Moncton in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Moncton

25°C (77°F) High Temp

13°C (56°F) Low Temp

84 mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect summer festival season - Moncton hosts its largest outdoor events in July, including the world-class Atlantic Nationals Automotive Extravaganza with 3,000+ classic cars
Warmest ocean temperatures at nearby Shediac Beach reach 20°C (68°F) - the only month truly comfortable for extended swimming in the Northumberland Strait
Magnetic Hill Zoo operates extended summer hours until 7pm, and animals are most active during the longer daylight (sunrise 5:45am, sunset 8:15pm)
Petitcodiac River bore tide phenomenon is strongest in July due to moon phases, with 60cm (2ft) waves visible up to 16 times per month at optimal viewing times

Considerations

Peak tourism season means Magnetic Hill and downtown parking fills by 10am on weekends, adding 15-20 minutes to travel times between attractions
Accommodation rates increase 40-60% from May levels, with downtown hotels averaging $180-220 CAD versus $110-140 in shoulder season
Humidity combines with 25°C (77°F) temperatures to create uncomfortable midday conditions for walking tours - most locals avoid outdoor activities 11am-3pm

Best Activities in July

Fundy National Park Coastal Hiking

July offers the driest trail conditions with only 10 rainy days versus 15+ in other summer months. The Dickson Falls trail (1.5 km/0.9 miles) and Caribou Plain bog walk showcase peak wildflower blooms impossible to see other times of year. Morning hikes 7-10am avoid both crowds and afternoon humidity.

Booking Tip: Park entry requires advance reservations in July through Parks Canada website. Day passes cost $8.50 CAD adults. Book camping 2-3 months ahead if staying overnight. Guided interpretive programs typically $15-25 CAD per person.

Bay of Fundy Tidal Bore Rafting

July features the most predictable bore tides with less weather interference than August. The 2-hour rafting window occurs twice daily during optimal moon phases. Water temperatures reach 18°C (64°F) - warm enough to enjoy getting soaked without hypothermia risk.

Booking Tip: Bore rafting tours typically cost $95-125 CAD per person. Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators who provide all gear. Check tide schedules - some July dates have no suitable bore activity.

Hopewell Rocks Ocean Floor Walking

Low tide exposes the ocean floor for 6+ hours during July's extreme tidal cycles. The 'Flowerpot Rocks' are accessible with dry walking paths, and interpretive programs run every 30 minutes during peak season. July's extended daylight means you can experience both high and low tide in a single day visit.

Booking Tip: Entry costs $16 CAD adults, $14 seniors. Arrive 2 hours before low tide for best experience. Parking fills early on weekends - arrive before 9am or after 4pm. Guided tours typically $25-35 CAD additional.

Magnetic Hill Summer Festival Circuit

July concentrates Moncton's festival calendar with 4-5 major events including automotive shows, outdoor concerts, and cultural festivals. The Magnetic Hill Concert Site hosts international acts with perfect weather for outdoor venues. Festival crowds create busy downtown atmosphere impossible other months.

Booking Tip: Concert tickets range $45-150 CAD depending on headliner. Festival passes for multi-day events typically $80-200 CAD. Book accommodations 6-8 weeks ahead as hotels sell out during major concert weekends.

Shediac Beach Lobster Festival Experience

The world's largest lobster sculpture (11 meters/35 feet) anchors July's peak lobster season when local catches are most abundant. Beach temperatures reach 20°C (68°F) - the year's swimming peak. The famous Shediac Lobster Festival runs mid-July with 100,000+ visitors over 5 days.

Booking Tip: Festival admission typically $10-15 CAD daily, $35-45 CAD for weekend passes. Lobster dinners range $25-45 CAD per person. Stay in Moncton and drive 20 km (12 miles) - Shediac accommodations book 3+ months ahead.

Acadian Cultural Heritage Tours

July marks Acadian heritage season leading up to August's National Acadian Day. Village Historique Acadien operates full summer programming with costumed interpreters and working historical demonstrations. The 40-building site represents 400 years of Acadian culture with horse-drawn wagon rides and traditional craft workshops.

Booking Tip: Full day admission costs $25 CAD adults, $20 seniors/students. Located 1.5 hours north of Moncton. Combine with Caraquet area coastal drives. Guided tours typically add $15-20 CAD but provide essential historical context.

July Events & Festivals

Mid July

Atlantic Nationals Automotive Extravaganza

North America's largest outdoor car show featuring 3,000+ classic and custom vehicles at Magnetic Hill. Four days of live entertainment, vendor markets, and automotive competitions. The signature burnout competition and car auction draw 75,000+ visitors annually.

Mid to Late July

Shediac Lobster Festival

Five-day celebration featuring lobster eating contests, live Maritime music, and artisan markets around the world's largest lobster sculpture. Peak lobster season ensures fresh local catches at 20+ food vendors. Family activities include sand castle competitions and beach volleyball tournaments.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - July's 10 rainy days bring short but intense downpours lasting 20-45 minutes

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 with extended 14.5-hour daylight exposure

Moisture-wicking t-shirts and breathable cotton pants - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during 25°C (77°F) afternoon temps

Light sweater or fleece for evenings - temperatures drop to 13°C (56°F) after sunset, especially near the coast

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Hopewell Rocks ocean floor can be slippery, and downtown cobblestones are uneven when wet

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes and black flies peak in July around Fundy Park trails and riverside areas

Waterproof phone case - essential for tidal bore activities and beach visits where saltwater spray is common

Cash in small denominations - many festival vendors and parking meters don't accept cards, especially at Magnetic Hill events

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated is crucial during humid midday periods, and many attractions have free refill stations

Insider Knowledge

Local Maritimers avoid Magnetic Hill 10am-2pm on summer weekends - visit early morning or late afternoon for half the crowds and better photos

Fundy tides follow a 12.5-hour cycle, not 12 hours - download the official tide app to avoid missing the bore or being stranded at Hopewell Rocks

Most Moncton restaurants offer 'lobster rolls' year-round, but July features the freshest local catch at $18-25 CAD versus $28-35 for imported lobster other months

Free parking exists at Riverfront Park with a pleasant 1.2 km (0.7 mile) walk to downtown - saves $12-15 daily parking fees during festival season

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities during 11am-3pm when humidity peaks at 70% and locals retreat indoors - schedule hiking and walking tours for early morning or late afternoon

Assuming all accommodations include festival shuttles - only 3 downtown hotels provide transport to Magnetic Hill events, others require $25-30 CAD taxi rides

Booking Hopewell Rocks visits without checking tide times - arriving at high tide means missing the famous ocean floor walk and wasting the $16 CAD entry fee