Vancouver weather by month follows a predictable West Coast maritime rhythm: cool, wet winters; long, dry summers; and shoulder seasons that swing dramatically depending on whether the Pacific or the Coast Mountains are winning that week. The airport averages 1,119.2 mm (44.1 in) of rain across 166 wet days a year, with November the wettest (171.2 mm) and July the driest (34.1 mm). Summer highs hover at 22°C (72°F); winter lows at 1°C (34°F).
This guide breaks down each month with averages, what to actually expect on the ground, what’s open or closed, and which trips work best — so you can pick a travel window that matches your tolerance for rain, your budget, and the activities on your wishlist.
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Vancouver Weather by Month: Quick Reference
Vancouver sits at 49°N, surrounded by ocean on three sides and the Coast Mountains on the fourth. That geography makes the climate temperate oceanic — milder than its latitude suggests in winter, cooler than the rest of Canada in summer.
Year-round averages at a glance:
- Average annual high: 14°C / 57°F
- Average annual low: 7°C / 45°F
- Annual rainfall: 1,119.2 mm / 44.1 in
- Annual snowfall: 36.6 cm / 14.4 in (mostly Dec–Feb)
- Sunniest month: July (289.8 sunshine hours)
- Least sunny month: December (56.5 sunshine hours)
- Wettest month: November (171.2 mm rain, 19.3 wet days)
- Driest month: July (34.1 mm rain, 6.2 wet days)
The mental model: from mid-May to late September, expect mostly dry, mild-to-warm weather. From October to April, expect frequent rain, mild temperatures, and short days. The transitions in May and October are unpredictable — both seasons can produce stunning sunny stretches or week-long rain marathons.
January in Vancouver
January is Vancouver’s second-rainiest month, almost as cold as December — and its quietest tourist month. Expect average highs of 6.8°C (44°F), lows of 1.4°C (35°F), and 162.1 mm of rain spread across 18.8 wet days.
What to expect:
- Daylight: 8h 23m at the start; 9h 26m by month’s end
- Sunrise/sunset: BC now stays on UTC−7 all winter, so January sunrises and sunsets fall an hour later on the clock than they did under the old winter time
- Snow chance: YVR averages 2.7 January days with measurable snowfall (0.2 cm or more), and 7.4 a year
- Frost and snow: Frost is rare in the city, while the mountains hold snow
What’s open vs. quiet: Ski resorts (Grouse, Cypress, Seymour, Whistler) are at peak operation. Dine Out Vancouver ran January 21 to February 8 in 2026, with prix-fixe menus in $25–40, $40–55 and $55–70 tiers at over 450 restaurants. Capilano Suspension Bridge “Canyon Lights” runs November 20, 2026 to January 10, 2027. Stanley Park, museums, and shopping are wide open with thin crowds. Beach and outdoor patios are essentially closed.
Best for: Skiing day trips, indoor culture (Vancouver Art Gallery, Museum of Anthropology, Science World), Dine Out Vancouver foodies, and budget travelers — January hotel rates sit well below July’s peak.
February in Vancouver
February is statistically the same as January in temperature but much drier and noticeably brighter as days lengthen. Average high 7.9°C (46°F), low 1.5°C (35°F), and 84.6 mm of rain across 14.7 wet days.
What to expect:
- Daylight: About 9.5 hours at the start, and well over an hour longer by month’s end
- Snow chance: Lower than January; YVR’s average February snowfall is 4.5 cm
- Lunar New Year: Late January or mid-February depending on year; major Chinatown events
- BC Family Day: Third Monday of February (provincial holiday)
What’s open vs. quiet: Skiing in peak form. Lunar New Year parades through Chinatown. PuSh International Performing Arts Festival runs late January to early February. Whales begin southern migration past Vancouver Island. Cherry blossom early varieties (Whitcomb) start blooming in late February.
Best for: Lunar New Year culture, late-season skiing, urban explorers escaping snowier cities, and travelers chasing the cherry blossom early window without festival crowds.
March in Vancouver
March is the gateway month — when winter is still hanging on but spring is asserting itself. Average high 10.1°C (50°F), low 3.3°C (38°F), 104.1 mm rain across 17.3 wet days. Daylight stretches dramatically: 11h at the start, 13h at the end.
What to expect:
- Daylight saving time: Now permanent; BC’s final clock change was March 8, 2026, and Pacific time stays at UTC−7 year-round
- Cherry blossoms: Early varieties such as Akebono start to bloom in March; timing varies by year and neighbourhood
- Spring break crowds: Mid-March BC school break can fill mountain resorts and family-friendly attractions
- Mountain conditions: The lower local mountains (Grouse, Cypress) lose their snow sooner than Whistler; check each resort’s snow report before you go
What’s open vs. quiet: CapU “Canyon Lights” closed; daytime Capilano open. Granville Island Public Market high traffic on weekends. Cycling on the Seawall returns. Restaurant patios reopen in last week. St. Patrick’s Day events Granville and Gastown.
Best for: Early cherry blossom photographers, families on spring break wanting a softer alternative to Whistler, anyone who wants to ski mornings and walk the seawall in the afternoon.
April in Vancouver
April is deep in cherry blossom season — and the unpredictable hinge between rainy season and dry season. Average high 13.1°C (56°F), low 5.7°C (42°F), 85.2 mm rain across 15.3 wet days. Some Aprils are gorgeous; others are damp from start to finish.
What to expect:
- Cherry blossom peak: Varies by cultivar, neighbourhood and year; in 2026 the Akebono at Maple Grove Park peaked on March 27, and the Kanzan bloomed in mid to late April
- Whistler closing: Whistler Blackcomb closes around mid-April (Whistler) and late May (Blackcomb glacier)
- Daylight: 13h 14m at start; 14h 30m by month’s end
- Patio season: Most outdoor patios fully open by mid-month
What’s open vs. quiet: Cherry Blossom Festival events run citywide through the bloom. Sakura Days at VanDusen Botanical Garden one weekend mid-April. Hop-on Hop-off bus tours back to full season. Day trips to Vancouver Island work well.
Best for: Cherry blossom photographers (the single highest-value month), shoulder-season budgeters who can tolerate occasional rain, anyone who values flowers and longer evenings over guaranteed sunshine.
May in Vancouver
May is the unsung hero month — when temperatures climb, rain drops, and crowds haven’t yet arrived. Average high 16.9°C (62°F), low 9°C (48°F), 59.1 mm rain across 12.7 wet days. Daylight pushes past 15.5 hours by month’s end.
What to expect:
- Sunshine hours: 222.5 (nearly four times December’s 56.5)
- Sea temperatures: Still cold, and they vary by beach and conditions
- Bears active: Black bear sightings on North Shore and Whistler trails resume
- Cycling: Stanley Park Seawall, false creek loops, Iona Beach all comfortable
What’s open vs. quiet: Bard on the Beach Shakespeare festival opens early June (set up in May). Whistler Mountain Bike Park typically opens mid-May. Cruise season ramps up. Most restaurant patios at full operation. VanDusen rhododendrons in peak bloom.
Best for: Travelers prioritizing dry weather and small crowds, photographers chasing both blossoms and longer light, value-seekers wanting summer-like conditions at shoulder-season prices.
June in Vancouver
June kicks off Vancouver’s tourism peak, but it’s also the rainiest summer month — the city’s “June gloom” is real. Average high 19.6°C (67°F), low 11.9°C (53°F), 51.1 mm rain across 11.6 wet days.
What to expect:
- Solstice: June 20 or 21, with about 16 hours of daylight
- Sunset: After 9 PM on the longest day
- Marine layer: Mornings can be cool, foggy near the water; clears by afternoon
- Wildflowers: Lighthouse Park, Pacific Spirit Park trilliums and salmonberries
What’s open vs. quiet: TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival late June. Bard on the Beach in full swing. Outdoor pools open mid-June (Kits Pool, Second Beach, New Brighton). Cruise season at maximum capacity. Whale watching in prime form.
Best for: Travelers wanting long evenings and warm temperatures without August’s smoke risk, festival-goers, anyone using Vancouver as a launchpad for Whistler hiking or cruising.
July in Vancouver
July is the platonic ideal of Vancouver weather: warm, dry, sunny, long. Average high 22.4°C (72°F), low 13.9°C (57°F), 34.1 mm rain across only 6.2 wet days. Sunshine hours peak at 289.8.
What to expect:
- Canada Day (July 1): National holiday with celebrations around the city; check the year’s program before you plan around it
- Honda Celebration of Light: The late-July fireworks competition over English Bay was cancelled for 2026, and Summer Lights took its place on July 31; watch the City of Vancouver’s site for future summers
- Wildfire smoke risk: Increasing concern; check airquality.canada.ca during BC fire season
- Beaches: The water stays cool even in July, and it varies by beach and conditions
What’s open vs. quiet: Everything. This is peak season. Hotel prices peak. Restaurant reservations require advance booking. Trails busy. Whale watching, day trips, ferry routes, and Whistler all at maximum demand.
Best for: First-time visitors who want guaranteed weather, families with school-age kids, festival-goers, beach lovers, anyone who values reliability over budget.
August in Vancouver
August matches July for warmth but is slightly less dry. Average high 22.4°C (72°F), low 14°C (57°F), 36.1 mm rain across 6.4 wet days. The single biggest variable in modern August is wildfire smoke.
What to expect:
- Sea temperatures: Still cool by most swimmers’ standards, and they vary by beach and conditions
- BC Day (first Monday): Provincial holiday; expect crowds at parks, beaches, ferries
- Pride Parade: Late July or early August (August 2 in 2026); its organiser calls it the largest Pride parade in Western Canada
- Wildfire smoke: Severity varies widely by year; in 2024 Metro Vancouver issued just one air-quality warning, for ground-level ozone rather than smoke
What’s open vs. quiet: Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) opens mid-August through Labour Day weekend. Cruise season still peak. Patios busy. Whistler bike park at peak. Outdoor concerts every weekend.
Best for: Beach lovers, festival-goers, anyone wanting peak warmth — but build flexibility into the itinerary for smoke days, when indoor activities (Vancouver Aquarium, Museum of Anthropology) become essential.
September in Vancouver
September is the secret-best month — September weather is essentially August’s, minus the kids, minus the smoke (often), minus the highest prices. Average high 19.1°C (66°F), low 11.2°C (52°F), 51.9 mm rain across 8.6 wet days.
What to expect:
- Sunshine hours: 212.8 (still abundant)
- Sea temperatures: Vary by beach and conditions, so test the water before a long swim
- Vancouver International Film Festival: Late September into early October
- Salmon return: Goldstream Provincial Park and Capilano Salmon Hatchery peak runs late September into October
What’s open vs. quiet: Cruise season winds down by late September. Whistler bike park closes early October. Patios open through end of month most years. Restaurant reservations easier.
Best for: Couples without school-age kids, photographers chasing softer light, value-seekers wanting summer conditions at fall prices, food and wine travelers (harvest season in BC wine country).
October in Vancouver
October is when the rain returns — the average monthly rainfall jumps from September’s 51.9 mm to October’s 123.7 mm, and from 8.6 wet days to 15.4. Average high 14°C (57°F), low 7°C (45°F).
What to expect:
- Clocks: No change in November; BC keeps Pacific time at UTC−7 year-round, so clocks stay put on November 1, 2026
- Fall foliage peak: Mid- to late October at Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, VanDusen
- Halloween events: Fright Nights at PNE
- Storm season begins: Tofino “storm watching” season starts late October
What’s open vs. quiet: Skiing not yet open. Indoor culture in full swing. VIFF concludes early in month. Wine harvest season in Okanagan day trips.
Best for: Foliage chasers, indoor-arts lovers, storm-watchers willing to drive to Vancouver Island, value travelers happy to layer up.
November in Vancouver
November is the wettest month: 171.2 mm of rain across 19.3 wet days — rain on about 64% of days. Average high 9°C (48°F), low 4°C (39°F). It’s also one of the dimmest, with only 60.4 sunshine hours; only December, at 56.5, gets less.
What to expect:
- Atmospheric rivers: Multi-day intense rain events causing flooding in Fraser Valley
- Ski season opens: Whistler typically opens late November; North Shore mountains follow December
- VanDusen Festival of Lights: Opens late November
- Capilano Canyon Lights: Opens late November
What’s open vs. quiet: Holiday markets begin late month. Cruise season finished. Restaurants and culture in full operation. Hotel prices reach annual lows around mid-November.
Best for: Bargain hunters, indoor-museum enthusiasts, ski-season pre-openers willing to drive up the mountain, holiday-light photographers in last week.
December in Vancouver
December is rainy and dim but festive — rainfall (155.8 mm) drops slightly from November, but daylight hits its annual minimum at the solstice. Average high 6.6°C (44°F), low 1.2°C (34°F). On average, YVR sees 1.9 December days with measurable snowfall.
What to expect:
- Solstice: December 21 with 8h 11m of daylight (sunset about 5:16 PM, now that BC stays on UTC−7)
- Holiday events: VanDusen Festival of Lights, Capilano Canyon Lights, Christmas at Hycroft, and Bright Nights, now at Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey (November 27 to December 29, 2026)
- Skiing: All North Shore mountains open by mid-December
- Hotel rates: Spike for Christmas/New Year week, then crash in January
What’s open vs. quiet: Holiday-light attractions citywide. Boxing Day shopping at Pacific Centre. New Year’s Eve fireworks at Canada Place.
Best for: Holiday-light tourists, ski travelers, cozy-cafe explorers, anyone who values festive atmosphere over weather guarantees.
Microclimates Around Metro Vancouver
Metro Vancouver isn’t one weather zone. The Coast Mountains and ocean create dramatic microclimates across the region. Knowing these can save (or salvage) a trip.
The wet belt (North Shore, Coquitlam, Whistler corridor): The mountains squeeze more rain out of incoming systems, and totals climb with elevation. Rainfall varies a lot across North Vancouver: the base of Grouse Mountain averages 2,477 mm a year, more than double the airport’s 1,119.2 mm.
The rain shadow (Vancouver Island east coast, Sunshine Coast, parts of Tsawwassen): The Olympic and Vancouver Island mountains block weather systems. Towns in the shadow get noticeably less rain than Vancouver, while Tofino, out on Vancouver Island’s exposed west coast, gets far more.
The temperature inversion (Fraser Valley): During winter cold snaps, Abbotsford and Chilliwack can run noticeably colder than Vancouver, so check their forecasts separately if you’re heading east.
Practical implication: If forecast looks rainy in Vancouver but you have flexibility, day-trip to Vancouver Island east side or Sunshine Coast for higher dry odds. If snow chase is the goal, head to Coquitlam or Mission. For storm watching: Tofino. For elevation snow: Whistler.
Recent Climate Extremes & Trends
Vancouver’s average climate is reliable, but the last decade has produced repeat extremes worth understanding before you book.
2021 heat dome (June 25–July 1): Vancouver peaked at about 34°C (93°F) on June 28, and the BC Coroners Service attributed 619 deaths across the province to the extreme heat. Modern travel implication: hotels and Airbnbs rated for AC are now a meaningful filter for July–August stays. Confirm AC explicitly before booking.
2021 atmospheric river (November 2021): Flooding and debris slides closed Highway 1 through the Fraser Valley and Fraser Canyon on November 14; the Abbotsford–Chilliwack section reopened November 25, and some Fraser Canyon sections stayed closed longer. Modern travel implication: November and early December storm windows can disrupt day trips to the Fraser Valley, Whistler, and Vancouver Island. Build buffer days into critical itineraries.
Wildfire smoke: Smoke affected Metro Vancouver’s air quality in seven of the ten years covered by the region’s 2024 air-quality report. Metro Vancouver posts current air-quality warnings, so check them before a day outdoors. Modern travel implication: build flexibility into mid-July through mid-September itineraries; have indoor backups (Vancouver Aquarium, Museum of Anthropology, Bill Reid Gallery) ready.
Trend lines: Environment Canada puts Vancouver’s annual temperature trend at 1.5°C per century over 1900–2013. Whistler’s snow base is increasingly arriving later (mid-December rather than early December) but staying as long, with bigger early-season storms followed by mid-winter rain events.
Choosing the Right Window for Your Trip
The “best month” depends entirely on what you’re optimizing for. Use this decision matrix.
Prioritize sunshine guarantee: Late July to mid-September. Within that, July is the absolute peak; September is best value.
Prioritize cherry blossoms: Late March through April, depending on cultivar and year (in 2026 the Akebono at Maple Grove Park peaked March 27, and the Kanzan bloomed in mid to late April). Early March for plum and Whitcomb if you want quieter parks.
Prioritize skiing: Mid-January through early March for guaranteed snow at all elevations. December opens the season; April closes the lower mountains but Whistler can ski into May.
Prioritize lowest prices: Mid-January (excluding Chinese New Year week), early February, mid-November.
Prioritize festivals and events: July (Jazz Festival, Folk Music Festival), late January (Dine Out Vancouver), spring (Cherry Blossom Festival), late September (VIFF), late November (Festival of Lights).
Prioritize wildlife: Bears most active April–October; whales (orca, humpback, minke) most active May–October; salmon runs peak September–October.
Prioritize avoiding crowds + still wanting decent weather: Last week of May through mid-June, OR mid-September through early October. These two shoulder windows are the connoisseur’s pick.
Vancouver Weather FAQs
What is Vancouver’s hottest month?
July and August tie, with average highs of 22.4°C (72°F). Heat waves do happen: during 2021’s heat dome, Vancouver peaked at about 34°C (93°F).
What is Vancouver’s coldest month?
December, by a whisker: average highs of 6.6°C (44°F) and lows of 1.2°C (34°F), against 6.8°C and 1.4°C in January. Subzero spells happen but rarely persist more than a week.
How many rainy days does Vancouver have per year?
About 166 at the airport — but “rainy day” is defined as ≥0.2 mm. Many of these are brief showers, not all-day downpours.
Does it snow in Vancouver?
Yes, but lightly: 36.6 cm/year on average at the airport, mostly Dec–Feb. The mountains (Grouse, Cypress, Whistler) get far more, so check each resort’s snow report.
What is the best month to visit Vancouver weather-wise?
July for guaranteed sunshine, low rain, and warmth. August matches but adds wildfire-smoke risk. September is the value-best month.
When is wildfire smoke worst?
Mid-July through mid-September during BC fire seasons. Some summers barely register: 2024 brought a single Metro Vancouver air-quality warning, and it was for smog, not smoke.
Related reading: Pair this with our Best Time to Visit Vancouver pillar, our Vancouver packing guide, and seasonal deep-dives — Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.