Climate and monthly weather forecast
Vancouver, Canada

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The Coal Harbor, and trees of the Stanley Park, with the city of Vancouver, Canada
The Coal Harbor, and trees of the Stanley Park, with the city of Vancouver, Canada

The climate of Vancouver

Vancouver, Canada holds the crown of being one of the world's most liveable cities. Its climate conforms to the Marine West Coast classification, also known as a warm-summer Mediterranean climate under the Köppen Climate Classification - Cfb to be specific. Geographically, Vancouver lies in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, on the west coast of Canada.

The weather parameters fluctuate subtly throughout the year. Temperatures peak in July with an average high of 19.3°C (66.7°F) and drop to their lowest in January at 4.7°C (40.5°F). Likewise, low temperatures vary, ranging from 13.4°C (56.1°F) in August to 1.9°C (35.4°F) in January. The city enjoys its longest daylight hours in June with 16.2 hours which decrease to their shortest, at 8.3 hours, come December.

When it comes to precipitation, Vancouver does not shy away from rainfall. The onset of May ushers in a period of lessened rainfall that lasts until September, with August being the driest month having only 24mm (0.94"). The rainfall picks up again from October and reaches its peak in November with 209mm (8.23").

Curiously enough, snow is a rare occurrence. The limited snowfall happens from December to March with a maximum of 67mm (2.64") in February. Relative humidity remains over 75% throughout the year with January and December having the highest humidity of 84%.

The best time to visit Vancouver

With a comfortable warm climate and minimized rainfall, certainly, the optimum time to plan a visit to Vancouver is from June to September. During these summer months, there is an abundance of daylight with an average of over 15 hours in June and July. This brings about ample opportunity to explore the city's natural and architectural sights.

In July and August, the sea temperature rises to an annual high of 11.3°C (52.3°F), making these months ideal for any seafaring activities. Relative humidity, at 75%, is lower compared to the remaining months, making the atmosphere pleasant and comfortable.

The worst time to visit Vancouver

It is advisable to avoid visiting Vancouver from November through January if a tourist is not keen on experiencing a considerable amount of rainfall. These months receive the highest rainfall, with November being the wettest having an average of 209mm (8.23") of rainfall. The months of December and January also experience high precipitation levels of 188mm (7.4") and 196mm (7.72") respectively.

In addition, these months are characterized by the shortest daylight hours, ranging from 8.3 to 9.1 hours. During this period, the rainfall also coincides with the lowest temperatures, registering lows of 1.9°C (35.4°F) in January.

Spring weather in Vancouver

Spring in Vancouver sees incremental changes in the weather conditions from March through May. The daylight hours gradually increase from 11.9 hours in March to 15.4 hours in May. The maximum temperature in this season progressively rises as well with highs of 14.6°C (58.3°F) in May.

Rainfall significantly reduces in this period with May only receiving an average of 52mm (2.05") precipitation. Additionally, May marks the end of snowfall with zeromm recorded for the month.

Summer weather in Vancouver

Summer trips to Vancouver between June to August are a grand time for outdoor enthusiasts and sun-worshippers. The temperature gets comfortably warm with August recording the highest average low of 13.4°C (56.1°F).

This period enjoys high visibility with averages of 10km (6.2mi) and lowest cloud coverage. Sea temperatures reach an annual high of 11.3°C (52.3°F) and the sunshine averages between 9.7 to 10.6 hours.

Autumn weather in Vancouver

Autumn in Vancouver from September to November signifies the gradual shift from the dry summer months to increased precipitation. Rainfall starts to intensify with November being the wettest month of the year with an average of 209mm (8.23").

The temperatures start to drop with an average high of 11.8°C (53.2°F) in October and 7.6°C (45.7°F) in November. Both the daylight hours and sunshine hours significantly reduce in this period.

Winter weather in Vancouver

Winter days in Vancouver from December to February are typified by high precipitation, low temperatures, and the shortest daylight hours. Rainfall remains considerably high throughout this period, while snowfall is registered with February being the snowiest month with an average of 67mm (2.64").

In terms of temperature, January registers the coldest monthly average with a high of 4.7°C (40.5°F) and a low of 1.9°C (35.4°F). Daylight hours are shortest in December with an average of 8.3 hours while sunshine is lowest in December with only 3.9 hours. Relatively high humidity, over 82%, is also a distinctive feature of winter in Vancouver.

Weather in January

January's weather in Vancouver, Canada, reveals a damp, cold start to the year. The city experiences its highest rainfall, 196mm (7.72"), making it the wettest month of the year. Residents bundle up in warm clothing as chilly winds reach speeds of 11.9km/h (7.4mph), aptly matched by the frosty sea temperatures of 6.9°C (44.4°F). Weather in January »

Weather in February

As Vancouver transitions from January to February, there is a considerable reduction in rain and snowfall. February has the highest snowfall of the year, measuring at 67mm (2.64"), a stark difference from the preceding and succeeding months. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March hints at the arrival of spring with a mild improvement in temperature in Vancouver. The city sees a hike in rainfall from 113mm (4.45") in February to 146mm (5.75") in March. Despite a rise in rainfall, sunshine hours increase to 5.9 hours, giving inhabitants a taste of the warmer months approaching. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April marks clear signs of spring in Vancouver, as it brings warmer temperatures and noticeably less rainfall. In this month, the city records the second-lowest snowfall of the year, just 1mm (0.04") before it ceases completely in May. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May serves as a transition from spring to summer in Vancouver, showcased by increasing warmth and decreasing precipitation. Climatological records indicate that rainfall drops to a significantly lower 52mm (2.05") in May from 90mm (3.54") in April. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in Vancouver ushers in summer, featuring the extended daylight hours and desirable temperatures. Maritime influence becomes evident as sea temperatures reach 8.3°C (46.9°F), unlike the previous months. Although the frequency of rainy days diminishes, the humidity remains constant, manifesting in misty mornings. Weather in June »

Weather in July

Vancouver experiences the quintessential summer weather in July, marked by the year’s highest temperatures and ample sunlight. This city enjoys its reign as the sunniest month, with nearly 15.8 hours of daylight and a hefty 10.6 hours of sunshine. Weather in July »

Weather in August

In August, Vancouver continues to bask in pleasant summer weather, though with slightly reduced sunshine hours compared to July. Its unique climatic conditions manifest as sea temperatures peak at 11.3°C (52.3°F), contributing to increased humidity. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September signals the onset of autumn in Vancouver, with a prominent shift from the summery heat to cooler temperatures. The month records a significant rise in rainfall to 82mm (3.23"), from August's 41mm (1.61"), an early sign of the impending winter. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Vancouver is a quintessential autumn month with dropping temperatures and an increased probability of rain. The city witnesses an almost twofold increase in rainfall, from 82mm (3.23") in September to 140mm (5.51") in October. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November's weather in Vancouver leans towards winter, marked by falling temperatures and increasing precipitation. It ranks as the second wettest month with a rainfall of 209mm (8.23"), inching closer towards the peak experienced in January. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December, the final month in Vancouver's climatological calendar, introduces colder temperatures and increased precipitation, marking the arrival of winter. Snowfall becomes a standard feature this month, attaining 41mm (1.61"), commencing the true essence of Canadian winters. Weather in December »

Frequently asked questions

What is the most humid month in Vancouver?

January is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 84%.

How much does it rain in Vancouver?

Throughout the year, in Vancouver, there are 192.4 rainfall days, and 1325mm (52.17") of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in Vancouver?

January through April, November and December are months with snowfall.

How much does it snow in Vancouver?

In Vancouver, Canada, during the entire year, snow falls for 10.2 days and aggregates up to 192mm (7.56") of snow.

What are the months with the least sunshine in Vancouver?

The months with the least sunshine in Vancouver are January and December, with an average of 3.9h of sunshine.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in Vancouver?

The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.

When does it snow the most in Vancouver?

The month with the most snowfall in Vancouver, Canada, is February, when snow falls for 3.8 days and typically aggregates up to 67mm (2.64") of snow.

What month is the sea coldest in Vancouver?

With an average sea temperature of 6.8°C (44.2°F), February is the month with the coldest seawater in Vancouver.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Vancouver?

On Sunday, 10. March 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from PST to PDT. Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, 03. November 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from PDT to PST.

When it does not snow in Vancouver?

In Vancouver, Canada, snow does not fall in May through October.

When are the longest days in Vancouver?

The month with the longest days in Vancouver is June, with an average of 16h and 12min of daylight.

What is the hottest time of year in Vancouver?

July, with its high-temperature average of 19.3°C (66.7°F) and a low-temperature average of 12.8°C (55°F), is the warmest month.

What is the least humid month in Vancouver?

July is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 75%.

What is the driest month in Vancouver?

The month with the least rainfall in Vancouver is July, when the rain falls for 9.3 days and typically collects 24mm (0.94") of precipitation.

What month has the most sunshine in Vancouver?

July has the most sunshine of the year in Vancouver, with an average of 10.6h of sunshine.

When is the highest UV index in Vancouver?

With an average maximum UV index of 5, July is the month with the highest UV index.

What are the months with the warmest sea water in Vancouver?

The months with the warmest seawater are August and September, with an average sea temperature of 11.3°C (52.3°F).

What is the wettest month in Vancouver?

November is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 20 days and accumulates 209mm (8.23") of precipitation.

What month is the coldest in Vancouver?

During the coldest month in Vancouver, December, temperatures average a high of 4.7°C (40.5°F) and a low of 1.9°C (35.4°F).

What is the month with the shortest days in Vancouver?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 8h and 18min of daylight.

Average temperature
Vancouver, Canada

Average temperature - Vancouver, Canada

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (19.3°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (4.7°C).

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (13.4°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is December (1.9°C).

Average pressure
Vancouver, Canada

Average pressure - Vancouver, Canada

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (1018.1mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is March (1015.7mbar).

Average wind speed
Vancouver, Canada

Average wind speed - Vancouver, Canada

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is November (11.4km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (6.3km/h).

Average humidity
Vancouver, Canada

Average humidity - Vancouver, Canada

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (84%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is July (75%).

Average rainfall
Vancouver, Canada

Average rainfall - Vancouver, Canada

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is November (209mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is July (24mm).

Average rainfall days
Vancouver, Canada

Average rainfall days - Vancouver, Canada

The month with the highest number of rainy days is March (20.6 days).
The month with the least rainy days is August (8.8 days).

Average snowfall
Vancouver, Canada

Average snowfall - Vancouver, Canada

The month with the highest snowfall is February (67mm).
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August, September and October (0mm).

Average snowfall days
Vancouver, Canada

Average snowfall days - Vancouver, Canada

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (3.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

Average sea temperature
Vancouver, Canada

Average sea temperature - Vancouver, Canada

The best months for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) are August and September (11.3°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (6.8°C).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Vancouver, Canada

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Vancouver, Canada

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 16h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 18min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The months with the least sunshine are January and December (Average sunshine: 3h and 54min).

Average sunshine days
Vancouver, Canada

Average sunshine days - Vancouver, Canada

The month with the most sunshine days is August (19.4 days).
The months with the least sunshine days are February and March (8.3 days).

Average UV index
Vancouver, Canada

Average UV index - Vancouver, Canada

The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 2).

Average cloud cover
Vancouver, Canada

Average cloud cover - Vancouver, Canada

The months with the most cloud cover are January and December (Cloud cover 59).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and August (Cloud cover 26).

Average visibility
Vancouver, Canada

Average visibility - Vancouver, Canada

The months with the highest visibility are June, July and August (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November and December (9km).

Vancouver, Canada

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