Canadian weather

What is the weather like in Canada?

Being such a large country, ranging from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean and covering five time zones, it is little surprise that the weather in Canada can vary dramatically depending on where you are visiting.

There are so many different types of holidays in Canada on offer with the most southern tips of the country in line with northern California and boasting warmer climates, while the northernmost regions stretch beyond the Arctic Circle.

Read on to find out how the weather varies on a month-by-month basis.

What is the weather like in Canada during January?

Most of Canada is cold in January but, parts of British Columbia such as Victoria and Vancouver experience far milder winters.

SEE ALSO:

- When to visit Vancouver

Temperatures across Canadian cities in January:

• • Vancouver (0 to 6 degrees Celsius)
• • Edmonton (-19 to -8 degrees Celsius)
• • Yellowknife (-31 to -23 degrees Celsius)
• • Iqaluit (-23 to -21 degrees Celsius)
• • Winnipeg (-23 to -12 degrees Celsius)
• • Ottawa (-15 to -5 degrees Celsius)
• • Toronto (-10 to -2 degrees Celsius)
• • Montréal (-14 to -5 degrees Celsius)
• • Halifax (-9 to -1 degrees Celsius)
• • St. John's (-7 to 0 degrees Celsius)

What is the weather like in Canada during February?

February marks the coldest month in most places across Canada and is one of the reasons why you can find the most affordable flights to Canada during this time of the year. Many winter festivals also take place around this time.

Temperatures across Canadian cities in February:

• • Vancouver (1 to 8 degrees Celsius)
• • Edmonton (-16 to -4 degrees Celsius)
• • Yellowknife (-28 to -19 degrees Celsius)
• • Iqaluit (-29 to -21 degrees Celsius)
• • Winnipeg (-20 to -9 degrees Celsius)
• • Ottawa (-13 to -4 degrees Celsius)
• • Toronto (-10 to -1 degrees Celsius)
• • Montréal (-13 to -3 degrees Celsius)
• • Halifax (-10 to -1 degrees Celsius)
• • St. John's (-8 to 0 degrees Celsius)

What is the weather like in Canada in March?

Although the country is still snowy and cold in March, the snow slowly melts away as temperatures begin to rise. There are lots of winter activities which you can enjoy such as skiing. March is also one of the best times to watch the northern lights.

Temperatures across Canadian cities in March:

• • Vancouver (5 to 13 degrees Celsius)
• • Edmonton (-7 to 1 degrees Celsius)
• • Yellowknife (-24 to -12 degrees Celsius)
• • Iqaluit (-26 to -16 degrees Celsius)
• • Winnipeg (-11 to -1 degrees Celsius)
• • Ottawa (-6 to 2 degrees Celsius)
• • Toronto (-4 to 4 degrees Celsius)
• • Montréal (-6 to 2 degrees Celsius)
• • Halifax (-5 to 3 degrees Celsius)
• • St. John's (-5 to 1 degrees Celsius)

What is the weather like in Canada during April?

The beginning of spring brings with it warmer temperatures, with the ski season continuing in Western Canada. Although it’s still mild in western cities like Vancouver and cool in Toronto to the east, the amount of daily sunshine hours is on the rise.

Temperatures across cities in Canada in April:

• • Vancouver (5 to 13 degrees Celsius)
• • Edmonton (-3 to 9 degrees Celsius)
• • Yellowknife (-13 to -1 degrees Celsius)
• • Iqaluit (-18 to -8 degrees Celsius)
• • Winnipeg (-3 to 9 degrees Celsius)
• • Ottawa (3 to 15 degrees Celsius)
• • Toronto (1 to 11 degrees Celsius)
• • Montréal (1 to 11 degrees Celsius)
• • Halifax (1 to 9 degrees Celsius)
• • St. John's (-1 to 5 degrees Celsius)

What is the weather like in Canada during May?

In springtime, nature comes alive and the temperatures in Canada are generally mild, with sunshine hours increasing and showers common. Temperatures in the likes of Vancouver on the west coast and Toronto in the east are very similar during this time of year, but other popular destinations like the Rockies can still be very cold.

Temperatures across cities in Canada in May:

• • Vancouver (8 to 16 degrees Celsius)
• • Edmonton (3 to 17 degrees Celsius)
• • Yellowknife (0 to 10 degrees Celsius)
• • Iqaluit (0 to -6 degrees Celsius)
• • Winnipeg (5 to 19 degrees Celsius)
• • Ottawa (7 to 19 degrees Celsius)
• • Toronto (6 to 18 degrees Celsius)
• • Montréal (7 to 19 degrees Celsius)
• • Halifax (4 to 15 degrees Celsius)
• • St. John's (1 to 10 degrees Celsius)

What is the weather like in Canada during June?

In June, temperatures across the country are warm with major cities near the US border like Vancouver boasting pleasant temperatures. In mountainous regions, it can get very cool during the evenings, but this time of year is perfect for exploring Canada’s natural beauty.

Temperatures across cities in Canada in June:

• • Vancouver (11 to 19 degrees Celsius)
• • Edmonton (7 to 21 degrees Celsius)
• • Yellowknife (8 to 18 degrees Celsius)
• • Iqaluit (1 to 7 degrees Celsius)
• • Winnipeg (10 to 23 degrees Celsius)
• • Ottawa (12 to 24 degrees Celsius)
• • Toronto (11 to 24 degrees Celsius)
• • Montréal (13 to 23 degrees Celsius)
• • Halifax (9 to 20 degrees Celsius)
• • St. John's (6 to 16 degrees Celsius)

What is the weather like in Canada during July?

The weather can be hot and humid in the eastern provinces and warm and less humid in the west. The great weather sees July as one of the most popular months for people to travel to Canada on holiday as it is a great time to explore a city or to get out in the wilderness. If you’re visiting British Columbia during July, keep your eyes peeled for grizzly, black and Kermode (or ‘spirit’) bears, since June to October is the best time of year to see them.

Temperatures across cities in Canada in July:

• • Vancouver (13 to 22 degrees Celsius)
• • Edmonton (9 to 23 degrees Celsius)
• • Yellowknife (12 to 21 degrees Celsius)
• • Iqaluit (4 to 12 degrees Celsius)
• • Winnipeg (13 to 26 degrees Celsius)
• • Ottawa (15 to 26 degrees Celsius)
• • Toronto (14 to 27 degrees Celsius)
• • Montréal (15 to 26 degrees Celsius)
• • Halifax (13 to 23 degrees Celsius)
• • St. John's (11 to 20 degrees Celsius)

What is the weather like in Canada during August?

August in Canada can see eastern provinces become very hot with western provinces also very warm, but slightly less humid. Vancouver, for example, has a milder climate during this time of year whereas Toronto can be slightly warmer.

Temperatures across cities in Canada in August:

• • Vancouver (13 to 22 degrees Celsius)
• • Edmonton (8 to 22 degrees Celsius)
• • Yellowknife (10 to 18 degrees Celsius)
• • Iqaluit (4 to 11 degrees Celsius)
• • Winnipeg (12 to 25 degrees Celsius)
• • Ottawa (14 to 25 degrees Celsius)
• • Toronto (13 to 26 degrees Celsius)
• • Montréal (14 to 25 degrees Celsius)
• • Halifax (13 to 23 degrees Celsius)
• • St. John's (11 to 20 degrees Celsius)

What is the weather like in Canada during September?

Temperatures begin to fall in September as this month marks the beginning of autumn and the spectacular fall foliage that Canada is synonymous with. Visitors can also join in the Labour Day celebrations during September.

Temperatures across cities in Canada in September:

• • Vancouver (10 to 18 degrees Celsius)
• • Edmonton (3 to 17 degrees Celsius)
• • Yellowknife (3 to 10 degrees Celsius)
• • Iqaluit (0 to 6 degrees Celsius)
• • Winnipeg (6 to 19 degrees Celsius)
• • Ottawa (9 to 20 degrees Celsius)
• • Toronto (9 to 21 degrees Celsius)
• • Montréal (9 to 20 degrees Celsius)
• • Halifax (9 to 19 degrees Celsius)
• • St. John's (8 to 16 degrees Celsius)

What is the weather like in Canada during October?

In October, the fall foliage is at its height and here temperatures continue to dip, but it’s not too cold in cities such as Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver. Although temperatures are milder this month, it’s still a fantastic time of year to go sightseeing.

Temperatures across cities in Canada in October:

• • Vancouver (6 to 14 degrees Celsius)
• • Edmonton (-1 to 11 degrees Celsius)
• • Yellowknife (-3 to 1 degrees Celsius)
• • Iqaluit (-6 to 0 degrees Celsius)
• • Winnipeg (0 to 11 degrees Celsius)
• • Ottawa (3 to 13 degrees Celsius)
• • Toronto (4 to 14 degrees Celsius)
• • Montréal (4 to 13 degrees Celsius)
• • Halifax (4 to 13 degrees Celsius)
• • St. John's (3 to 11 degrees Celsius)

What is the weather like in Canada during November?

In November you’ll start to feel winter approaching as the temperature across the country begins to drop, but you’ll still be able to enjoy the outdoors. Some of the most popular ski resorts in Canada start to open at the end of this month and festivals like the Santa Claus Parade also take place.

SEE ALSO:

- Why you should ski in Canada?

Temperatures across cities in Canada in November:

• • Vancouver (3 to 9 degrees Celsius)
• • Edmonton (-10 to 0 degrees Celsius)
• • Yellowknife (-18 to -10 degrees Celsius)
• • Iqaluit (-14 degrees Celsius)
• • Winnipeg (-8 to 0 degrees Celsius)
• • Ottawa (-2 to 5 degrees Celsius)
• • Toronto (0 to 7 degrees Celsius)
• • Montréal (-1 to 5 degrees Celsius)
• • Halifax (0 to 7 degrees Celsius)
• • St. John's (0 to 6 degrees Celsius)

What is the weather like in Canada during December?

December is when the weather really starts to get colder as many parts of Canada will experience snow. Southern Canada is warmer than Northern Canada, while the ski resorts become more popular as the snowfall increases. Cities on the west coast like Vancouver are warmer than Toronto on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario.

Temperatures across cities in Canada in December:

• • Vancouver (1 to 6 degrees Celsius)
• • Edmonton (-17 to -6 degrees Celsius)
• • Yellowknife (-27 to -19 degrees Celsius)
• • Iqaluit (-24 to -16 degrees Celsius)
• • Winnipeg (-18 to -9 degrees Celsius)
• • Ottawa (-11 to -3 degrees Celsius)
• • Toronto (-6 to 0 degrees Celsius)
• • Montréal (-10 to -2 degrees Celsius)
• • Halifax (-6 to 1 degrees Celsius)
• • St. John's (-4 to 2 degrees Celsius)

Now that you know which months are warmer and which are better for winter sports, you should plan a trip by taking a look at the different packages for holidays in Canada to find out which one suits you best.