Sherbrooke in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Sherbrooke

76°F (24°C) High Temp

53°F (12°C) Low Temp

4.3 inches (109 mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect festival season - Festival d'été de Québec spillover brings world-class outdoor concerts to Sherbrooke's venues from July 10-17, with significantly smaller crowds than Quebec City
Ideal hiking weather with 23°C (73°F) average daytime temps in Mont-Orford National Park, clear mountain views on 20+ sunny days, and comfortable conditions for 8-12 km (5-7.5 mile) trail loops
Peak swimming season at Lac des Nations reaches 21°C (70°F) water temperature, with beach activities, kayak rentals at ฿35-50/hour, and evening lakeside dining until 9pm sunset
Summer student population creates busy nightlife scene - Université de Sherbrooke students stay for summer programs, keeping restaurant patios and bars lively through weeknights

Considerations

Accommodation prices peak 40-60% higher than shoulder seasons due to festival tourism and university visitors - book minimum 6-8 weeks ahead or expect to pay ฿180-250/night for mid-range hotels
Afternoon thunderstorms on 10 rainy days can disrupt outdoor plans for 1-2 hours, typically between 2pm-5pm with little advance warning
Popular hiking trails in Mont-Orford experience weekend crowding, with parking lots full by 9am and 30-45 minute waits at scenic viewpoints

Best Activities in July

Mont-Orford National Park Hiking Trails

July offers perfect hiking conditions with comfortable 23°C (73°F) daytime temperatures and minimal muddy trails. The 8.8 km (5.5 mile) Mont-Orford summit trail provides 360-degree views of the Eastern Townships, while shorter 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 mile) loops around Lac Stukely are ideal for families. Early morning starts beat both crowds and afternoon heat.

Booking Tip: Park entry typically costs ฿12-18 per adult. Arrive before 8am on weekends to secure parking. No advance booking required for day hiking, but camping spots book months ahead. Trail maps available at visitor centers.

Lac des Nations Waterfront Activities

July's 21°C (70°F) water temperature makes this the prime month for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The 3.5 km (2.2 mile) lakeside walking path connects beaches, cafes, and rental kiosks. Evening activities extend until 9pm sunset, with outdoor dining and live music on weekends.

Booking Tip: Kayak and paddleboard rentals typically ฿35-60/hour or ฿120-180/day. Beach access is free. Book waterfront restaurant patios 24-48 hours ahead for weekend dinners. Equipment rental available walk-up during weekdays.

Eastern Townships Wine Region Tours

July marks harvest preparation season with vineyard tours showcasing grape development and barrel tastings of previous vintages. The region's 15+ wineries within 45 km (28 miles) of Sherbrooke offer outdoor tastings and picnic areas perfect for July's warm, low-humidity afternoons.

Booking Tip: Winery tours typically ฿25-45 per person including 4-5 tastings. Self-guided driving routes available free, but designated driver tours cost ฿80-120 per person. Book weekend tastings 1 week ahead through vineyard websites or local tour operators.

Sherbrooke Cultural Walking Tours

July's extended daylight hours (sunrise 5:15am, sunset 8:15pm) and comfortable evening temperatures make this ideal for exploring downtown's Victorian architecture, murals, and historic Quartier Nord. Self-guided routes cover 4-6 km (2.5-3.7 miles) with stops at local breweries and artisan shops.

Booking Tip: Self-guided maps available free at tourism office. Guided group tours typically ฿20-35 per person, running daily at 10am and 3pm. Food-focused walking tours cost ฿65-85 including samples. Book guided tours 2-3 days ahead during festival season.

Magog and Lake Memphremagog Day Trips

45 km (28 miles) south of Sherbrooke, Lake Memphremagog offers boat tours, beach clubs, and the scenic 2.2 km (1.4 mile) Magog waterfront. July's warm weather makes this perfect for combining lake activities with downtown Magog's summer festival atmosphere and outdoor markets.

Booking Tip: Lake cruise tours typically ฿35-55 per adult for 1-2 hour trips. Parking in Magog costs ฿8-12/day during peak summer. Combine with wine tours for full-day packages typically ฿120-180 per person. Book boat tours 3-5 days ahead in July.

Mountain Biking Trails Network

July's dry trail conditions and comfortable temperatures create ideal mountain biking weather. Sherbrooke's 150+ km (93 miles) of marked trails range from beginner-friendly 5 km (3.1 mile) loops to advanced 25 km (15.5 mile) mountain circuits through mixed forest and scenic overlooks.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals typically ฿45-75/day for mountain bikes. Trail maps cost ฿5-8 at bike shops. Guided tours for beginners run ฿85-110 including equipment and instruction. Most trails free access, but some private networks charge ฿10-15 day passes.

July Events & Festivals

Early July (typically July 8-12)

Festival des Traditions du Monde de Sherbrooke

International folk festival featuring 200+ artists from 15 countries performing traditional music, dance, and cultural demonstrations. Free outdoor stages complement ticketed evening concerts, with authentic food vendors and artisan markets throughout downtown.

Every Thursday in July

Sherbrooke Summer Concert Series

Weekly outdoor concerts at Parc Jacques-Cartier featuring Quebec artists and tribute bands. Free admission with food trucks and local brewery stands. Bring blankets for lawn seating, shows run 7pm-9:30pm taking advantage of extended summer daylight.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable umbrella - July thunderstorms strike suddenly and last 1-2 hours, typically between 2pm-5pm

Layered clothing for 23°C (73°F) temperature swings - t-shirts for afternoon, light sweater for evening lakeside dining

SPF 50+ sunscreen and hat - UV index reaches 8 during 10+ hour daylight periods, especially dangerous on water reflection

Comfortable walking shoes with good tread - cobblestone downtown streets can be slippery after afternoon showers

Quick-dry shorts and swimwear - lake activities and sudden weather changes make cotton impractical

Light hiking boots for Mont-Orford trails - rocky terrain requires ankle support on 8+ km (5+ mile) summit routes

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes peak in July around lakeshores and forest trails, especially dawn and dusk

Power bank for phone - extended outdoor activities and navigation apps drain batteries during 15-hour summer days

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated crucial in 70% humidity, and many trails have refill stations every 2-3 km

Light backpack for day trips - carrying layers, snacks, and equipment for activities spanning different elevations and microclimates

Insider Knowledge

Local students create the best nightlife scene Tuesday-Thursday when tourists focus on weekends - try craft breweries in Quartier Nord district for authentic atmosphere and ฿6-9 local beers

Mont-Orford parking fills by 9am weekends, but locals use the lesser-known Lac Stukely entrance 3 km (1.9 miles) east - same trails, guaranteed parking, and 20-minute shorter hike to summit viewpoints

Sherbrooke's microclimate runs 2-3°C (3-5°F) cooler than Quebec City due to elevation - pack extra layers even when regional forecasts look warm

University dining halls stay open for summer programs and offer ฿8-12 lunch buffets weekdays - significant savings compared to ฿18-25 downtown restaurant meals, plus authentic Quebec institutional cuisine experience

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodations in May or June - July rates jump 40-60% due to festival season and summer programs, but booking 8+ weeks ahead still saves 20-30% over last-minute prices

Planning outdoor activities for 2pm-5pm window - this is prime thunderstorm time in July, schedule hiking and lake activities for morning or late afternoon instead

Underestimating driving times to Mont-Orford on weekends - what locals call 'the 45-minute drive' becomes 75+ minutes with summer traffic and parking delays