Chittagong in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Chittagong

30.6°C (87°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

719 mm (28.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Fewer tourists at major attractions - Bangladesh beaches have 40% fewer crowds compared to December peak season, making hotel rates 20-30% lower
Perfect sailing conditions in the Bay of Bengal with consistent monsoon winds averaging 15-20 knots, ideal for yacht charters and fishing expeditions
Peak season for hilsa fish - local markets overflow with fresh catches, and restaurants serve traditional ilish curry at its absolute best
Lush green landscapes after early monsoon rains transform the Chittagong Hill Tracts into spectacular hiking territory with waterfalls at maximum flow

Considerations

Intermittent heavy rainfall can disrupt outdoor plans - expect sudden downpours lasting 1-2 hours that can flood street markets and delay transportation
High humidity (70%) makes walking tours exhausting between 11am-3pm, requiring frequent breaks and indoor cooling stops
Some boat services to nearby islands operate on reduced schedules due to rough seas, with 30% of departures cancelled on high-wind days

Best Activities in July

Cox's Bazar Beach Resort Experience

July offers the perfect balance at Bangladesh - warm ocean temperatures of 28°C (82°F) for swimming, fewer crowds than peak season, and dramatic monsoon skies create impressive sunset photography. The 120 km (75 mile) beach stretch is at its most beautiful with post-rain clarity and cooler evening temperatures of 25°C (77°F).

Booking Tip: Book beachfront accommodations 2-3 weeks ahead for 25% savings compared to peak season. Look for properties with covered dining areas for rainy evening meals. Tours typically cost ৳3,000-5,000 ($25-42) for day trips including transportation.

Chittagong Hill Tracts Waterfall Trekking

Monsoon season transforms the hill tracts into a waterfall great destination. Kaptai Lake reaches peak water levels, and hidden waterfalls like Shuvolong Falls are at maximum flow. Cool morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make 3-4 hour treks comfortable before afternoon heat.

Booking Tip: Book guided treks through licensed eco-tour operators 1-2 weeks ahead. Typical costs ৳2,500-4,000 ($21-34) including tribal village visits and lunch. Ensure guides carry rain shelters and know alternative indoor cultural sites.

Traditional River Cruises on Karnaphuli River

July's increased water levels make river cruises spectacular, with lush riverside vegetation and active wildlife. Early morning departures (6-8am) avoid afternoon heat and offer the best bird watching opportunities when temperatures are 25°C (77°F).

Booking Tip: Morning cruises fill quickly - book 5-7 days ahead. Sunset cruises often cancelled due to afternoon storms. Prices range ৳1,500-3,000 ($13-25) for 2-3 hour trips. Choose operators with covered boats and life jackets.

Chittagong Port and Ship Breaking Yard Tours

Cooler July mornings provide ideal conditions for industrial heritage tours. The monsoon clears air pollution, offering better visibility of the massive ship breaking operations. Educational tours operate best between 8-11am before heat becomes unbearable.

Booking Tip: Industrial tours require advance permits - book 10-14 days ahead through authorized cultural tour operators. Costs ৳2,000-3,500 ($17-30) including safety equipment and permits. Afternoon tours often cancelled due to worker heat restrictions.

Ethnological Museum and Cultural Indoor Experiences

Perfect rainy day backup plan showcasing Chittagong's diverse tribal heritage. Air-conditioned spaces provide relief during humid afternoons, and July coincides with special monsoon cultural programs featuring traditional music and dance.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for museums, but cultural performance schedules vary. Entry fees ৳50-200 ($0.50-2). Private cultural center visits cost ৳1,000-2,000 ($8-17) and should be arranged 3-5 days ahead.

Local Fish Market and Cooking Class Tours

July is peak hilsa season - the perfect time for authentic Bengali cooking experiences. Morning market tours (5-7am) showcase the day's fresh catch when temperatures are coolest at 24°C (75°F), followed by indoor cooking sessions during hot afternoons.

Booking Tip: Food tours book up quickly during hilsa season. Reserve 1 week ahead for ৳1,500-2,500 ($13-21) including market tour, cooking class, and meal. Ensure cooking venues have air conditioning for afternoon comfort.

July Events & Festivals

Mid July

Chittagong Monsoon Festival

Local cultural celebration of the monsoon season featuring traditional boat races on Karnaphuli River, monsoon poetry readings, and regional food festivals highlighting seasonal specialties like hilsa fish preparations

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic t-shirts and pants - cotton stays wet for hours in 70% humidity and takes forever to dry

Compact umbrella AND lightweight rain jacket - afternoon storms hit suddenly and umbrella vendors disappear quickly

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - sudden downpours can destroy electronics in minutes

Breathable hiking boots with good grip - wet streets and muddy trails become extremely slippery during monsoon

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 burns skin in 20 minutes even through cloud cover

Anti-chafing cream - high humidity and walking creates serious comfort issues within hours

Electrolyte packets - sweating in humid heat depletes salts rapidly, causing fatigue and headaches

Moisture-wicking socks (3-4 pairs) - feet stay wet all day in regular cotton socks

Lightweight long sleeves for evening mosquito protection - monsoon creates breeding pools everywhere

Waterproof sandals for sudden street flooding - regular shoes become unwearable when streets flood 15 cm (6 inches)

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations with generators - power outages during storms are common and can last 2-4 hours, leaving you without air conditioning

Carry ৳500-1000 in small bills for cycle rickshaw fares when streets flood and cars can't operate - drivers charge premium rates

Restaurant timing changes in July - many close 12-2pm due to heat, then stay open later until 11pm to catch evening crowds

Local 'Panta Bhat' (fermented rice with salt and chili) becomes popular street food in July heat - it's naturally cooling and costs only ৳30-50

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor sightseeing between 11am-3pm when heat index reaches 38°C (100°F) and humidity makes it feel like 43°C (110°F)

Not carrying cash for rickshaws during floods - mobile payment doesn't work when electricity fails and ATMs shut down

Booking sunset boat tours without checking weather - afternoon storms cancel 40% of evening departures in July