What can we expect, as far a weather, for the Lake Louise area in mid July? I did some research and it said low 70's. Does that sound about right? If so, should we expect to bring some warmer clothes and not shorts? I know July is an awful time to go (crowds), but it is the only time we are able. I'm from Texas and used to really hot weather, so I'm not sure how to prepare, clothes wise, for this area in July. I guess I'm just wondering if I should leave the sleeveless tops and shorts at home?

Also, just a note of advice to everyone who might be planning a trip for that time, I am having a difficult time getting reservations to any of my first choice places. They are already booked!!! I'm now having to start over.

kasperlie,

I haven't actually been to the Rockies in July (only in August). Low 70's is about... (70-30=40, 40/2=20) 20 degrees Celsius. I'm assuming this was the average? That means that it can be warmer than the low 70's in addition to being cooler than the low 70's.

People will certainly be wearing shorts and short sleeves at that temperature, regardless, so bring them along. It's summer here, after all

Here's a photo from a childhood vacation of mine in the early 90's - http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/1b080/de819/

July and August aren't that different from eachother in terms of temperatures, so my photo of Banff in August shouldn't be much different.

However, it's best to prepare with layers. If you have a fleece zip-up jacket or a hooded sweatshirt, along with a light waterproof windbreaker, this would be ideal for summer-time visits. Bring long pants (jeans) in addition to shorts. What you forget to bring, you can also buy in town.

My copy of the "Handbook of the Canadian Rockies" lists the average daily high for Lake Louise as 20.4 C. The all time high is 34.4 C...no problem for a Texan. You should also be prepared for single diget temperatures.

Yes, that "low 70's" is average, a numerical calculation, which means that it never happens !!!
You can expect anything from cool days (around 60F) to really hot days (high 80's), or anything in-between. Single digit temps can happen but very infrequently. . . although. . . note that even if the days are really hot in the valleys, it'll be cooler at higher elevations, and it cools down quickly after sunset - yes even as low as those single digits (luckily in early July sunset is around 10 p.m. local time).
If you are used to hot humid days, you will probably find it cool in the mountains, meaning that you should have a sweater handy for those sleeveless tops just in case, and bring a pair of shorts by all means - the weather can be so perverse that you will find that you need them only if you don't have them with you!!!

We've had such an incredibly mild winter this year - who knows what it means for summer?? - all bets are off!!

July 2003 was hot; the temperature was well into the 80s - and our hotel wasn't air conditioned; room was like an oven at night despite leaving the door to the deck open. If you want a/c, check that the hotel has it.

Funnily enough, although everyone seems to agree that Canadian winters are generally cold (this excludes YOU, Alberta, this year ), our summers are quite nice. July can range anywheres from 70 degrees F to mid-80s. No guarantees. If you are a bit anxious, try packing a light sweater for the evenings, as it will cool off a bit once the sun goes down. If you get really chilly, which I doubt, there are enough shops with cheap sweatshirts that you can buy. By all means, bring the sleeveless tops and shorts, and have FUN!