Laguna Beach in July

Weather in July

NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals for the Laguna Beach station list a July average high of 80°F and an average low of 60°F. A 20-degree spread means a warm afternoon followed by a cooler evening, so a light layer earns its place after dark.

July is dry. The normal total is 0.11 inch, and the station averages 0.1 day with 0.10 inch or more. A normal is a 30-year average, so any one July can run warmer, cooler or damper than these figures.

The U.S. Naval Observatory puts sunset at 8:05 p.m. on July 1 and 7:52 p.m. on July 31 in 2026, in Pacific Daylight Time. The sunset spots page lists the bluffs and beaches where people watch it.

The ocean in July

At NOAA’s San Pedro South buoy, station 46253, July water averages about 68°F across the 2015–2025 record. The buoy sits offshore in 66 meters of water about 23 miles west of Laguna Beach, so the figure describes the season and not one cove. It is roughly 12 degrees below the average afternoon high on land.

The city’s Marine Safety Department asks you to swim near a lifeguard and with a buddy, and says not every beach has a lifeguard at all times. The ocean safety guide covers flags and rip currents. The city lists Agate, Brooks, Rockpile and Thalia Street as its surfing beaches; see surfing in Laguna Beach for the summer rules at each.

Dogs have a summer schedule. From June 15 to September 10, leashed dogs are allowed on city beaches before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

What’s on in July

• Fourth of July fireworks. The city’s annual show launches from Monument Point in Heisler Park at 9 p.m., by the city’s notice. The city closes Monument Point all day and the stretch of Heisler Park from Myrtle Street to the Rockpile Beach stairs from about 5 p.m., and it warns of heavy traffic afterward on Laguna Canyon Road and Coast Highway. Fireworks of any kind are illegal in Laguna Beach, sparklers and “Safe and Sane” types included.
• Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters. Both close on July 4 and 5. The 2027 art show runs June 28 to August 27, Monday to Friday from 4 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m., until 11:30 p.m. The Pageant runs June 30 to August 28 at 650 Laguna Canyon Road, with doors at 7:30 p.m., curtain at 8:30 p.m. and an end around 10:30 p.m.
• Sawdust Art Festival. The summer festival runs all summer, seven days a week, at 935 Laguna Canyon Road. Every summer exhibitor is a full-time Laguna Beach resident.
• Laguna Art-A-Fair. The 2027 season runs June 25 to September 5 at 777 Laguna Canyon Road.
• Music in the Park. The city’s free Sunday-evening concerts at Bluebird Park run in July and August, starting at 5 p.m. Dogs are not allowed in the park.

The events guide lays out the three festivals side by side, and the performing arts page covers the concert series.

Crowds and getting around

The Festival of Arts calls summer a very busy time in Laguna Beach and says parking can be tricky. The city opens large parking lots in different parts of town for the season. Read the parking guide for lots, meters and permits.

The city also runs its summer trolley routes. For 2026 they ran June 26 to September 7:

• Canyon Route: From the Act V lot (Lot 16) on Laguna Canyon Road to the festivals and downtown, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily, every 30 minutes.
• Coastal Route: Along Coast Highway, 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily, every 30 to 40 minutes.
• Summer Breeze: From a free lot at 16355 Laguna Canyon Road in Irvine, Thursday to Sunday from July 2, 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

On July 4 the trolleys run a modified holiday schedule, so check the city’s notice for that day’s hours. The getting around guide explains the routes and the on-demand Laguna Local service.

What to pack

• Sun protection. Average highs reach 80°F and rain is close to absent.
• A light layer for the evening. A 60°F average low and the sun setting around 8 p.m. mean festival nights cool off.
• Swimwear, and a wetsuit for long sessions in the water. The ocean runs near 68°F.
• Walking shoes. Festival grounds, Heisler Park and downtown are on foot.
• A leash and a plan for the dog. The beach schedule changes on June 15.