Being an oceanic city, climate in Vancouver does not experience extremely cold weather. The hottest months are quite comfortable as compared to the rest of Canada. Additionally, the coldest months as well are not as cold. With mountains on one side and ocean water on the other, Vancouver is considered the most beautiful city in Canada with pleasant temperatures throughout the year.
Due to its location in British Columbia, the Mediterranean climate keeps the residents comfortable throughout the year. Usually, the months of July and August tend to become dry – sometimes leading to drought-like conditions.
On the other hand, the city gets a lot of rain starting in October and ending in March. Moreover, the city is sheltered by the North Pacific Currents by the mountains of Vancouver Island. This makes the city pleasant throughout the year; however, some years have had lower temperatures in the winters.
This article will talk about climate in Vancouver and weather conditions in detail.
Overview of Canadas Climate
Canada is one of the coldest countries in the world, yet the most preferred place for higher studies, jobs, and immigration. The demand for permanent residency for the country is high and Canada receives the highest number of immigrants every year. This makes Canada a multicultural nation, which is vivid and colourful.
When we look at Vancouver, the city has a great influx of immigrants from around the world. People come to Vancouver from all over the world and from within Canada. The main attraction is the moderate climate.
While Canada receives heavy snowstorms with freezing cold temperatures, Vancouver is relatively milder. This applies to the west coast of Canada, which includes the province of Quebec and Ontario.
The eastern coast of Newfoundland and Labrador experiences frequent fog and colder air throughout most of the year. Other provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan also have extremely cold weather conditions.
The average temperature of Vancouver
When we look at cities closest to open oceans, the temperatures are very low. Usually, throughout the year, the climate will be colder. The temperatures will become moderate in the summer season, but the nights will still be cold.
However, the warmer cities are farther away from the oceans. Vancouver is mild because of its unique geographical location – surrounded by mountains and oceans. This keeps the city pleasant throughout.
The average temperature of Canada in the winter season ranges from -45°C to 8°C. Alternatively, the average temperature in the summer season is from 18°C to 27°C. Clearly, this shows that the summers are not very hot. However, the sunny days can get very uncomfortable, especially in Ontario, because of the intensity of the sunrays.
The average temperature range around the coastal areas is lower than those near mountains and at higher altitudes. Vancouver experiences an average temperature of 37 °F (3 °C) in January and 64 °F (18 °C) in July. This is because of its closeness to the warm ocean winds.
The four seasons in Vancouver
The climate of Vancouver is typically the same in all of the Great Vancouver Region. As the altitudes of the region rise, the predictions for more rain rises as well. Vancouver being a coastal region, precipitation is very common.
The prediction for snow is not always accurate because the temperatures are close to the freezing point in winters. In the event of snow, however, the temperatures are low yet not very harsh. The residents of Vancouver enjoy a full blow of all four seasons without the harshness of the winters compared to other cities like Toronto.
Let’s talk about the four seasons and climate in Vancouver in detail.
Spring
Starting in April and lasting until June, Spring is the best time to enjoy Vancouver. During this season, residents and tourists can play golf and ski simultaneously. This is because of snowfalls in higher elevations while it rains near the sea levels. However, the rain depends on the time of the year.
Sometimes, Vancouver gets freezing rain and snow at sea level. However, the level of rain reduces greatly in Spring compared to winter. The temperature in Spring is warmer, with an average high temperature of 13°C in June. The temperatures can go as low as 8°C in the same month.
Summer
Starting in July and lasting until September, the summer season in Vancouver is no less than a festival. The climate is pleasant, with warm temperatures of 20°C to 30°C during the day. The nights are cooler, around 13°C but very comfortable for night-time festivals and events. Summers in Vancouver are quite dry, and the month of August does not receive rain at all.
Autmn
Autumn or Fall starts in October as soon as the trees start changing their colours to red, brown, and orange. Lasting for three months, Fall ends with the first round of snowfall, which starts in December. The temperatures in Fall average from 13°C to 6°C as the months’ progress towards winter. It tends to get wet in October, with November and December being the wettest months of the year.
Winter
January to March is the winter season in all of Canada, and this is true for Vancouver as well. The forecast trends in the Great Vancouver region are quite unpredictable because of the cyclical patterns.
In the year when the winters are warmer, the average temperatures would range from 0°C to 8°C. The residents usually cycle around the city, and you can witness several outdoor activities around the city. When February arrives, you may feel like it is Spring or summer because of the warm temperatures.
These warm climatic patterns come with the warmer ocean current called El Nino. Vancouver experiences heavy rainfall in the three winter months in these warmer years. This causes snowfall levels to greatly diminish as a result.
During the cooler years, average temperatures range between -10°C to 0°C with a brisk, windy chill. It is important to stay covered in layers during the colder years and prepare for snow and rain. Vancouver receives an average of 15-39 inches of rain and 19-39 inches of snow in the colder years during winter.
The winter season is fascinating in Vancouver since the residents enjoy occasional sunny skies followed by freezing rain or a snowstorm. The unpredictability of Vancouver makes the city all the more adventurous and romantic.
How to adapt to Vancouvers climate
Adapting to the climatic conditions of Vancouver is usually not difficult for newcomers like students, workers, and immigrants. However, the constant rain and unpredictability of the weather can often be overwhelming.
At Moovaz, we have helped hundreds of families and students move to another country and settle. Here is a list of essentials that can help you adapt to the ever-changing climatic conditions of Vancouver.
Wear the right clothes
The climate in Vancouver is unpredictable. It is advised by the locals to always carry a warm coat or a jacket and a raincoat. Residents usually have one handy in their cars or bags, depending on their mode of transport. It tends to get very cold; therefore, wearing a thermal shirt followed by a fleece shirt and a warm jacket is ideal. Gloves, hats, and mufflers are considered essentials for the winter season.
Add a waterproof layer
Since it tends to rain throughout the year in Vancouver, it is a good idea to invest in a good quality raincoat. Moreover, waterproof boots and gloves are a common sight in Vancouver. The residents are often seen carrying a large umbrella while the children wear waterproof hats. Usually, the large coat does the trick of keeping people dry and warm.
Always be prepared for Vancouvers climate and change
While residents enjoy all four seasons and climate in Vancouver, they cannot help but be ready for the quick weather changes. It may be chilly in the morning, and the sun would warm the afternoons followed by freezing rain in the evening.
This is why it is advised for the residents to be prepared for rain and cold temperature in the winter and rain and hot temperature in the summer.
Always check the weather forecast
It is a norm for Canadians to check the weather forecast before deciding to do anything at all. If planning an outdoor activity or completing a chore that requires the climate to be just right, checking the forecast is habitual.
Whenever there is a chance of heavy rainfall or a snowstorm, the local government of Vancouver issues a warning advising everyone to stay indoors. Nevertheless, being a resident of such an unpredictable city, always keeping one eye on the climate radar is important.
Equip yourself with the right gear
Canada as a country is well equipped to handle all kinds of climatic changes and weather conditions. It is important to equip yourself with the right gear for wetter climates when talking about Vancouver. Things like a rain jacket, hiking boots, sneakers, and a puffer jacket are a must! Carrying an umbrella is also an important accessory in Vancouver.
Enjoy the climate i Vancouver
Vancouver offers several outdoor and indoor activities all year round. With easy access to mountains, it offers skiing and other winter activities that last until Spring. On the other hand, the fact that the city is surrounded by water offers many water activities like fishing, boating, surfing and more.
Residents of Vancouver also enjoy hiking with access to nearby forests that change colours in Fall. The climate and weather conditions of the city are pleasant throughout the year. It is no surprise that Vancouver is the top choice for individuals to start a life with their families. Moreover, it is becoming a top choice for tourists visit from all corners of the world.
Feeling ready to make the big move?
Head over here to begin your journey
Or start ticking off your relocation checklist here
