The climate of St. John's
St. John's,
Canada finds itself geographically positioned in a region characterized by a humid continental climate, according to the Köppen climate classification. This climate type, specifically noted as Dfb, is distinct in its feature of no dry season and the warm summer period. Weather patterns throughout the year observe substantial fluctuations in temperature, rainfall, and snowfall.
Temperatures typically exhibit a modest range, with values dipping from as low as -8.2°C (17.2°F) in the colder months to highs reaching up to 20.7°C (69.3°F) during warmer periods. The average low temperatures are more frequent during the beginning and ending quarters of the year, with the lowest recorded in
February at -8.6°C (16.5°F). On the other hand, the highest temperature is likely to be felt in
July at 20.7°C (69.3°F).
Rainfall, while somewhat distributed throughout the year, tends towards higher volumes from
September to
December, peaking at 154mm (6.06") in
October. Decreased levels of rainfall are more common between
January and
August with the thinner volumes recorded in February at 62mm (2.44"). Correspondingly, rainfall days are also greatest in October, with an average of 18.1 days.
Another unique aspect of St. John's weather is its snowfall, which is a prevalent feature of its colder months. Snowfall begins in
November and can extend up to
April. The height of the snow season is in January with 887mm (34.92") on average.
The best time to visit St. John's
For optimal weather conditions, it's recommended to visit
St. John's between
June and
August. During this period, temperatures are at their warmest, fluctuating from 15.8°C (60.4°F) to 20.7°C (69.3°F). Similarly, sea temperatures in this time period range from warm 10.9°C (51.6°F) to 13.9°C (57°F), strewing the path for numerous maritime activities. This period also sees the longest daylight hours, ranging from 15.1 hours to 15.9 hours, ensuring maximized outdoor exploration opportunities.
The worst time to visit St. John's
Travellers may find the climate particularly challenging between
December and
February. These months observe the coldest weather with temperatures descending to lows between -8.2°C (17.2°F) and -1.1°C (30°F). These periods also witness substantial snowfall with the peak levels up to 887mm (34.92") in December. Cold sea temperatures can make maritime activities less enjoyable.
Spring weather in St. John's
Spring in
St. John's, extends from
March to
May, where temperatures observe a gradual upswing from 1°C (33.8°F) to 11.1°C (52°F). Rainfall presents a similar trend of rising from 85mm (3.35") in March to 98mm (3.86") by May. The period also tends to observe a decline in snowfall from 573mm (22.56") to a mere 44mm (1.73") by the end of May, signalling the onset of the warmer summer season.
Summer weather in St. John's
Summers in
St. John's, spanning
June through
August, provide most reliable warm conditions. Temperatures in this period often fluctuate from 15.8°C (60.4°F) to the peak of 20.7°C (69.3°F) in
July. Rainfall during the summer months stays relatively constant in the range of 98mm (3.86") to 92mm (3.62"). Sea temperatures and the number of sunshine hours both reach their maximums, providing plenty of opportunity for outdoor activity.
Autumn weather in St. John's
Autumn weather from
September to
November in
St. John's is marked by a steady decline in temperatures from 16.5°C (61.7°F) to a chilly 6.4°C (43.5°F). This period also sees a rise in rainfall, peaking at 154mm (6.06") in
October. It’s the season where outdoor enthusiasts experience shorter daylight hours, from 12.6 hours to 9.3 hours in November.
Winter weather in St. John's
Winter in
St. John's spans from
December to
February. During these months, temperatures drop to an average low between -8.2°C (17.2°F) and -1.1°C (30°F). Snowfall is particularly high, with December seeing as much as 887mm (34.92"). Daylight hours are at their shortest between 8.5 to 9 hours and sea temperatures drop to their lowest of 0.9°C (33.6°F) to -0.2°C (31.6°F). This period is perhaps the most challenging for visits due to the harsh weather conditions.
Weather in January
The weather in
January in
St. John's heralds the onset of deep winter, showcasing landscapes transformed by thick snowfall. Notably, it is the coldest month of the year, evidenced by an average low of -8.2°C (17.2°F) and a high of -0.8°C (30.6°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
The cool breeze of
February follows its predecessor, continuing with the snowy tradition, lending the city a beautiful, serene ambiance. While the temperatures remain low, a slight elevation can be noticed with the low temperature settling at -8.6°C (16.5°F), and the high at -1.1°C (30°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signifies the shift from harsh winters to early springs, a transition noticeable in
St. John's weather changes. It is discernible through a measured rise in temperatures, with the high moving up to 1°C (33.8°F) and the low to -6.1°C (21°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April beholds the real charm of spring in
St. John's, with the city offering a variety of outdoor activities. The winter chill starts to recede, shown by the high temperature moving up to a comfortable 5.6°C (42.1°F) and the low rising to -1.9°C (28.6°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
The merry month of
May welcomes the summer season to
St. John's, displaying landscapes drenched with sunlight. The high temperature reaches up to 11.1°C (52°F), and the low temperature up to 1.7°C (35.1°F), making this the first month of the year with no sub-zero temperatures.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June stands as the month residents of
St. John's look forward to, with the city gleaming under the summer sun. High temperatures reach a pleasant 15.8°C (60.4°F) and low temperatures record a comfortable 5.9°C (42.6°F). It is an unmatched time for hosting outdoor events, pool parties, and indulging in water-sport activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July presents itself as the zenith of the summer season in
St. John's, marked by warm days and pleasant nights. Experiencing the highest temperatures of the year, the high records 20.7°C (69.3°F), and the low reaches 10.9°C (51.6°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
Even with slightly receding temperatures,
August in
St. John's relishes the traits of summer weather. A shift can be noticed in temperatures, with the high moving slightly down to 20.5°C (68.9°F) and the low to 11.6°C (52.9°F).
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the beginning of fall in
St. John's, hinting at incoming cooler temperatures. The high temperature takes a dip down to 16.5°C (61.7°F), and the low to 8.2°C (46.8°F). While days become shorter, the ambiance turns breezy and pleasant.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
St. John's depicts the splendor of the fall season, with landscapes painted in hues of red and gold. The noticeable shift in temperature with the high registering at a cooler 10.8°C (51.4°F) and to the low moving down to 3.9°C (39°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November represents transitions from fall to early winters in
St. John's, preparing its residents for colder days ahead. The high and low temperatures make a noticeable drop down to 6.4°C (43.5°F) and -0.3°C (31.5°F), respectively.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
St. John's welcomes the winter season, featuring amplifying cold temperatures and snowfall. The high temperature drops to 1.8°C (35.2°F), while the low plunges to a chilly -4.7°C (23.5°F). Days become significantly shorter as daylight ticks away earlier.
Weather in December » [Resources]