Quebec City in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Quebec City

25°C (77°F) High Temp

14°C (57°F) Low Temp

119 mm (4.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Festival de l'été de Québec transforms the city into Canada's largest outdoor music festival with 300+ shows over 11 days, featuring international headliners and local artists across 10 stages throughout Vieux-Québec
Terrace season is in full swing - every restaurant, Montenegro, and café opens their outdoor seating areas, creating the most busy street life of the year with extended hours until 2am on weekends
this destination and Battlefields Park offer the most comfortable weather for exploring 108 hectares (267 acres) of historic grounds without winter's brutal -20°C (-4°F) temperatures or spring's mud season
Longest daylight hours of the year with sunrise at 5:15am and sunset at 8:15pm, giving you nearly 15 hours to explore outdoor attractions like the Citadel fortifications and Montmorency Falls

Considerations

Accommodation prices surge 40-60% above shoulder season rates, with decent hotels starting at CAD $250-350/night compared to CAD $120-180 in May or September
Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of July days, typically between 2-5pm, and can shut down outdoor festival events and Château Frontenac's rooftop experiences without warning
Tourist crowds peak with 2.5 million visitors cramming into a 5.6 km² (2.2 mi²) Old City, creating 30-45 minute waits at popular restaurants and attractions like Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec

Best Activities in July

Saint Lawrence River cruise excursions

July offers the calmest waters and clearest visibility for whale watching and Île d'Orléans tours. Morning departures at 9am avoid afternoon storms and provide the best wildlife spotting opportunities when belugas and minke whales are most active. The 70% humidity creates comfortable conditions on-deck compared to winter's harsh winds.

Booking Tip: Reserve 2-3 weeks ahead as July sells out quickly. Morning tours (9am-12pm) have better weather reliability and cost CAD $45-85 per adult. Look for operators offering covered seating areas and weather guarantees. Check current tour options in the booking section below.

Montmorency Falls adventure activities

The 83m (272 ft) waterfall is at peak flow from spring melt, and July's warm temperatures make the suspension bridge and via ferrata climbing routes most enjoyable. Morning visits between 8-11am avoid both crowds and afternoon thunderstorms while providing the best photography light on the cascading water.

Booking Tip: Cable car and zipline combinations typically cost CAD $25-45. Book zipline adventures at least 10 days ahead through certified operators. Activities shut down during thunderstorms, so morning slots are more reliable. See current options in booking section below.

Cycling tours through Île d'Orléans

July brings peak strawberry and raspberry season to this agricultural island, with roadside stands offering fresh-picked berries and artisanal products. The 67 km (42 mi) circular route is most comfortable in July's moderate temperatures, and local vineyards extend tasting hours until 7pm during summer months.

Booking Tip: Self-guided bike rentals cost CAD $35-50/day with ferry transport included. Book guided food tours 1-2 weeks ahead for CAD $85-120 per person. Choose morning departures before 10am to avoid afternoon heat and storms. Current tour options available in booking section below.

Old Quebec walking food tours

July's extended daylight and outdoor dining culture create the perfect conditions for evening food tours. Local specialties like tourtière and sugar pie are complemented by seasonal offerings, and restaurant terraces stay open until 10pm. The comfortable evening temperatures make 3-4 hour walking tours enjoyable.

Booking Tip: Evening tours (5-8pm) cost CAD $65-95 and book up quickly during festival weeks. Reserve 10-14 days ahead through licensed guides who include 5-7 tasting stops. Look for tours that provide covered meeting points in case of afternoon storms. See current options in booking section below.

Jacques-Cartier National Park hiking

Located 40 km (25 mi) north of the city, July offers the most accessible trail conditions with no snow or mud. The Éperviers trail provides spectacular valley views, and camping is at its most comfortable with nighttime lows of 14°C (57°F). Wildlife viewing peaks as animals are most active during longer daylight hours.

Booking Tip: Day passes cost CAD $8-12 per adult. Book backcountry camping 30 days ahead for peak July weekends. Guided canoe-camping packages run CAD $150-250 per person for 2-day trips. Check weather forecasts as trails close during severe thunderstorms. Current tour options in booking section below.

Château Frontenac terrace experiences

The hotel's famous terraces and outdoor bars operate at full capacity in July with extended hours until midnight. The Dufferin Terrace promenade offers unobstructed Saint Lawrence River views, and street performers create evening entertainment. July's warm evenings make cocktail hours on outdoor terraces most enjoyable.

Booking Tip: Terrace dining requires reservations 7-10 days ahead in July. Cocktails range CAD $15-22, with happy hour 4-6pm offering 20% savings. Afternoon thunderstorms can close outdoor areas temporarily, so evening slots are more reliable. Current reservation options in booking section below.

July Events & Festivals

Early to mid-July (typically July 6-16, 2025)

Festival d'été de Québec (FEQ)

North America's largest francophone festival featuring 300+ performances across 10 outdoor stages in the Plains of Abraham and throughout Old Quebec. Past headliners include Metallica, The Killers, and major francophone artists. The festival creates a city-wide party atmosphere with street closures and extended venue hours.

Late July to early August (Saturdays and Wednesdays)

Les Grand Feux Loto-Québec

International fireworks competition held at Montmorency Falls Park, with pyrotechnic displays choreographed to music from different countries. Four competition nights plus a grand finale, with the 83m (272 ft) waterfall creating a dramatic backdrop for the displays.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of July days and last 30-45 minutes with little warning

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 during peak hours (11am-3pm) with strong reflection off cobblestone streets

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Old Quebec's cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 mi) daily

Light layering pieces - temperature swings from 14°C (57°F) at sunrise to 25°C (77°F) by afternoon require adaptable clothing

Small umbrella or packable poncho - essential for outdoor festival events and terrace dining when storms hit suddenly

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity conditions that feel sticky and trap heat

Light sweater or cardigan - evenings cool quickly after sunset, especially along the Saint Lawrence River waterfront

Portable phone charger - extended daylight hours and festival photography will drain batteries faster than usual

Cash in small bills - many street performers, food stands, and small vendors during festivals prefer cash payments

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes are active during warm, humid evenings, particularly near the river and in parks

Insider Knowledge

Book restaurants for 8:30-9pm to avoid peak dinner crowds and catch the golden hour light on terraces - locals eat later during summer months and many kitchens stay open until 10pm

Take advantage of 'cinq à sept' (5-7pm happy hour) culture that extends longer in July - many hotel bars and terraces offer 25-30% discounts on cocktails during this extended social hour

Festival street closures create the best pedestrian access to Old Quebec's narrow streets - Rue Saint-Jean and Grande Allée become car-free zones during major event days, making walking much more pleasant

Local strawberry season peaks in mid-July - visit Île d'Orléans on weekday mornings for the freshest berries at lowest prices before tour buses arrive around 11am

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking outdoor activities between 2-5pm when 60% of thunderstorms occur - schedule morning activities and use afternoons for museums or covered attractions like the Musée de la Civilisation

Underestimating restaurant wait times during festival weeks - popular spots like Aux Anciens Canadiens can have 90-minute waits without reservations during FEQ

Wearing synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity - cotton and linen breathe better in Quebec City's summer climate and dry faster after sudden rain showers