surrounding trails
Warmest ocean temperatures of the year at 16°C (61°F) make swimming at Middle Cove Beach and Quidi Vidi Lake actually comfortable without wetsuits
Longest daylight hours with sunset after 9 PM - nearly 16 hours of daylight for maximum sightseeing and outdoor activities
Festival season peaks with the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival and multiple kitchen parties happening throughout the month

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to shoulder months, and popular restaurants require reservations 2-3 days ahead
Afternoon fog rolls in from the Atlantic 50% of July days, potentially limiting visibility for whale watching and coastal photography between 2-5 PM
Frequent rain showers (10 days average) can disrupt outdoor plans, though they typically last only 20-30 minutes before clearing

Best Activities in July

Cape Spear Lighthouse Sunrise Tours

July offers the earliest sunrise in North America at 5:47 AM from Cape Spear, with clear morning skies 70% of the time before afternoon fog arrives. The 30-minute drive from downtown is stunning in July's green landscape, and you'll often spot whales from the clifftops between 6-8 AM when the ocean is calmest.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 7-10 days ahead, typically ฿1,800-2,400 ($60-80 CAD) including transport. Look for operators offering sunrise timing flexibility due to weather. Check current tour options in the booking widget below.

Trinity Bay Iceberg and Whale Watching

July is peak season for both humpback whales (95% sighting success rate) and late-season icebergs drifting south. The 2.5-hour drive to Trinity rewards visitors with the best dual-viewing opportunities of the year, plus the warmest weather for boat tours at sea.

Booking Tip: Book whale watching tours 10-14 days ahead through licensed marine operators, typically ฿3,000-4,200 ($100-140 CAD). Morning tours (8-11 AM) have best whale activity and avoid afternoon fog. See current options in booking section below.

Gros Morne National Park Hiking

July brings the warmest hiking conditions with snow completely melted from higher elevations. The Gros Morne Mountain trail (16 km/10 miles) is fully accessible, offering incredible views of the fjords. Wildflowers peak in July, creating spectacular photography opportunities on the easier Green Gardens coastal trail.

Booking Tip: Park entry ฿300-600 ($10-20 CAD) per day. Book accommodations in Rocky Harbour 3-4 weeks ahead for July. Guided geological tours typically ฿1,500-2,100 ($50-70 CAD). Check current guided tour availability in the booking widget.

Traditional Newfoundland Kitchen Parties

July's warm evenings are perfect for authentic kitchen parties and screech-ins. Local venues host traditional music sessions nightly, and the weather allows for outdoor gatherings with live Celtic music. July coincides with multiple folk festivals, creating an authentic cultural immersion opportunity.

Booking Tip: Screech-in ceremonies typically ฿900-1,500 ($30-50 CAD) at historic venues. Book dinner-and-music packages 3-5 days ahead during July's peak season. Many experiences include traditional Jigg's dinner. See current cultural tours in booking section.

East Coast Trail Sections

July offers the best hiking conditions on the East Coast Trail with dry rocks, minimal ice risk, and extended daylight for longer sections. The Spout Path and Motion Trail provide spectacular coastal views with comfortable temperatures for the 6-8 hour hikes. Berry picking opportunities along the trails are at their peak.

Booking Tip: Trail maps and parking passes available for ฿150-300 ($5-10 CAD). Guided day hikes typically ฿2,400-3,600 ($80-120 CAD) including lunch and transport. Book guided options 7-10 days ahead. Check current guided trail tours below.

Witless Bay Ecological Reserve Puffin Tours

July is prime puffin nesting season with over 260,000 pairs visible on the islands just 30 km (18.6 miles) south of St. Johns. Boat tours operate in optimal conditions with calmer seas and extended daylight. Puffins are most active in July before beginning their ocean migration in August.

Booking Tip: Puffin boat tours typically ฿2,700-3,900 ($90-130 CAD) for 2.5-hour trips. Book 10-14 days ahead for July peak season. Morning tours (9 AM departure) offer best puffin activity and photography light. Current tour options available in booking widget.

July Events & Festivals

Early August (but related events throughout July)

Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival

Major outdoor music festival featuring traditional Celtic, folk, and contemporary Newfoundland artists across multiple stages in Bannerman Park. Three days of continuous music with local food vendors and craft markets. Free workshops on traditional instruments and step dancing.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - trails can be muddy after July's 89mm (3.5 inches) of rainfall, and rocky coastal paths are slippery when wet

Lightweight rain jacket and rain pants - afternoon showers are frequent but brief, and you'll want to continue outdoor activities

Layers including fleece or light wool sweater - temperatures vary 6°C (11°F) between day and night, plus ocean breezes create wind chill

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 in July's long daylight hours, and reflection off water and rocks intensifies exposure

Warm hat and gloves for early morning whale watching - 5:47 AM sunrises and boat trips can feel like 15°C (59°F) with wind chill

Quick-dry pants and moisture-wicking base layers - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable during active hiking

Sturdy daypack with waterproof cover - essential for 6-8 hour East Coast Trail hikes and sudden weather changes

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes and blackflies are active in July, especially on inland trails and bog areas

Comfortable walking shoes for St. Johns' steep hills - downtown requires serious footwear for cobblestone streets at 15-20% grades

Portable phone charger - extended daylight means longer photo sessions and GPS use during 16-hour active days

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid outdoor activities between 2-5 PM when Atlantic fog rolls in - plan indoor attractions like The Rooms museum or Johnson Geo Centre during these hours

Wild blueberry and cloudberry picking is legal on Crown land - locals head to Signal Hill trails and Pippy Park in early morning when berries are coolest and firmest

Most restaurants stop serving traditional Jigg's dinner after July due to tourism demand - book Sunday traditional dinners at least 3 days ahead to experience authentic boiled dinner

Free parking downtown becomes nearly impossible after 9 AM in July - arrive at popular areas like Water Street before 8:30 AM or use paid lots 3 blocks inland for significant savings

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking whale watching tours for afternoon departure - morning tours have 95% success rates versus 60% for afternoon due to fog and whale feeding patterns

Underestimating driving times outside St. Johns - coastal routes average 60 km/h (37 mph) due to winding roads and moose crossing zones, making day trips longer than expected

Not bringing warm clothes for boat tours - even at 29°C (84°F) air temperature, ocean spray and wind make it feel like 18°C (64°F) on the water