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 in the winters to a high of 22.9°C 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 of rainfall. On the contrary,
January and
February record the lowest rainfall levels with 9mm and 12mm 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 to 22.9°C, 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 and -4.8°C, and low temperatures plummeting to as low as -11.2°C and -11.5°C respectively, it makes for an extremely cold period.
During this period, the city experiences the highest snowfall reaching up to 99mm in
February and 78mm 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, 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 and highs of 1.8°C. However, by
May, the temperatures reach appreciable levels registering highs of 15.4°C and lows around 5°C. Rainfall also takes an upward slope, starting with 15mm in March and doubling to approximately 28mm by May. Interestingly, although spring makes a commencement, snowfall persists with 101mm and 102mm in March and
April, and registers a sharp decrease to 26mm in May.
Summer weather in Calgary
Summer is relatively warmer in
Calgary with the average high temperature peaking at 22.9°C in
August and bottoming at 18.8°C in
June. The corresponding lows range from 8°C to 10°C across these months. This is the period with the highest rainfall, particularly in June when 65mm 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 and lows of 6.5°C nearing winter temperatures in
November with highs of 1.1°C and a chilling low of -6.4°C. Rainfall decreases substantially from September's 16mm to November's 12mm, while snowfall begins to take over reaching up to 81mm 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 to -4.8°C and lows plunging down to -11.5°C in
December. It is also the snowiest period for the city, with a staggering 99mm of snowfall expected in
February and 78mm in December. The daylight hours decrease to 8, which directly impacts visibility, bringing it down to 9km 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. 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 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. March marks the beginning of a transition period from winter to spring, characterized by a notable decrease in snowfall from 101mm to 102mm.
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. Snowfall drops significantly to 26mm 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. Rainfall begins to increase significantly, registering at 46mm. 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. Transitioning from
May,
Calgary witnesses dense precipitation, seeing a spike in rainfall to 65mm. 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. With 41mm 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. Decreasing rainfalls, receding to 23mm, 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. The rainfall takes a notable decrease, falling to 16mm, 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. With a decline in rainfall to 11mm, combined with lower humidity, residents enjoy crisp autumn air. The falling leaves create an enchanting mosaic of colors, ranging from rust to gold.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Calgary turns a chilling corner in
November as temperatures drop drastically to 1.1°C. A glimpse of the approaching winter appears with increased snowfall, clocking in at 81mm. 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. The city becomes a snowy landscape, with 78mm 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 » [Resources]