Fresno in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Fresno

38°C (100°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

35% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather for swimming and water activities - zero rain means consistent pool and water park conditions all month
Longest daylight hours of the year (14+ hours) - maximum time for outdoor activities and sightseeing
Peak season for Central Valley stone fruit harvest - access to world-class peaches, plums, and nectarines at roadside stands and farmer's markets
Optimal conditions for Shaver Lake and Bass Lake activities - water temperatures reach 21°C (70°F) for comfortable swimming

Considerations

Extreme heat during midday hours (11am-4pm) with temperatures exceeding 38°C (100°F) - outdoor activities become dangerous
Air quality often poor due to Central Valley heat inversions and potential wildfire smoke from Sierra Nevada
Highest accommodation and attraction prices of the year due to peak summer tourism season

Best Activities in July

Yosemite National Park Day Tours

July offers the best access to Yosemite's high country with Tioga Pass and Glacier Point Road fully open. Waterfalls are still flowing from snowmelt, and all hiking trails are accessible. The 1.5-hour drive from Fresno means early morning starts beat the heat and crowds.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead as this is peak season. Tours typically cost $180-250 per person. Look for operators offering early departure times (6-7am) to avoid afternoon heat. See current tour options in booking section below.

Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks Tours

Cooler mountain temperatures (15-20°C cooler than Fresno) make July ideal for exploring giant sequoias. All roads including Kings Canyon Scenic Byway are open. The General Grant Tree and General Sherman Tree areas offer shade and comfortable hiking conditions.

Booking Tip: Full day tours range $160-220. Book 2-3 weeks ahead. Choose tours that include both parks to maximize the cooler mountain time. Current options available in booking widget below.

Bass Lake and Shaver Lake Water Activities

July water temperatures reach perfect 21°C (70°F) for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. These Sierra Nevada foothill lakes offer relief from valley heat with temperatures 8-10°C cooler than Fresno. Clear, calm morning conditions ideal for water sports.

Booking Tip: Boat rentals and guided activities typically $75-150 per person. Book waterfront accommodations 4-6 weeks ahead for weekends. Morning activities (8-11am) offer best conditions before afternoon winds.

Underground Cave Tours

Constant 16°C (60°F) temperatures in Moaning Cavern and Mercer Caverns provide perfect escape from July heat. These limestone caves maintain cool conditions year-round, making them incredibly popular during summer months.

Booking Tip: Cave tours cost $20-35 for standard tours, $80-120 for adventure rappelling. Book weekend slots 10-14 days ahead. Bring light jacket for 22°C temperature difference from outside. See current tour availability below.

Central Valley Agricultural Tours

July is peak harvest season for stone fruits - peaches, nectarines, plums, and apricots. Farm tours and u-pick operations are in full swing. Early morning tours (7-9am) avoid dangerous midday heat while experiencing authentic Central Valley agriculture.

Booking Tip: Farm tours typically $25-45 per person including tastings. Many require advance booking during peak harvest. Choose tours that provide transportation with AC and include indoor components like packing houses.

Millerton Lake State Recreation Area

This 16 km (10 mile) long lake offers extensive water recreation just 30 minutes from downtown Fresno. July water temperatures reach 24°C (75°F) - ideal for swimming, wakeboarding, and fishing. Marina facilities and boat launches fully operational.

Booking Tip: Day use fees $10 per vehicle. Boat rentals $200-400 per day - book weekends 2-3 weeks ahead. Plan water activities for early morning (6-10am) or evening (5-8pm) to avoid peak heat and crowds.

July Events & Festivals

Early to Mid July

Big Fresno Fair

California's fifth-largest county fair featuring livestock competitions, carnival rides, concerts, and extensive food vendors. Showcases Central Valley agriculture with wine competitions and farm exhibits. Evening events offer relief from daytime heat.

Throughout July

Stone Fruit Festival Season

Multiple weekend festivals throughout the valley celebrating peach, plum, and nectarine harvests. Features u-pick orchards, farm-to-table dinners, and agricultural demonstrations. Timing varies by farm and fruit variety ripeness.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen and lip balm with SPF - UV index reaches dangerous level 11

Wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses - essential for 14+ hours of daylight exposure

Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts in light colors - better sun protection than tank tops in extreme heat

Insulated water bottles (1-2 liters capacity) - staying hydrated critical in 35% humidity and 38°C+ temperatures

Cooling towels or bandanas - soak in cold water for neck/wrist cooling during outdoor activities

Lightweight jacket or sweatshirt - 22°C temperature difference in caves and air-conditioned indoor spaces

Closed-toe shoes with good grip - essential for cave tours and mountain hiking on rocky terrain

Portable phone charger/power bank - heat drains batteries faster and GPS essential for mountain areas

Cash for farm stands and small attractions - many agricultural venues don't accept cards

Air quality mask (N95) - Central Valley air quality often poor due to heat inversions and potential wildfire smoke

Insider Knowledge

Most locals avoid outdoor activities between 11am-4pm in July - plan indoor attractions (museums, shopping, caves) during peak heat hours

Shaver Lake and Bass Lake parking fills by 10am on weekends - arrive early or book accommodations walking distance to water access

Many Central Valley farm stands offer 'seconds' (cosmetically imperfect fruit) at 50-70% discount - same quality for eating and cooking

Yosemite's Hetch Hetchy entrance is least crowded in July and offers easier access to waterfalls - most tourists don't know about this entrance from Fresno

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating afternoon heat dangers - tourists frequently require medical attention from heat exhaustion during 11am-4pm outdoor activities

Not checking air quality before outdoor plans - Central Valley frequently has unhealthy AQI levels in July due to heat and potential wildfire smoke

Assuming mountain lakes will be warm enough for swimming without checking current conditions - water temperature varies significantly by elevation and recent weather