If you’re dreaming about a Mediterranean vacation this summer, Valencia might be exactly the destination you are looking for. With its warm Mediterranean climate, July in Valencia is all about sunny days, picture-perfect sunsets, stunning beaches, and lively festivals. But is Valencia the right fit for you in the summer? Read on to learn what’s it like to visit Valencia in July, what’s on, and some practical tips for making the most of your visit.
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Is July a good time to visit Valencia?
Yes, July can be a good time to visit Valencia as there are a plethora of things going on throughout the month and the sun is shining almost day in and day out. But before planning your trip, you might want to consider several things as visiting Valencia in July is not all rainbows and unicorns.
For starters, you have to consider the weather. July in Valencia is generally sunny, hot, and humid, especially in the second half of the month. So if you want to enjoy Valencia during July, you have to be mentally and practically prepared for the heat.
Staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and spending the hottest hours of the day in an air-conditioned place are all sensible things to do.
Most restaurants in Valencia are air-conditioned and the locals tend to spend one hour and a half or more enjoying lunch. And when in Rome… Well, July is just perfect for this kind of cultural immersion.
Early afternoon is also great for enjoying the siesta in your hotel room or going shopping in a commercial center. July kickstarts the sales season in Valencia and many shops have huge discounts.
Some museums also stay open during the lunch hours, but it’s not a general rule, so it’s best to check out each museum’s opening hours in advance.
July evenings are usually more comfortable, yet don’t expect the mercury to really drop under 23°C (73°F) during the night. So you might need to turn on the aircon while you sleep. If you’re renting an apartment via Airbnb or similar, make sure the place has an air conditioning unit as you’ll most likely need it.
However, the pleasant evening temperatures are just perfect for watching a pretty sunset (see my list of the best sunset spots in Valencia), enjoying tapas al fresco (see my favorite tapas bars in Valencia), going for a walk on the beach, or sipping a cocktail in one of these rooftop bars.
Another downside of visiting Valencia in July is the crowds. In spite of the heat, July is a popular tourist season in Valencia, and you can expect larger crowds, especially during weekends and around major events.
This may result in longer queues at popular attractions and higher prices for accommodations. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during shoulder seasons or weekdays. May, June, and October are all great months to visit Valencia without having to put up with high temperatures and crowds.
On the flip side, July is one of the best months to visit Valencia in terms of festivals and events. This is when Feria de Julio takes place, which is basically a month-long festival with concerts, parades, fireworks, and other cultural activities, making it an exciting time to experience the city’s lively atmosphere.
July is also a great time to enjoy Valencia’s beautiful beaches and the warm seawater, but I do advise caution when it comes to sunbathing during the hottest hours of the day.
If you want to get a tan during your vacation in Valencia, it’s best to wake up bright and early and spend time on the beach before 10 am. As a bonus, the temperatures are more enjoyable and the beaches might be less crowded and you might be able to secure a better spot. Of course, sunscreen is non-negotiable throughout the day.
Also read: Best Month to Visit Valencia: The Ultimate Valencia Travel Guide
Weather in Valencia in July
July in Valencia is characterized by hot and humid weather with sunny days and warm nights.
As a general rule of thumb, the average high temperatures are around 31°C (88°F) during the day.
While this might not sound all that bad, heatwaves have become more and more common in recent years, so it’s not unusual for temperatures to reach even higher values, occasionally surpassing 35°C (95°F). Keep in mind these temperatures are measured in the shade, so the actual temperatures in the sun are much higher.
During the night, temperatures cool down to around 24°C (75°F). This is quite nice as long as there’s a bit of a breeze and you’re outside. But indoors, it can be stuffy if you don’t have air conditioning or don’t have the option to sleep with the window open – such as when your window is facing a noisy street.
July in Valencia is also known for its abundant sunshine. Expect clear skies and a high number of sunny days. You can anticipate approximately 14 hours of daylight per day, providing ample opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, especially during the early morning and later afternoon.
Also, the Mediterranean Sea is warm and inviting in July, with average water temperatures ranging from 23°C to 28°C (73°F to 82°F). This makes July an excellent time to enjoy the beaches and all kinds of water activities.
Due to its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, Valencia experiences moderate to high humidity levels in July, with humidity ranging between 60% and 75%. However, the sea breeze can provide some relief from the heat and the high temperatures are generally more bearable in Valencia than inland – I definitely recommend visiting Valencia in July over Madrid or Seville.
If you’re worried about the high temperatures in Valencia during July, the seaside neighborhoods are generally more pleasant temperature-wise than the city center due to the sea breeze. If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, see where to stay in Valencia as I break down the best places to stay by neighborhood.
Lastly, July is generally a dry month in Valencia. Rainfall is infrequent, and you can expect only a few light showers or thunderstorms throughout the month. However, these occurrences are relatively rare and typically short-lived. One thing to keep in mind is that thunderstorms sometimes produce hail.
What’s on in Valencia in July
July is a great month to relish in Valencia’s vibrant nightlife scene. But July also brings with it a long list of events that you won’t want to miss.
Gran Feria de Julio
1st of July to the last Sunday of July
This is a month-long festival with daily concerts, shows and family-friendly activities of the most varied. The festival starts on July 1st at midnight with a pyrotechnic parade in the city center and concludes on the last Sunday of July with an epic Flower Battle. All activities are free, with the exception of the concerts held in the Viveros Gardens. Here are some key events of the Gran Feria de Julio:
- La Nit de la Mar – a magnificent pyromusical (a fireworks display choreographed to music) that takes places in the marina. In 2023, this is organized on Friday, July 14th at midnight.
- Gran Nit de Juliol – an evening filled with dozens of cultural evens, such as concerts, shows and even a small mascletà firecracker show, like the ones organized during the Las Fallas festival. Also, many of Valencia’s museums will stay open until midnight. Entry to museums will be free. In 2023, Gran Nit de Juliol is on Saturday, July 22nd.
- Concerts in the Viveros Gardens – this is a series of paid concerts featuring local and international artists.
- Batalla de Flores (Flower Battle) – a dazzling parade of horse drawn floats that culminates with a friendly flower battle. In 2023, the Flower Battles takes place on Sunday, July 30th.
Valencia Jazz Festival
4th to the 30th of July
This is a series of jazz concerts taking place in several neighborhoods around the city. Most of the concerts take place at fresco in Valencia’s pretty squares and count with the participation of local and international artists. All concerts organized outdoors are free. However, the ones organized indoors are not and tickets must be purchased in advance.
Dreamhack
Varying dates – 7th to 9th of July 2023
If you’re into video games, you’re in luck, because July brings to Valencia Dreamhack, the largest video game festival in Spain. Expect fun LAN parties and some of the best international esports competitions. This event takes place in Feria de Valencia, the oldest event organizer in Spain (since 1917!), in the Benimàmet neighborhood. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Fun Fair
The whole month of July
A traditional Valencia Fun Fair is organized next to Puente de las Flores (Flower Bridge) in the old Turia riverbed, now a beautiful green space known as Turia Park. The Fun Fair counts with several paid attractions and food stalls. However, access to the fair is free. Definitely one of the best things to do in Valencia with kids in July!
Also read:
- Top 10 Places to Visit in Valencia
- Valencia on a Budget: 10 Free Activities You Cannot Miss
- 12 Best Things to Do in Valencia On Your Next Trip
- 10 Fun-Filled Activities for Young Adults in Valencia
July bank holidays in Valencia
There are no bank holidays in Valencia in July, however, some small businesses and even some tiny, off-the-beaten-path museums might close for the summer.
What to wear in Valencia in July
Since July is one of the warmest months in Valencia next to August, it’s important to dress comfortably and prepare for the hot weather. Here are some suggestions on what to wear in Valencia in July.
Opt for light, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, or lightweight blends. Choose loose-fitting clothing that allows air to circulate and helps you stay cool.
I recommend you pack a variety of T-shirts, tank tops, and short-sleeved blouses. Keep in mind that due to the high temperatures, you’ll probably sweat more than usual, so you might need to change your tops more often and might not be able to wear them more than once.
For the lower body, pack some shorts, capris, or skirts made of breathable materials to allow your legs to stay cool. Lightweight trousers are also an option, plus they will offer you sun protection.
Sundresses or maxi dresses are also great choices as they are comfortable, stylish, and provide excellent airflow.
If you plan to lounge on the beach or swim in the sea, pack your favorite swimsuits, trunks, or swim shorts. But don’t worry if you forget to pack any of these, there are plenty of shops selling swimwear in Valencia as well as a summer-long street market along the El Cabanyal beach.
As for footwear, make sure you bring comfortable and breathable shoes, such as sandals and lightweight sneakers. White sneakers are very popular in Valencia year-round, but I recommend you choose open-toed shoes that allow your feet to breathe and stay cool. Also, pack a pair of flip-flops for the beach, if that’s on your Valencia itinerary.
To protect yourself from the strong sun rays, pack and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and apply sunscreen with a high SPF. Again, if by any chance you forget to pack any of these, Valencia is a great shopping destination and you won’t have problems finding any of these items.
Last, but not least, remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day. Summer is the perfect time to try the horchata as well as other typical Valencian drinks so don’t miss the opportunity to stay hydrated in the most enjoyable way.
