Things to Do in Richmond in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Richmond
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak summer weather means long daylight hours until 8:30pm, giving you extra time to explore the James River Park System's 600+ acres without feeling rushed. The late sunsets are actually perfect for evening kayaking or biking the Capital Trail.
- July is festival season in Richmond - you'll catch the Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont, Friday Cheers concert series, and various neighborhood block parties that show you the real character of places like Scott's Addition and Church Hill beyond the typical tourist circuit.
- The James River hits prime swimming temperature (around 24-26°C or 75-79°F), making Belle Isle and Texas Beach incredibly popular with locals. It's genuinely one of the best urban river experiences on the East Coast, and July is when everyone's actually in the water.
- Summer produce is exceptional at South of the James Farmers Market and 17th Street Market - you'll find Virginia peaches, tomatoes, and corn at their absolute peak. The local food scene, which Richmond is increasingly known for, really shines when chefs have access to this quality of ingredients.
Considerations
- That 70% humidity combined with 32°C (90°F) temperatures creates the kind of sticky heat where you'll want to shower twice a day. Afternoons from 1-4pm can feel oppressive if you're doing anything outdoors without shade or water nearby.
- July is solidly peak tourist season for Richmond, which means Monument Avenue, the American Civil War Museum, and Maymont see their highest crowds. Weekend waits at popular brunch spots in The Fan can hit 60-90 minutes without reservations.
- While rainfall is technically low at 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) for the month, those 10 rainy days tend to bring sudden afternoon thunderstorms that can temporarily shut down outdoor plans. They're usually brief but intense, and the humidity beforehand makes them feel inevitable.
Best Activities in July
James River Tubing and Kayaking
July is actually the ideal month for floating the James - water levels are typically stable after spring flooding, temperatures are warm enough that you don't need a wetsuit, and the current is gentle enough for beginners. The 3.2 km (2 mile) float from Pony Pasture to Reedy Creek takes about 90 minutes and passes through surprisingly wild terrain considering you're in the middle of a city. Most locals do this on weekday afternoons to avoid weekend crowds. The water stays around 24-26°C (75-79°F), which feels refreshing after that humid heat.
Historic Neighborhood Walking Tours
Richmond's history is complex and fascinating - from colonial capital to Confederate capital to modern progressive city - and July mornings before 11am are actually perfect for exploring neighborhoods like Church Hill, Shockoe Bottom, and Jackson Ward on foot. The humidity hasn't peaked yet, and you'll see these areas when locals are out walking dogs and getting coffee, which gives you a more authentic feel. The architecture tells stories that go way beyond Civil War tourism, including some of the oldest free Black neighborhoods in America and stunning Victorian rowhouses.
Brewery and Distillery Hopping in Scott's Addition
Richmond has become a legitimate craft beer destination with 30+ breweries, and Scott's Addition packs about a dozen within a 1.6 km (1 mile) radius. July afternoons when it's too hot for outdoor activities are perfect for air-conditioned tasting rooms. Most places have solid food options now too, so you can make an entire afternoon of it. The neighborhood has that industrial-warehouse vibe that somehow works, and you'll meet actual Richmond residents, not just tourists.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Extended Visits
The VMFA is genuinely world-class, completely free for permanent collections, and gloriously air-conditioned - making it perfect for those brutal 2-4pm July hours. The Faberge egg collection alone is worth an hour, and the contemporary wing has rotating exhibitions that are usually excellent. Locals treat this like a neighborhood amenity, dropping in for an hour rather than trying to see everything. The sculpture garden is beautiful but save it for early morning or evening in July.
Evening Capital Trail Biking
The Virginia Capital Trail is a 83 km (52 mile) paved path connecting Richmond to Williamsburg, mostly along the James River. You don't need to do the whole thing - the 16 km (10 mile) section from Richmond to Varina is flat, scenic, and perfect for a 2-3 hour evening ride when temperatures drop to more reasonable levels after 6pm. July sunsets around 8:30pm give you plenty of light, and you'll see herons, turtles, and occasionally eagles along the river sections.
Maymont Estate and Gardens Exploration
Maymont is a 100-acre Victorian estate with formal gardens, a mansion, and a small wildlife exhibit - think of it as Richmond's version of a great urban park, but with more structure. July means the Italian and Japanese gardens are in full bloom, though you'll want to visit before 11am or after 5pm to avoid the worst heat. The estate grounds are free, the mansion tour is 10 USD and worth it for the air conditioning alone. Locals bring kids here constantly, so it has that relaxed neighborhood feel despite being a major attraction.
July Events & Festivals
Friday Cheers Concert Series
Weekly outdoor concerts at Brown's Island featuring regional and national acts across various genres. This is peak Richmond summer socializing - locals bring blankets, coolers, and friends for riverside concerts. The vibe is relaxed and genuinely fun, not overly polished or touristy. Gets crowded but that's part of the appeal. Bring your own beverages and snacks, or buy from food trucks on site.
Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont
Multi-day jazz festival in the beautiful Maymont grounds, featuring national headliners and local acts across multiple stages. It's one of the region's better music festivals, with a more mature crowd than your typical summer concert series. The setting under old trees with the mansion in the background actually adds something. Bring low-back chairs and expect thorough bag checks.