July in St. George
The desert demands respect. Reward yourself with water.
106°F / 74°F
Peak heat. 105-110°F common. Monsoon season begins mid-month bringing dramatic thunderstorms and brief cooling. Outdoor activity only at dawn or on water.
July is St. George at its most extreme — daytime highs regularly exceed 105°F and the landscape shimmers with heat. But locals don't hide. They adapt: seeking water during the day, shade in the afternoons, and entertainment after dark. July is about earning your fun, and the water feels that much better for it.
Water Activities (Your Main Event)
July in St. George is about one thing: water. Every lake, pool, creek, and splash pad becomes the center of daily life.
Leeds Creek
Leeds Creek is the locals' secret escape from July heat. This spring-fed creek flows through a cottonwood-shaded canyon north of Leeds, creating natural swimming holes and wading pools that stay refreshingly cool even in peak summer. The water is cold — spring-fed cold — which is exactly what you want when it's 108°F.
The creek is accessed via a short trail from the Oak Grove campground area. There's no developed swimming area — you just find a pool that suits you and wade in. Kids especially love the shallow areas where they can splash and explore. The cottonwood canopy provides welcome shade.
The best swimming hole is about a quarter mile upstream from the first access point. Look for the large boulder that creates a natural dam — the pool behind it is chest-deep and crystal clear.
Sand Hollow Full-Day Beach
In July, treat Sand Hollow like you would any beach vacation. Arrive by 9 AM with a full cooler, shade structure (canopy or big umbrella), and plan to spend the day in and around the water. The sand beaches are wide and accommodate large groups.
Water temps reach the low 80s by July, making it comfortable enough to float for hours. Rent a jet ski for an adrenaline boost or a pontoon boat for a leisurely cruise along the shoreline. The red rock coves on the eastern shore are worth paddling to — they feel like private lagoons.
Bring a shade canopy — seriously. There is zero natural shade at Sand Hollow's beaches. A $40 pop-up canopy from any sporting goods store will transform your experience from miserable to magnificent.
Veyo Pool
By July, Veyo Pool is the coolest place (literally) within 30 minutes of St. George. The natural spring-fed pool maintains a constant 65°F that makes the first plunge gasp-inducing but addictively refreshing. The rope swing and cliff jumping add excitement, and the general vibe is old-school summer fun.
July weekends are crowded, so aim for weekdays if possible. The snack bar serves decent burgers and ice cream. Many locals make it a Friday afternoon tradition — leave work, drive to Veyo, jump in the pool, and let the week melt away.
Evening Activities
July evenings are when St. George comes alive. Once the sun drops below the western mesas around 8:30 PM, temperatures fall quickly and the town emerges.
Tuacahn Broadway Shows
July is peak Tuacahn season, and shows are at their most magical. The amphitheater is carved into a red rock canyon, and as twilight deepens during the performance, the cliff walls catch the stage lighting in spectacular ways. The combination of professional Broadway productions in this natural setting is genuinely unique.
July shows are popular — book tickets well in advance, especially for weekend performances. The parking lot opens early and many people bring picnic dinners to enjoy on the lawn before showtime.
Seats in the center-right section (looking at the stage) get the best view of both the stage and the canyon walls lit up at night. Row 15-25 is the sweet spot for sight lines.
Monsoon Storm Watching
Mid-July brings the North American Monsoon, and the thunderstorms over Southern Utah are among the most dramatic natural spectacles you'll ever witness. Towering cumulonimbus clouds build over the Pine Valley Mountains in the afternoon, then roll through the valley with lightning, dramatic cloud formations, and sometimes brief but intense rain.
The best watching spots are elevated locations with western views — the Black Hill area, the Red Cliffs overlook, or simply a west-facing patio. Never stand on exposed ridges or near tall objects during active lightning.
The smell of desert rain — petrichor from creosote bush — is intoxicating and unique to the Mojave. Stand on a covered porch during a monsoon storm and breathe deep. It's one of the most distinctive sensory experiences of living here.
Cool Indoor Spots
Cave Systems & Lava Tubes
Several lava tube caves near St. George offer natural air conditioning in July. The most accessible is the Santa Clara Lava Tube, a short but fascinating crawl through a volcanic tunnel formed thousands of years ago. The temperature inside drops dramatically — often 30-40 degrees cooler than the surface.
Bring a headlamp, wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty, and wear sturdy shoes. The main tube is big enough to walk through in most places, with a few sections requiring a duck-walk. It's a unique geological experience and a welcome break from the heat.
Go in the late afternoon when the temperature contrast is most dramatic. Emerging from a 65°F cave into 105°F air is a surreal experience. Bring a light layer — you'll want it inside the cave.