Weather in Vancouver, B.C.: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

This bustling urban port city on British Columbia's Pacific Coast has a reputation for being a chilly, rainy place to visit, but in fact, it is one of the warmest cities in Canada. Vancouver's weather is moderate because it's protected by mountain ranges and warmed by Pacific Ocean currents.

The weather in Vancouver is variable, with November typically being the rainiest month. Temperatures in the city can range from average highs around 61 degrees Fahrenheit to lows hovering in the mid-30s Fahrenheit.

Contrary to what many people think, Vancouver experiences a mild winter and is the only major Canadian city to not regularly drop below freezing. While the rare snowfall does occur, it's even rarer for it to linger. Vancouver experiences an average of 290 days a year with measurable sunshine, most of it in spring and summer. During winter, days are short, with the sun setting around 4:30 p.m.

If you're planning a trip, the best time to visit Vancouver is typically late May through September, especially in July and August when conditions are both dry and warm. 

Fast Climate Facts

• Warmest Month: August (65 F/18 C)
• Coldest Month: December (39 F/4 C)
• Wettest Month: November (5.4 inches)

Ski Season in Vancouver

Despite experiencing mild winters and only receiving around 3 inches of snow annually, Vancouver is a great base for snow sports. The city is a reasonable drive from several world-class ski resorts with the closest, Grouse Mountain, being just 15 minutes north of the city while Whistler Blackcomb is a few hours away by car.

Ski season typically starts in November and ends in late April, depending on the resort. When in the city, expect average temperatures to hover in the low 40s and mid-to-high 30s F. However, up on a mountain temperatures will be much lower; expect freezing temps and colder.

December is the coldest month while January typically gets the most snow, but you'll find great skiing from December through February.

Spring in Vancouver

Vancouver's spring is cool and rainy, with March being the wettest month of the season. Snow will sometimes fall at the higher elevations. Temperatures start to warm up in April and you'll expect to see more people spending time outdoors. In May, the night markets open up in Richmond.

What to pack: Bring layers that you can put on or take off depending on how warm it is. Overall, you'll still need to bundle up a bit, especially if you're visiting early on in the season. Sweaters, jeans, and closed-toe shoes like booties or loafers are a good idea.

Summer in Vancouver

Rain continues to taper off and temperatures continue to rise from June onward. Vancouver never gets too hot, which makes it a great place to enjoy outdoor activities. Considering that high temperatures are in the low 70s F, Vancouver's summers are among the coolest throughout the entire country. It is also the sunniest city during the summer months. Periods of clouds and rain are quite rare.

What to pack: Summer is warm in Vancouver, but not hot. During the day, you can wear T-shirts and long pants or shorts, depending on your preference, but at night you'll want to cover up a bit more. Pack a sweater or light jacket for those chilly evenings. 

Fall in Vancouver

September is mild and pleasant, but temperatures gradually begin to drop and the chance of rain increases, from an inch in September to more than 5 inches in November. Days also get shorter during this month, dropping from more than 12 hours of daylight in September to nine hours by the time November rolls around.

What to pack: Fall in Vancouver is cool, but not cold. Pack jeans, long-sleeved T-shirts, cozy sweaters, and a light jacket. If you visit in November, when rainfall peaks, bring an umbrella and a waterproof jacket, preferably one with a hood. 

Winter in Vancouver

Vancouver has surprisingly mild winters compared to many other cities in Canada. Temperatures don't often drop below freezing and you can still enjoy being outdoors on many of the warmer days. The city does receive significant amounts of rain during the winter and snowfall is not uncommon either. On average, 4 inches of snow falls during all of winter. 

What to pack: You'll never be too cold in Vancouver, but you should still pack warm layers that you can remove or put on as you go from indoors to outdoors. Given the high likelihood of precipitation, don't forget an umbrella, waterproof shoes, and other rain gear.

Average Monthly Temperature, Rainfall, and Daylight Hours