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 »