Bellingham’s average high in July is about 71°F, with lows near 54. On a warm afternoon it reaches the 80s, and by the time the sun goes down after 9 you want a jacket. This guide covers what to pack for a summer trip to Bellingham and Mt. Baker, organized by where you will spend the day: on the water, on the mountain, or downtown.
Clothing for the Whole Day
What to pack for a summer trip to Bellingham starts with a 20-degree swing. Summer here is not the summer of Arizona or Southern California.
- T-shirts and a long-sleeve shirt. The long sleeve works for sun, mosquitoes, and cool evenings.
- Shorts and a pair of light pants. Quick-dry hiking pants work for trails and town.
- A fleece or hoodie. Nights near the mountain drop into the 40s and 50s.
- A packable rain shell or windbreaker. July is the driest month, but not dry every day.
- A swimsuit. For the lakes and the hot tubs.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Gray mornings hide real UV.
What to Pack for a Summer Trip to Bellingham’s Lakes and Beaches
Lake Whatcom warms to around 70 degrees in summer, which is comfortable for swimming. Saltwater beaches stay cold, and most people wade rather than swim. The shoreline is rocky nearly everywhere, so water shoes help. Bring a quick-dry towel for the beach, though many of our homes stock beach towels.
At the tide pools, wear shoes with grip. The rocks are slick, and low tide is when the pools show up and reveal their delights.
Mt. Baker and the Trails
Snowfields linger at Artist Point and Heather Meadows through July. If you plan an alpine hike, pack wool socks, an insulating layer, and boots or trail shoes with real grip. The road to Artist Point usually opens by the beginning of July. Check WSDOT and mtbaker.us for current road and trail conditions before you go.
- A daypack and enough water. Most trails have none.
- Bug spray. The meadows are buggy in July.
- A headlamp or flashlight. Light lasts until after 9, but a slow hike can still end in the dark.
- Trekking poles, optional but helpful on steep or snowy trails.
- Binoculars for birds and the ridgelines.
Heliotrope Ridge and Skyline Divide are two of the Mt. Baker trails visitors ask about most. Both are reached by forest roads off the highway, so check conditions before you drive them.
Bellingham Town Days
Downtown Bellingham and Fairhaven are casual. Jeans or a summer dress, a light cardigan, and comfortable walking shoes cover the farmers market, waterfront dinners, and live music. Bring a tote for the market.
A Note on Late-Summer Smoke
Wildfire smoke from Washington and British Columbia can reach Whatcom and Skagit Counties in late August and September. When air quality reaches unhealthy levels, an N95 is the mask that filters smoke. Cloth and surgical masks do not. Check the Northwest Clean Air Agency before an outdoor day, and keep an indoor plan ready.
Where to Stay: Two of Our Summer Homes
Baker Bliss is a two-bedroom cabin near Glacier, in the Mt. Baker corridor. It has a hot tub, a fire pit, and a fenced yard, and dogs are welcome. It suits couples and small families who want the mountain close.
Bungalow by the Bay is a single-level, two-bedroom, two-bath home near Gooseberry Point, with panoramic views of Lummi Bay, a large front deck, a gas fireplace, and a grill. It sleeps six, and pets are welcome. The Lummi Island ferry is just minutes away, and downtown Bellingham is a short drive.
More homes are on our Mt. Baker and Bellingham pages.
Final Tips
- Do not overpack. What to pack for a summer trip to Bellingham and Mt. Baker is lighter than it looks, and many of our homes have a washer and dryer.
- Bring a game or a book. Evenings at the house are a good part of the trip.
- Pets are welcome in many of our homes. Bring their bed and a toy for the ride.
For the full list across all four seasons, see our Pacific Northwest packing list, and for a shorter checklist, see what to pack for the Pacific Northwest weather.
Planning your summer visit? Explore our curated vacation rentals across Whatcom and Skagit Counties.