Windsor in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Windsor
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect weather for walking the Long Walk - comfortable 22°C (72°F) afternoons with gentle breezes off the Thames make the 4.8km (3-mile) stroll to the castle ideal
- Extended daylight until 9:15pm allows for full days exploring both Windsor Castle and Great Park without feeling rushed - locals take evening picnics by Virginia Water lake
- Summer opening hours mean Windsor Castle stays open until 5:30pm (versus 4:15pm in winter) giving you 90 extra minutes to explore the State Apartments
- School holidays create a lively atmosphere in Windsor Great Park with families using the adventure playground and deer watching - but weekday mornings remain peaceful for photography
Considerations
- Peak tourist season means Windsor Castle tickets cost £28.50 (adult) versus £26.50 in winter, and queues for security can reach 45 minutes on weekends
- Accommodation prices increase 35-40% compared to March/November - book 8+ weeks ahead as Ascot week (mid-July) creates additional demand spillover
- Afternoon thunderstorms occur 40% of July days, lasting 30-45 minutes and temporarily closing castle grounds outdoor areas
Best Activities in July
Windsor Castle State Apartments Tours
July's extended opening hours and optimal lighting through the castle's tall windows make this the premium month for photographing the Throne Room and St George's Hall. Morning visits (9:30-11am) avoid both crowds and the afternoon heat that builds up in the medieval stone corridors. The Queen Mary's Dolls' House display is particularly popular with summer visitors.
Thames River Cruises from Windsor
July's stable weather and long daylight hours make river cruising ideal - water levels are consistent and evening cruises don't return until after sunset. The 40-minute cruise to Boveney Lock passes swan colonies that are most active during summer months. Afternoon departures benefit from perfect lighting for photography of Windsor Castle from the water.
Windsor Great Park Cycling Routes
Summer's dry paths and extended daylight create perfect conditions for the 15km (9.3-mile) circuit around Virginia Water lake. July's weather means the deer are most active in early morning (7-9am) and evening (6-8pm) - ideal timing for photography. The Rose Garden reaches peak bloom in mid-July with over 25,000 roses.
Royal Borough Food Walking Tours
July's warm evenings extend outdoor dining opportunities along Windsor's cobblestone streets. Local pubs with gardens serve seasonal dishes, and the Saturday farmers market (9am-1pm) showcases peak summer produce. The historic Guildhall area comes alive with street food vendors during summer months.
Eton College Architecture Walks
Summer term ends mid-July, making campus walks more accessible without disrupting classes. The famous playing fields where soccer was invented are in perfect condition, and the historic buildings benefit from optimal natural lighting for photography. Chapel services open to public on Sundays provide cultural immersion.
Legoland Windsor Day Trips
July's dry weather means all outdoor rides operate consistently, and extended park hours (10am-6pm) provide full value. School holidays create energetic atmosphere but also longest queues - arrive at opening for popular attractions like The Dragon or Flight of the Sky Lion.
July Events & Festivals
Swan Upping Ceremony
The 900-year-old tradition of counting and marking swans on the Thames passes through Windsor during the third week of July. The Queen's Swan Marker leads boats in traditional uniforms - a unique spectacle visible from Windsor Bridge and Barry Avenue riverside areas.
Windsor Festival
Classical music and literary events held in historic venues including St George's Chapel and Windsor Guildhall. Features world-class musicians performing in intimate settings that tourists rarely experience. Some events include castle grounds access after hours.