Things to Do in Traverse City in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Traverse City
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak cherry season - Montmorency tart cherries reach perfect ripeness mid-July, with U-pick orchards offering 40% savings over retail ($3-4/lb vs $6-8/lb retail)
- Longest daylight hours - 15+ hours of daylight with sunset after 9:30 PM, maximizing outdoor activity time and golden hour photography
- Perfect Lake Michigan water temperatures - 68-72°F (20-22°C) ideal for swimming without wetsuits, warmest it gets all year
- National Cherry Festival (July 6-13, 2025) - 8-day celebration with air shows, live music, cherry pie eating contests, and over 150 food vendors
Considerations
- Peak tourist crowds - accommodation prices surge 150-200% during Cherry Festival week, with many places booked 6+ months ahead
- Afternoon thunderstorms - brief but intense storms 3-4 times per week, typically 2-4 PM, can disrupt outdoor plans for 30-60 minutes
- Higher UV exposure - 8+ UV index requires frequent sunscreen reapplication, especially dangerous on Lake Michigan where water reflection intensifies rays
Best Activities in July
Cherry Orchard Tours and U-Pick Experiences
July is the only month for fresh Montmorency tart cherry picking. Orchards operate 8 AM-6 PM with cooler morning temperatures (65-70°F/18-21°C) ideal for picking. Peak ripeness occurs July 15-25. U-pick rates average $3-4/lb (1.4-1.8 kg) compared to $6-8/lb retail.
Lake Michigan Beach Activities and Water Sports
July offers optimal Lake Michigan conditions with 68-72°F (20-22°C) water temperatures - no wetsuit required. Morning hours (7-11 AM) provide calmest waters for paddleboarding and kayaking before afternoon winds pick up to 15-20 mph (24-32 km/h).
Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail Cycling
July's long daylight hours and stable weather create perfect cycling conditions on the 37-mile (60 km) peninsula. Morning temperatures of 65-70°F (18-21°C) are ideal for the 8-mile (13 km) winery loop before afternoon heat peaks.
Sleeping Bear Dunes Hiking and Sandboarding
July's firm sand conditions from recent spring moisture make dune climbing easier than late summer. The famous Dune Climb rises 450 feet (137 m) with cooler lake breezes providing relief. Early morning (7-9 AM) offers best conditions before sand heats up.
Grand Traverse Bay Sunset Sailing
July's consistent evening winds (8-15 mph/13-24 km/h) and 9:30 PM sunsets create ideal sailing conditions. Bay waters remain calm in morning, building to perfect sailing conditions by 4-6 PM. Water temperature stays comfortable for swimming stops.
Boardman River Tubing and Floating
July's optimal water levels from spring snowmelt create perfect floating conditions. The 2-hour float covers 4 miles (6.4 km) through downtown Traverse City. Water temperature runs 65-68°F (18-20°C) - refreshing but not shocking in July heat.
July Events & Festivals
National Cherry Festival
8-day celebration featuring U.S. Navy Blue Angels air show, three stages of live music, cherry pit spitting contest (world record 93 feet 6.5 inches), and over 150 food vendors. Grand parade draws 500,000+ visitors annually with cherry-themed floats and marching bands from across Michigan.
Traverse City Film Festival
Independent film festival founded by Michael Moore featuring 100+ films across 6 venues downtown. Known for documentaries and Q&A sessions with filmmakers. Many outdoor screenings take advantage of July's long daylight and warm evenings.