Climate and monthly weather forecastCalgary, Canada
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Calgary
Calgary, located in Canada, falls under the Dfc category of the Köppen climate classification, indicating a Subarctic climate. This type of climate typically presents severe winters, cool summers, and a lack of a distinct dry season. This makes Calgary an interesting place for those keen on experiencing wide variations in weather parameters throughout the year.Exploring the climate data, the city notably witnesses changing temperature patterns. Throughout the year, temperatures range from a low of -11.5°C (11.3°F) in the winters to a high of 22.9°C (73.2°F) in the summers. It also experiences relative humidity readings varying between 59% to 82%. Rainfall in Calgary follows a similar diversified pattern, with April being the start of the wet season and extending through to August.
There are also unique weather patterns observed. Snowfall is prevalent from October through April with a marked absence in the summer, placing Calgary in a unique position for snow lovers. June is the wettest month, with on average 65mm (2.56") of rainfall. On the contrary, January and February record the lowest rainfall levels with 9mm (0.35") and 12mm (0.47") respectively.
The best time to visit Calgary
Usually, the best time to visit a place is when the weather conditions are most favorable. Observing Calgary's climate data, the summer months from June to August feature the highest temperatures with average highs ranging from 18.8°C (65.8°F) to 22.9°C (73.2°F), making it an ideal time to visit. The summer months also boast the longest daylight hours, ranging from 15.6 hours to 16.5 hours. This offers ample time for outdoor activities.In addition, the UV index during this period ranges from 4 to 5, suggesting moderate exposure. These months also witness considerably clear skies with the cloud% being the lowest at 26% to 34%. Additionally, the relative humidity is not too high during this period, staying closer to the annual low point, ensuring a comfortable visit.
The worst time to visit Calgary
Understanding the less favorable time to visit a place is equally important. Analysis of Calgary's weather data suggests that the winter months are generally the least favorable for a visit. With January and December seeing average temperatures drop to a chilly -3.9°C (25°F) and -4.8°C (23.4°F), and low temperatures plummeting to as low as -11.2°C (11.8°F) and -11.5°C (11.3°F) respectively, it makes for an extremely cold period.During this period, the city experiences the highest snowfall reaching up to 99mm (3.9") in February and 78mm (3.07") in December. This is mirrored by the snowfall days, going as high as 12.9 days in February and 12.2 days in December. The shorter daylight hours between 8 hours and 8.9 hours pull down the visibility to 9km (5.6mi), further making it less preferable for tourists.
Spring weather in Calgary
Spring in Calgary is marked by gradual warming temperatures. March starts with a low of -6.6°C (20.1°F) and highs of 1.8°C (35.2°F). However, by May, the temperatures reach appreciable levels registering highs of 15.4°C (59.7°F) and lows around 5°C (41°F). Rainfall also takes an upward slope, starting with 15mm (0.59") in March and doubling to approximately 28mm (1.1") by May. Interestingly, although spring makes a commencement, snowfall persists with 101mm (3.98") and 102mm (4.02") in March and April, and registers a sharp decrease to 26mm (1.02") in May.Summer weather in Calgary
Summer is relatively warmer in Calgary with the average high temperature peaking at 22.9°C (73.2°F) in August and bottoming at 18.8°C (65.8°F) in June. The corresponding lows range from 8°C (46.4°F) to 10°C (50°F) across these months. This is the period with the highest rainfall, particularly in June when 65mm (2.56") of rain is expected. However, one would hardly find any snowfall during this time. Average daily sunshine rates are the highest, marking around 10 hours and daylight extending to about 16 hours.Autumn weather in Calgary
Autumn starts with relatively high temperatures: September highs of 18°C (64.4°F) and lows of 6.5°C (43.7°F) nearing winter temperatures in November with highs of 1.1°C (34°F) and a chilling low of -6.4°C (20.5°F). Rainfall decreases substantially from September's 16mm (0.63") to November's 12mm (0.47"), while snowfall begins to take over reaching up to 81mm (3.19") in November.Winter weather in Calgary
Winters in Calgary are truly subarctic. The lowest temperatures of the year are recorded in these months, with average highs below freezing from -3.9°C (25°F) to -4.8°C (23.4°F) and lows plunging down to -11.5°C (11.3°F) in December. It is also the snowiest period for the city, with a staggering 99mm (3.9") of snowfall expected in February and 78mm (3.07") in December. The daylight hours decrease to 8, which directly impacts visibility, bringing it down to 9km (5.6mi) in these months.Weather in January
Cold air and snow dominate Calgary's weather landscape in January. Blustery winds and snowfall are common, with precipitation mainly in the form of snow, reaching as high as 66mm (2.6"). While the daylight hours are short, there's a nice balance between shaded and sunny days. Weather in January »Weather in February
Moving into February, Calgary's winter maintains its hold with freezing temperatures similar to January's. However, snowfall slightly continues to climb, reaching a peak of 99mm (3.9") for the season. Despite the cold, the city begins receiving substantially more daylight than in the previous month. Weather in February »Weather in March
The arrival of March brings a slight respite from the intense cold with temperatures inching up to approximately 1.8°C (35.2°F). March marks the beginning of a transition period from winter to spring, characterized by a notable decrease in snowfall from 101mm (3.98") to 102mm (4.02"). Weather in March »Weather in April
April sees a huge leap in temperatures, moving from the chilling cold to a more manageable 8.2°C (46.8°F). Snowfall drops significantly to 26mm (1.02") as the city moves away from the winter season. The changes in the atmospheric conditions, coupled with increased daylight hours, lead to an increase in outdoor activities. Weather in April »Weather in May
Calgary's weather shows a distinct shift in May, moving fully into the spring season as temperatures rise to a high of 15.4°C (59.7°F). Rainfall begins to increase significantly, registering at 46mm (1.81"). This momentum brings along a more humid environment, adding a layer of freshness to the airg. Weather in May »Weather in June
June brings the onset of summer, with temperatures reaching as high as 18.8°C (65.8°F). Transitioning from May, Calgary witnesses dense precipitation, seeing a spike in rainfall to 65mm (2.56"). The city welcomes an abundance of sunshine and ample daylight hours. Weather in June »Weather in July
July, the peak of summer in Calgary, experiences the highest temperature, reaching 22.4°C (72.3°F). With 41mm (1.61") of rainfall, there's a significant decrease in precipitation from the previous month. Even with high temperatures, the city surprisingly maintains a low humidity, offering a dry, warm summer. Weather in July »Weather in August
As August arrives, Calgary continues to revel in the warmth with temperatures slightly dropping from July to 22.9°C (73.2°F). Decreasing rainfalls, receding to 23mm (0.91"), coupled with maintained low levels of humidity shape a comfortable outdoor experience. Weather in August »Weather in September
With the advent of September, Calgary starts transitioning toward cooler weather, with temperatures dropping to 18°C (64.4°F). The rainfall takes a notable decrease, falling to 16mm (0.63"), bringing back the drier conditions of Calgary weather. Weather in September »Weather in October
October signifies a palpable shift in Calgary's weather pattern, with temperatures decreasing further to 9.5°C (49.1°F). With a decline in rainfall to 11mm (0.43"), combined with lower humidity, residents enjoy crisp autumn air. Weather in October »Weather in November
Calgary turns a chilling corner in November as temperatures drop drastically to 1.1°C (34°F). A glimpse of the approaching winter appears with increased snowfall, clocking in at 81mm (3.19"). Despite the lesser daylight and sunshine hours, the city maintains good visibility throughout the month. Weather in November »Weather in December
Finally arriving in December, Calgary succumbs to the full force of winter, with temperatures plunging to -4.8°C (23.4°F). The city becomes a snowy landscape, with 78mm (3.07") of fresh snowfall covering the ground. Short daylight hours and long nights take center stage, creating a perfect atmosphere for holiday decorations. Weather in December »Updated: Feb 4, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
January and February, with an average relative humidity of 82%, are most humid months.
January is the month with the least rainfall in Calgary. Rain falls for 3.7 days and accumulates 9mm (0.35") of precipitation.
Throughout the year, there are 94.1 rainfall days, and 288mm (11.34") of precipitation is accumulated.
Months with snowfall are January through June, September through December.
In Calgary, Canada, during the entire year, snow falls for 75.3 days and aggregates up to 629mm (24.76") of snow.
January is the month with the lowest UV index in Calgary, Canada, with an average maximum UV index of 1.
On Sunday, 10. March 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from MST to MDT. Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, 03. November 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from MDT to MST.
The month with the most snowfall in Calgary is April, when snow falls for 9.5 days and typically aggregates up to 102mm (4.02") of snow.
June is the month with the most rainfall in Calgary. Rain falls for 17 days and accumulates 65mm (2.56") of precipitation.
With an average of 16h and 30min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Calgary, Canada.
July and August are months without snowfall in Calgary.
With an average of 11h of sunshine, July has the most sunshine of the year.
The month with the highest UV index in Calgary, Canada, is July, with an average maximum UV index of 5.
August, recognised by an average high temperature of 22.9°C (73.2°F) and a low of 9.8°C (49.6°F), is Calgary's warmest month.
With an average relative humidity of 59%, September is the least humid month in Calgary, Canada.
December is the coldest month, with an average high-temperature of -4.8°C (23.4°F) and an average low-temperature of -11.5°C (11.3°F).
The month with the shortest days in Calgary, Canada, is December, with an average of 8h and 0min of daylight.
December has the least sunshine of the year in Calgary, Canada, with an average of 5.2h of sunshine.
Average temperature
Calgary, Canada
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (22.9°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (-4.8°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (10°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is December (-11.5°C).
Average pressure
Calgary, Canada
- Average pressure in January:
1019.2mbar - Average pressure in February:
1019.3mbar - Average pressure in March:
1015.8mbar - Average pressure in April:
1013.9mbar - Average pressure in May:
1013.6mbar - Average pressure in June:
1010.8mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1013mbar - Average pressure in August:
1013.1mbar - Average pressure in September:
1013.8mbar - Average pressure in October:
1015.1mbar - Average pressure in November:
1016.3mbar - Average pressure in December:
1019mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is February (1019.3mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (1010.8mbar).
Average wind speed
Calgary, Canada
- Average wind speed in January:
13.1km/h - Average wind speed in February:
12km/h - Average wind speed in March:
12.2km/h - Average wind speed in April:
12.7km/h - Average wind speed in May:
12.2km/h - Average wind speed in June:
11.3km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
10.5km/h - Average wind speed in August:
10.3km/h - Average wind speed in September:
10.9km/h - Average wind speed in October:
12.1km/h - Average wind speed in November:
12.3km/h - Average wind speed in December:
12km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (13.1km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (10.3km/h).
Average humidity
Calgary, Canada
The months with the highest relative humidity are January and February (82%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is September (59%).
Average rainfall
Calgary, Canada
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (65mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (9mm).
Average rainfall days
Calgary, Canada
- Average rainfall days in January:
3.7 days - Average rainfall days in February:
3.1 days - Average rainfall days in March:
4.3 days - Average rainfall days in April:
9.1 days - Average rainfall days in May:
13.8 days - Average rainfall days in June:
17 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
14.6 days - Average rainfall days in August:
10.3 days - Average rainfall days in September:
7.8 days - Average rainfall days in October:
4.9 days - Average rainfall days in November:
2.5 days - Average rainfall days in December:
3 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (17 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (2.5 days).
Average snowfall
Calgary, Canada
The month with the highest snowfall is April (102mm).
The months with the least snowfall are July and August (0mm).
Average snowfall days
Calgary, Canada
- Average snowfall days in January:
12.2 days - Average snowfall days in February:
12.9 days - Average snowfall days in March:
12.6 days - Average snowfall days in April:
9.5 days - Average snowfall days in May:
1.8 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0.1 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
1.5 days - Average snowfall days in October:
4 days - Average snowfall days in November:
8.5 days - Average snowfall days in December:
12.2 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (12.9 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are July and August (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Calgary, Canada
- Average daylight in January:
8h and 30min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 6min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 54min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 54min - Average daylight in May:
15h and 36min - Average daylight in June:
16h and 30min
- Average daylight in July:
16h and 0min - Average daylight in August:
14h and 30min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 36min - Average daylight in October:
10h and 42min - Average daylight in November:
8h and 54min - Average daylight in December:
8h and 0min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 16h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 0min).
- Average sunshine in January:
5h and 18min - Average sunshine in February:
5h and 18min - Average sunshine in March:
6h and 36min - Average sunshine in April:
8h and 24min - Average sunshine in May:
9h and 48min - Average sunshine in June:
10h and 24min
- Average sunshine in July:
11h and 0min - Average sunshine in August:
10h and 54min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 48min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 30min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 30min - Average sunshine in December:
5h and 12min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 11h and 0min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 12min).
Average sunshine days
Calgary, Canada
- Average sunshine days in January:
18.4 days - Average sunshine days in February:
15.6 days - Average sunshine days in March:
16.4 days - Average sunshine days in April:
13.3 days - Average sunshine days in May:
14.3 days - Average sunshine days in June:
10.7 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
14.2 days - Average sunshine days in August:
17.5 days - Average sunshine days in September:
20.1 days - Average sunshine days in October:
22.1 days - Average sunshine days in November:
21.4 days - Average sunshine days in December:
19.3 days
The month with the most sunshine days is October (22.1 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (10.7 days).
Average UV index
Calgary, Canada
The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 5).
The month with the lowest UV index is January (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Calgary, Canada
The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 50).
The month with the least cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 24).
Average visibility
Calgary, Canada
The months with the highest visibility are June, August and September (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, July, October, November and December (9km).
