Weather & Seasons

Climate & Weather

Canada stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans, sharing the southern latitude of Rome and reaching all the way up to the Arctic. Across such a vast landscape temperature and climate varies dramatically. In May alone, you can ski the Olympic-calibre mountain terrain of the west coast or attend the world’s largest tulip festival in central Canada.

For current climate and weather conditions by province and territory, visit Environment Canada or the Weather Network websites.

Seasons & Temperatures

No matter when you come, Canada’s seasons offer dramatic displays of colour and vibrant life.

Spring

Spring arrives as early as February on the west coast. In the rest of Canada, temperatures warm up in early April and the pleasant spring weather extends to June. Where else can you head north on a dogsledding adventure, paddle remote coastal waters or walk through the wonderland of cherry blossoms exploding in bloom, but in coastal BC?

Summer

Summers across Canada bring warm to hot weather from late May to late September. The hot summer months arrive in June and carry on through August, with July often the hottest summer month. This is the prime time of year to venture out to a wilderness lodge and fish in waters that have barely seen a ripple from another angler, kayak among the beluga whales in Churchill, MB, or catch the world-renowned Wild West fun of the Calgary Stampede.

Fall

Fall months bring cool, pleasant temperatures, particularly in September and October. It's the best time of year to catch the spectacular autumn leaves in eastern Canada, enjoy long hikes in the crisp air, visit world-class museums and galleries, or bask in the spotlight at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Winter

Much of the Canadian landscape is blanketed in snow in winter, with snowfall beginning in late October and temperatures generally going below the freezing point. However, winters are much milder on the west coast, where if any snow falls, it doesn't stay long, and golfers have been known to hit the links year-round.

Canadian winters offer ideal conditions for dream ski vacations. The ski season runs from December until late March in the east, and extends to late May (and sometimes even June) in the ski hills of the west. You can find out more on the Ski Canada website. In winter, you can experience a host of winter festivals and ice carnivals, and the chance to glide along the world's longest skating rink, the Rideau Canal.