Best time to go to Vancouver Average weather of Vancouver, Canada
Lucie Lhortolat and Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Vancouver?
To discover the cosmopolitan and dynamic city of Vancouver in British Columbia under the best conditions, you will need to choose the months when the climate is most favorable.
Therefore, the best time to visit Vancouver is in the summer, from June to September. The climate is dry and sunny with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 20°C (68°F) approximately.
On the other hand, while spring remains a cold and rainy season, May can be a good compromise to enjoy pleasant weather while avoiding the peak tourist season. The temperature is around 10°C (50°F) and there are many sunny days.
However, if you are wondering when to visit Vancouver, know that it is best to avoid the rainy autumn. Indeed, from October to December, it rains between 10 to 20 days per month, leaving little room for glimpses of blue sky.
Furthermore, temperatures are often below 10 degrees during this period. Nevertheless, you can still enjoy the city's numerous museums or visit the Vancouver Public Library in case of showers.
Moreover, while December may not be very mild weather-wise, it can still be interesting to visit Vancouver during this time, as several festivals are organized. For example, during the Lumière Vancouver festival, the city streets are adorned with numerous light sculptures that will dazzle both young and old. Visiting Vancouver during the holiday season also has its charm.
That being said, winter is not the most favorable time for a trip to British Columbia. Of course, Vancouver does not experience the negative temperatures of Montreal, but the weather is still quite cold. Additionally, even though snowfall is rare in this region, rainfall is frequent from November to April.
As you may have understood, regardless of the period of your stay, it is advisable to bring a good umbrella when visiting Vancouver.
Finally, if you are planning a trip to Vancouver to see marine animals, you should plan your stay from June to early October for observing orcas and from March to October for whales.
So, when is the best time to go to Vancouver? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in Vancouver are June, July, August and September
- On average, the warmest months are July and August
- December is the coldest month of the year
- The rainiest months are January, November and December
Annual weather in Vancouver
Weather details in Vancouver month by month
Weather and climate in Vancouver
Eighth largest city in Canada, Vancouver is a dynamic city located in British Columbia.
Unlike cities like Montreal or Quebec, Vancouver benefits from a fairly mild climate where, even in winter, temperatures remain mild. Indeed, the climate in Vancouver is temperate, even oceanic.
Moreover, weather in Vancouver can vary greatly within the same day. Thus, even though the weather in Vancouver is relatively rainy all year round, showers often pass quickly. One can therefore experience rain and sunshine in the same day.
Vancouver's Winter Climate
In winter, average temperatures generally hover around 5°C (41°F) and it is rare to see them drop below freezing. Typically, the minimum temperatures in the heart of winter in Vancouver are around 1 or 2°C (36°F) .
However, this season is humid in Vancouver. Precipitation is indeed very frequent from December to March. There are often more than 15 rainy days in a month, with for example over 200 mm of precipitation in January.
On the other hand, periods of frost and snow are quite rare, unlike cities on the East Coast of Canada.
Vancouver's Summer Climate
Vancouver's summer climate is very pleasant and particularly sunny. Temperate, the weather allows for mild temperatures and less intense heat than in Ottawa or Montreal. Temperatures rarely exceed 20°C (68°F) , even in July and August.
However, rain is also present during this season due to the influence of the Pacific Ocean. Some showers may therefore occur during your trip to Vancouver in the summer.
Vancouver's Spring Climate
Spring is a mild but very humid season in Vancouver. Precipitation is regular with about 15 rainy days per month in March and April.
However, the climate becomes milder starting in May. The average temperature then reaches around 15°C (59°F) , while at the beginning of spring, it is usually below or equal to 10°C (50°F) .
Vancouver's Autumn Climate
Autumn is a very humid season in Vancouver. Indeed, it rains more than 15 days per month during this season, leaving few opportunities to see the sun.
However, temperatures remain mild. For example, in October, it is around 10 to 12°C (54°F) and a little less than 10°C (50°F) in November.
However, the ambient humidity may make it feel colder. Therefore, it is advisable to bring warm and waterproof clothing for your stay in Vancouver during the autumn.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Vancouver
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Vancouver: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Sea temperature
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Vancouver
Find out when Vancouver has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Vancouver
- Very low season in Vancouver
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: January, February, March and November. - Low season in Vancouver
The months with low numbers of tourists are: April, May, October and December. - High season in Vancouver
The number of visitors to Vancouver is high in: June and September. - Peak season in Vancouver
The largest number of tourists visiting Vancouver is during: July and August.
Figure: Visitor index for Vancouver month by month
Best time for low prices in Vancouver
Average prices of hotels in Vancouver month by month
Generally, January is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Vancouver. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, July is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Vancouver
A return flight between London and Vancouver is generally cheaper if you go in february ($ 635 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 385 more for your airline ticket to Vancouver if you go in august.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Vancouver
Average price of hiring a car in Vancouver
On average, it costs $ 77 per day to hire a car in Vancouver. This price varies by $ 61 depending on the month. In november, hiring a car costs an average of $ 58 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in july is $ 118.
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