Salt Lake City in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Salt Lake City
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak festival season with Pioneer Day celebrations July 24th - parades, fireworks, and historic reenactments throughout the valley with most events free
- Perfect hiking weather above 2,134 m (7,000 ft) elevation - snowpack melted, wildflowers blooming, and temperatures 8-11°C (15-20°F) cooler in mountains
- Outdoor concert season at Red Butte Garden and Snowbird with nearly zero chance of rain cancellations - 23 days average sunshine
- Great Salt Lake reaches warmest temperatures for floating - 24°C (75°F) water temperature makes the unique buoyancy experience comfortable
Considerations
- Extreme heat downtown with temperatures hitting 38°C (100°F+) making midday city exploration uncomfortable - UV index reaches dangerous levels
- Peak tourist season drives accommodation prices up 40-60% compared to shoulder months, especially around Pioneer Day weekend
- Air quality can be poor due to temperature inversions trapping pollution - AQI often exceeds 100 on windless days
Best Activities in July
High Elevation Hiking in Wasatch Mountains
July is the only month when trails above 2,743 m (9,000 ft) are fully accessible without snow equipment. Alpine wildflowers peak mid-July, and daytime temperatures at elevation stay comfortable at 18-24°C (65-75°F). Popular routes include areas around Snowbird and Alta where you can take trams up and hike the ridge lines.
Great Salt Lake Floating Experience
Water temperatures peak at 24°C (75°F) in July, making the famous buoyancy experience actually pleasant rather than frigid. The extreme salinity makes floating effortless, and low humidity means you'll dry quickly. Antelope Island State Park offers the best access points with facilities.
Historic Temple Square and Downtown Walking Tours
Indoor/outdoor combination tours work well when timed correctly. Temple Square's visitor centers provide air-conditioned breaks between outdoor sections. The Mormon Trail and historic sites come alive during Pioneer Days with costumed interpreters and demonstrations.
Park City Mountain Resort Summer Activities
Temperatures at 2,103 m (6,900 ft) elevation stay 8-11°C (15-20°F) cooler than Salt Lake City. Alpine slides, scenic lifts, and mountain biking trails are in perfect condition. The resort town offers dining and shopping with mountain views just 56 km (35 miles) from downtown.
Bonneville Salt Flats Photography and Exploration
The flats are completely dry by July, creating the iconic white crystalline landscape. Early morning and late evening provide dramatic lighting and tolerable temperatures. The 161 km (100 mile) drive west offers otherworldly landscapes perfect for photography.
Timpanogos Cave National Monument Underground Tours
Cave temperatures stay constant at 7°C (45°F) year-round, providing natural air conditioning during July heat waves. The 2.4 km (1.5 mile) hike to cave entrance gains 305 m (1,000 ft) elevation but offers shade and cooler mountain air.
July Events & Festivals
Pioneer Day Celebration
Utah's biggest holiday commemorates Mormon pioneers arriving in 1847. Features the 'Days of '47' parade (one of largest in US), fireworks over downtown, historic village demonstrations, and free concerts. Entire state celebrates with rodeos and community festivals.
Twilight Concert Series at Pioneer Park
Free outdoor concerts every Thursday evening featuring major touring acts. Brings 10,000+ locals to downtown park with food trucks and local vendors. Concerts start at 8 PM when temperatures cool to comfortable levels.
Utah Arts Festival
Four-day festival in downtown Library Square featuring 150+ artists, live music, and food vendors. Combines visual arts, performances, and local craft demonstrations. Timed to coincide with cooler evening hours.