Beat the Heat in Westport in July and August
Ah, summer. When you were a kid, it meant hours on your bike, wandering your neighborhood without a care in the world and playing kickball until the streetlights came on. As an adult, summers often mean sitting in 90+ degree heat on your way to Target as the backs of your thighs stick to your car’s leather seats.
But not in Westport.
The cool marine air and westerly winds keep the climate at least 10-20 degrees cooler than cities like Olympia, Portland, and Seattle.
Due to an unfolding El Niño pattern, forecasters are calling for heat spikes and higher temperatures in Oregon and Washington for the rest of the summer. Why is Westport the perfect spot to escape the heat? We’re glad you asked.
Events!
There’s plenty happening in Westport for the rest of the summer. Here’s a short list of events you can take advantage of in late July and August.
4th Annual Swellone Skimboard Classic
Swellone Surf Co and DB Skimboards are bringing you the 4th Annual Swellone Skimboard Classic, Washington State’s premier skimboarding Pro-Am to the Jetty at Westhaven State Park!
On July 25th at 1 p.m., the action starts. DB Skimboards Pro Rider teams are bringing ramps, rails and pro demos with experts. This FREE event features $1,000 in cash prizes, and hopes to inspire everyone from seasoned pros to newbies to compete. Register and get more information at the Swellone site.
Tuna and Salmon Classic
Coming up on the 24th and 25th of July, it’s the Northwest Offshore Series: The Washington Tuna Classic and Salmon Classic, brought to you by Mission Outdoors! This is a competitive Salmon and Tuna Tournament that benefits Veterans and the South Beach Food Bank. The goal of Mission Outdoors is to plant seeds of hope in the lives of veteran families. More information can be found at their facebook page at Northwest Offshore Series.
The Elk River Boat Challenge
Starting at Brady’s Oysters on the Elk River Estuary, paddlers get their choice of either a 3- or 7-mile human-powered boat race that begins at 11:30 a.m. on July 25. It’s open to canoes, kayaks, rowboats and stand-up paddle boards, and winds through the scenic backwaters of the South Bay of Gray’s Harbor. Online registration until July 24th at 9 p.m. In-person registration begins at 9:30 on the day of the race.
Ride the Harbor
Also on July 25th (busy day!), you can start off in McCleary, Washington and choose your ride length—you can end up in Elma (7.5 miles), Montesano (18 miles) or ride all the way to Westport (52 miles) through the natural beauty of Grays Harbor county on a gorgeous summer day. The trip will take you through forests, farmlands, over rivers and hills with a spectacular finish right on the Pacific Coast in Westport! All riders start at 8 a.m. Register online here.
Tokeland Woodfest
Just a 25 minute drive from Westport at the Tokeland Hotel, you’ll find the perfect summer day, filled with chainsaws, a beer garden and live music! The Tokeland Woodfest features live chainsaw carvings by some of the best carvers in the region, wood artists, food vendors and live music. Saturday and Sunday, August 8-9 starting at 10 a.m. For more information, please call 360-713-1333.
Westport Art Festival
On August 15th and 16th, artisans from all around the area will descend on Westport’s waterfront to present their wares at the Westport Art Festival. Shop metal artists, painters, wood carvers, jewelry makers, gourmet food vendors and more—it’s the perfect time to shop for gifts for friends and family (or yourself). More information can be found on the festival Facebook page.
Great Fishing
El Niño conditions generally create favorable tuna fishing off the Washington coast by pushing warmer water and albacore closer to shore. However, the situation varies depending on the species and the strength of the marine warming. Your charter boat captains are experts and will have all the information you’ll need about this.
Salmon season runs through September, and the WDFW just announced additional Halibut fishing dates for August and September will be open for Marine Area 2 (Westport and Ocean Shores) from August 8-September 30th.
Shopping
Who wants to go to a mall when you can spend the day strolling across the street from a bustling working marina? The shops on Westhaven offer so much more than the mall—beautiful housewares, antiques, lots of Westport swag, delicious fudge made in-house, sweets, glass floats and more. Lunch and a walk down Westhaven is the perfect way to spend an afternoon on a girls’ trip! If you want to plan your shopping trip, check out our shops page to access their websites.
SurfingWestport is the state’s premier surf destination, with consistent waves year-round. Late summer offers smaller, manageable waves ideal for beginners, while the transition to fall brings offshore winds and rising swells. Do know that during peak summer months, there will be more people strolling on the beach that you’ll have to avoid.
What to Wear: Pack a 4/3mm wetsuit, neoprene booties, and a hood or earplugs to handle the cold water.
Parking Pass: You will need a Washington State Discover Pass to park in the state park lots, including Westhaven.
Tides & Hazards: Late summer can experience crowded lineups when weather is sunny. Always check tide charts and keep an eye out for riptides near the jetties. Utilize the Surfline Westport Guide to check live conditions and optimum tide windows before you paddle out.
Need gear or expert advice? Check out one of Westport’s fantastic surf shops:
If you’re brand new to surfing and could use more guidance, contact the folks at Bigfoot Surf School at Westhaven State Park! They’ve been guiding surfers of all skill levels for over a decade.
Whether you want to beat the heat or just get away from the daily grind, July and August in Westport are prime months to visit Westport! Check out the accommodations page on our website to book your summer getaway.