Things to do in Valencia in July: the July Fair, the Battle of Flowers and summer nights

July in Valencia is high summer. It is hot, the beach rules in the morning and the city wakes up when the sun goes down. It is also the month of the July Fair, a celebration with more than 150 years of history that ends with the Battle of Flowers on Paseo de la Alameda.

This guide covers what to do in Valencia in July, how to cope with the heat and, at the end, Palau Alameda's agenda for the month, which updates automatically.

The essentials in 30 seconds

• Weather: highs of 30-31 °C, high humidity and warm nights.
• The festival: the July Fair, held since 1871.
• The finale: the Battle of Flowers, on the last Sunday of July, on Paseo de la Alameda.
• Music: open-air concerts, such as those in the Viveros Gardens.
• The plan: beach early, indoors at midday and out on the streets from sunset.

The weather in July

July is hot and humid: highs are around 30-31 °C and at night rarely drop below 22-23 °C. The sea is at 25-26 °C. The sea breeze helps, but the middle of the day calls for shade, air conditioning or water.

The July Fair

The Gran Fira de València, the July Fair, has been held since 1871 and fills the month with activities: concerts, street events, fireworks and things to do for all ages. The programme changes every year, so it is worth checking it when it is published.

The Battle of Flowers on the Alameda

The finale of the July Fair is the Battle of Flowers, on the last Sunday of the month. Floats decorated with flowers parade along Paseo de la Alameda and, at the end, thousands of flowers are thrown between the crowd and the floats. It is one of the most joyful traditions of the Valencian summer, held just a short walk from Palau Alameda.

Summer concerts

July nights are for open-air music. The Viveros Gardens, next to the Alameda, traditionally host a summer concert series, and the city adds festivals and live music on beaches and squares. The agenda at the end shows what is on at Palau Alameda; here is more on live music in Valencia.

Beach, Albufera and plans for the heat

• Beach: early in the morning or from 18:00.
• Indoors at midday: museums, covered markets and a long lunch.
• The Albufera: sunset by boat on the lake, when the heat eases.
• The Turia: at sunset, with shade and a breeze.

When the sun goes down

In July the city comes alive from 21:00. At Àtic, Palau Alameda's rooftop terrace, dinner is served Tuesday to Saturday from 21:00 to 22:30, and Thursday to Saturday the night carries on from 23:30 at the sky bar. Here are ideas for dinner in Valencia, drinks in Valencia and things to do in Valencia at night. And if you are here early in the month, see also things to do in Valencia in June.

Tips for July

• Avoid the sun from 12:00 to 17:00 and drink water often.
• Book a terrace for dinner: it is the most sought-after time.
• For the Battle of Flowers, arrive early: the best spots fill up.
• Check the July Fair programme when it is announced.

Frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Valencia in July?

Hot and humid: highs of 30-31 °C, nights of 22-23 °C and the sea at 25-26 °C. It hardly ever rains.

What is Valencia's July Fair?

The Gran Fira de València, a festival held every July since 1871, with concerts, street events, fireworks and the Battle of Flowers as its finale.

When is Valencia's Battle of Flowers?

On the last Sunday of July, on Paseo de la Alameda. Floats parade decorated with flowers and at the end thousands of flowers are thrown between the crowd and the floats.

Where are there concerts in Valencia in July?

In the Viveros Gardens, which traditionally host a summer concert series, at open-air festivals and at venues such as La Gran Sala at Palau Alameda.

What to do in Valencia in July when it is very hot?

Beach early, indoors at midday — museums, markets, a long lunch — and out from sunset, with terraces, dinner outdoors and concerts.

What is on at Palau Alameda in July?

July's agenda is at the end of this article and updates automatically. Àtic's terrace also opens for lunch, dinner and drinks overlooking the Alameda.