Things to Do in Virginia Beach in July

July Weather in Virginia Beach

87°C (189°F) High Temp

73°C (163°F) Low Temp

5 mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer energy - boardwalk is fully alive with all attractions, concerts, and street performers operating at maximum capacity
Warmest ocean temperatures of the year at 24-26°C (75-79°F), perfect for extended swimming and water sports without wetsuits
Longest daylight hours - sun doesn't set until after 8pm, giving you 14+ hours of potential beach and outdoor activity time
Summer festival season peaks with Neptune Festival events, outdoor concerts at 31st Street Stage, and weekly fireworks displays every Tuesday

Considerations

Peak season crowds mean 3x higher accommodation prices and 45-60 minute waits at popular restaurants during dinner rush
Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days between 2-5pm, often forcing beach evacuation for 30-45 minutes
Heat index regularly exceeds 38°C (100°F) making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable without frequent cooling breaks

Best Activities in July

Early Morning Dolphin Watching Tours

July offers the calmest morning waters and highest dolphin activity before tourist boats crowd the area. Ocean temperatures are perfect and visibility is at its annual peak. The 6:30am departure means you'll return before the afternoon heat becomes oppressive.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead as July sells out quickly. Tours typically cost $35-55 per person. Look for operators with covered boats and morning departure times. Check current availability in the booking widget below.

Sunset Kayak Tours in Back Bay

July's late sunsets (after 8pm) make evening paddling ideal. The protected waters stay warm well into evening, and summer wildlife is most active. Afternoon storms usually clear by 6pm, leaving perfect conditions for sunset tours.

Booking Tip: Evening tours fill up fast in July - book 10-14 days ahead. Expect to pay $45-75 per person. Choose tours departing after 6pm to avoid afternoon heat and storms. See current sunset tour options in booking section below.

First Landing State Park Trail Hikes

July's dense foliage provides maximum shade coverage on the Bald Cypress Trail. Early morning hikes (before 9am) offer wildlife viewing and comfortable temperatures. The park's natural air conditioning from the cypress swamp provides relief from beach heat.

Booking Tip: Self-guided trails are free, but guided nature tours cost $15-25. Summer interpretive programs run weekends. Book guided tours 5-7 days ahead through Virginia State Parks. Current tour options available in booking widget.

Deep Sea Fishing Charters

July offers the year's best offshore fishing conditions with calm seas and peak fish activity. Marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi are most abundant. Morning charters (6am-12pm) avoid afternoon storms and return you to shore before peak heat.

Booking Tip: Half-day charters run $400-600 for up to 6 people, full-day $800-1200. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for July weekends. Choose morning departures and operators with air-conditioned cabins. Check availability in booking section below.

Virginia Aquarium Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Perfect air-conditioned respite during July's hottest days. Summer programs include special sea turtle rehabilitation viewings and touch tank experiences. The IMAX theater provides climate-controlled entertainment during afternoon storm periods.

Booking Tip: Standard admission $28-32, behind-scenes tours $45-60. Book special summer programs 7-10 days ahead. These fill up with families during July. Current tour availability in booking widget below.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Tours

July offers the clearest visibility for this engineering marvel experience. The 27 km (17-mile) journey provides air-conditioned sightseeing with panoramic bay views. Perfect activity during midday heat when beaches become uncomfortable.

Booking Tip: Self-drive tours cost $15 vehicle toll each way. Guided bus tours run $35-50 per person and include historical narration. No advance booking needed for self-drive. Bus tours available through booking widget below.

July Events & Festivals

Every Thursday in July

American Music Festival Summer Concert Series

Free weekly concerts every Thursday at 31st Street Park featuring national touring acts. Bring beach chairs and enjoy oceanfront performances. Food trucks and local vendors create a festival atmosphere.

Mid July

Neptune Festival Summer Kickoff Events

Preview events for the fall festival including sand sculpting demonstrations, local artist showcases, and seafood tastings. Smaller crowds than the main September festival but with authentic local flavor.

Every Tuesday in July

Tuesday Night Fireworks

Weekly fireworks display launched from the beach at 24th Street. Best viewing from 20th-28th Street beach area. Arrives with live DJ music starting at 7:30pm, fireworks at 9:30pm.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High SPF sunscreen (50+) and reapply every 90 minutes - UV index of 8 can cause burns in under 15 minutes

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - afternoon storms hit 60% of days and last 30-45 minutes

Moisture-wicking clothing instead of cotton - 70% humidity makes cotton stay damp and uncomfortable

Insulated water bottle - you'll need 3-4 liters (0.8-1 gallon) daily in this heat and constant refills save money

Portable phone charger - hot temperatures drain batteries 40% faster than normal

Cooling towel or bandana - soak in cold water for instant relief during midday heat

Reef-safe sunscreen only - Virginia Beach has strict marine protection laws with $500 fines

Wide-brim hat with chin strap - afternoon storms bring sudden wind gusts up to 50 mph

Water shoes for beach walking - sand reaches 60°C (140°F) during midday hours

Electrolyte supplements - sweating in 70% humidity depletes salt faster than normal climates

Insider Knowledge

Hit the beach before 10am or after 6pm - locals avoid midday sand that literally burns feet through flip-flops

When afternoon storms hit, head to Hilltop shopping area where locals wait them out in air-conditioned restaurants and shops

Book dinner reservations for 5:30pm or 8:30pm - the 6:30-7:30pm rush sees 45+ minute waits even with reservations

Use the VB Wave trolley during peak hours - parking fills up by 11am on weekends and costs $20-30 daily in July

Avoid These Mistakes

Staying on the beach during 12pm-3pm when heat index exceeds 38°C (100°F) - even locals retreat indoors during these hours

Not checking radar apps for afternoon storms - Virginia Beach requires beach evacuation when lightning is within 8 km (5 miles)

Booking accommodations less than 6 weeks ahead - July rates triple and availability drops below 20% after Memorial Day