ACNH July Changes & Events - Weather Phenomena, Fishing Tourney, Bug-Off & More

We are coming to the end of June which was one of the busiest months in Animal Crossing with several seasonal celebrations along with a month-long wedding event to participate in. However, with that nearly out of the way, we are fast approaching the brand new month of July. Now we're taking a look ahead to July and discussing 6 ACNH Summer July updates & changes we can expect to see around our island in summer.

ACNH July Changes & Updates For Summer 2021

As far as months go in the Animal Crossing world, July is probably the quietest with less to do compared to an average month at least in New Horizons it has been a couple of months since the latest update and we are nearing the end of all of the refreshed content that was added. However, despite it being the quietest month in ACNH and nothing too significant taking place right now there are still some new things to look forward to especially if you're a relatively new player We highlight 6 changes and new additions we can expect to see during the month of July ACNH 2021, including the smaller details like environmental adjustments seen across the ACNH island, seasonal celebrations and their corresponding seasonal items, fishing tourney, bug off and island aesthetics. 

1. Seasonal Items

July is maybe the only month that doesn't see a change to the crafting materials in both hemispheres. As things stand in the northern hemisphere, we can still collect summer shells and the southern hemisphere can still collect snowflakes. This is also the case with reoccurring annual holidays. July doesn't feature any significant events either which makes it just a very quiet month. Thanks to the latest 1.10 update, we will see 4 seasonal celebrations throughout July which mark real-world events and add limited-time items to the game. 

Tanabata is returning from last year reintroducing the awesome bamboo grass item and runs from July 1st through to July 7th. Marine day, which is a brand new celebration introduces the ship wheel door decoration for the very first time and runs from July 8th through to July 22nd. Le 14 Juillet is another new celebration and introduces the Phrygian cap for the very first time and runs from July 10th through to July 20th. The cowboy festival, which is returning from last year reintroduces the rodeo style springy ride on and runs from July 15th and well into the month of August. So despite the lack of actual events, there are still quite a few exclusive items to look forward to throughout July.

2. Weather Phenomena 

Now we are right in the middle of summer here in the northern hemisphere and winter in the southern hemisphere. So July doesn't see any significant changes surrounding the actual seasons. However, we can expect to see some adjustments to the weather phenomena that can be experienced on the New Horizons island. As players in the northern hemisphere approach the second half of July, you may begin to notice the rarer commulo nimbus clouds spawning for the very first time this year these clouds appear at the height of summer on clear or partially cloudy days. However, you will only encounter them on days before your island is due to experience bad weather making them pretty rare to find players in the southern hemisphere may spot the billow clouds instead which aren't as rare but will still appear on clear days during the snowy season. Also, the gorgeous aurora can now be spotted during the evenings for players experiencing snow.

3. Tawny

Despite these serious lacks of in-game events throughout July, it is the tawny season, so it gives us plenty of activities to take part in both hemispheres from July 10th. The third fishing tourney of the year will take place and see cj stop by to host the competition, this will be the summer tourney for players in the southern & northern hemisphere. The tourneys themselves are identical between hemispheres and sees us catching as many fish as we can against the clock. However, the fish you can encounter do differ slightly given these seasonal differences. Even if you've taken part in the fishing tourney in the past, this is still a great opportunity to get a hold of some of those rewards you may have missed including the fishprint tea and the fish print poster which is available in a variety of designs.

4. Bug Off

To continue the tourney season throughout July, the bug-off contest continues. The first bug-off actually takes place at the end of June, so you may not have even taken part yet. But July also sees the second bug-off take place on July 31st. As always, flick will stop by to host the contest and challenge players to catch as many bugs as they can before the timer runs out. This is a great opportunity to earn one of three awesome trophies as well as some limited-time items you may have missed previously including the termite mound and the butterfly backpack. Unfortunately, the bug off is a summer activity, so only takes place in the northern hemisphere. However, if you live in the southern hemisphere, you could visit a friend's island in the north if you want to take part.

5. Island Aesthetics 

Both hemispheres will see a shift in the types of bushes that flower throughout July. Blue and pink hydrangea bushes have been blooming since the start of summer in the northern hemisphere, however, will begin to lose their flowers towards the end of July. Red and yellow hibiscus will start to bloom instead from July 21st and continue into August and September. Similarly, holly bushes that are currently flowering in the southern hemisphere will lose their flowers with red and pink camellia bushes blooming in their place from June 16th onwards. So as always, only a tiny detail but definitely an important one for those who use bushes to decorate the island with specific themes.

6. Critters

As you'd expect with any new month, we will see a shift in the types of critters that we can encounter around the New Horizons island including bugs fish and creatures. Unfortunately, given the winter season, there are no new critters arriving in July in the southern hemisphere. However, players in the northern hemisphere can encounter 29 new critters, most of which have been away for several months. But some of the new critters players in the northern hemisphere can encounter include the giraffe stag, the blue marlin and the giant isopod which is super fast and one of the hardest deep-sea creatures to catch. For newer players, July is a great season for catching a bunch of new critters, but even veteran players who may have already caught some of these is a great chance to catch some rare and expensive creatures if you're looking to cash them in for some Animal Crossing bells.