Best Time to Visit Vancouver: Vancouver, in Western Canada, is surrounded by beautiful beaches and tall snowy mountains. It’s the biggest city in this part of Canada and has lots of amazing museums and galleries as well as natural beauty.
Many people come to visit Vancouver every year because it’s a popular place with lots to see and do, especially with its great food and festivals. The best time to visit is, in the summer when it’s warm and sunny, and there are lots of things happening.
To help you plan your trip, let’s talk about what the weather’s like each month and when it’s busier or quieter, as well as any special events going on.
What’s the Weather Like in Vancouver?
Vancouver is known for its stunning natural beauty, but its climate is not as favorable. It’s often called ‘Raincouver’ or the ‘Wet Coast’ because it gets a lot of rain from October to April.
The only dry months are June, July, and August, when temperatures reach around 20 to 22°C (68 to 71°F) and there’s plenty of daylight.
In winter, it rains a lot, but it rarely snows in the city because it’s not usually cold enough. People often go to the nearby mountains to ski or snowboard instead.
Best months to visit Vancouver
Summer is when most people visit Vancouver because it’s perfect for exploring the city and enjoying the outdoors. There are lots of fun festivals, but it’s also the busiest time, so prices are higher.
Spring and autumn are also good times to visit because of the beautiful flowers and fall colors, even though it might rain a bit more. April, May, September, and October still attract quite a few visitors. Just bring a light jacket and umbrella, and you’ll be fine!
Winter, especially December, is darker, colder, and wetter, but it’s great for winter sports fans who love the snowy mountains nearby. Besides skiing, the city gets festive with Christmas lights and decorations, creating a magical atmosphere.
Vancouver in January
In January, Vancouver is chilly, with temperatures around 6°C (43°F) and lots of rain, averaging 19 days. It’s one of the quieter times of the year, but many still join the Polar Bear Swim on New Year’s Day.
Some Christmas markets stick around, and the Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden lasts for the first week. If it’s too cold, you can warm up at Harrison Hot Springs, east of the city.
While some people come for skiing or snowboarding, hotel prices and flights are usually affordable. Besides visiting museums, you can enjoy top restaurants during the Dine Out Vancouver Festival. Plus, the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival offers impressive shows in theaters across the city.
Vancouver in February
In February, tourist numbers in Vancouver drop even more because of the wet weather. Although there’s a bit more sunshine, it still rains a lot. But you can still have a great time skiing, snowboarding, or sledding at Grouse Mountain or Whistler.
While it’s a bit warmer, it’s still a good idea to spend time indoors enjoying the city’s art collections or trying new restaurants in Gastown. Don’t miss the colorful parades and celebrations in Chinatown for the Lunar New Year. And if you’re a wine lover, the International Wine Festival offers plenty of great reds, whites, and rosés to taste.
Vancouver in March
March is still considered the off-peak season in Vancouver, with temperatures averaging around 11°C (52°F) and rainy weather persisting. However, this is a great time to find cheaper hotel rates and flight prices compared to the busy Easter holidays and summer months.
With an umbrella handy, you can enjoy shopping along Robson Street or exploring the art galleries and restaurants on Granville Island before the crowds arrive. March also offers unforgettable whale watching tours as thousands of whales migrate off the coast. Additionally, it’s usually the last month for skiing at Seymour Mountain or Cypress Mountain.
Vancouver in April
In April, spring has fully arrived in Vancouver, with lush greenery everywhere. It’s the start of the tourist season, although it still rains about 15 days on average. The weather is a bit warmer, with 6 hours of sunshine per day. It’s a great time to take a leisurely stroll around the beautiful Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden or admire the striking totem poles in Stanley Park.
Due to the Easter holidays, prices are higher now, and the first few cruise ships start arriving at Canada Place. A delightful way to explore the scenic city is by participating in the Vancouver Sun Run. Additionally, numerous events are held for the Cherry Blossom Festival, where you can admire the pretty pink petals all around.
Vancouver in May
May is considered one of the best months to visit Vancouver, alongside April. It’s less crowded than summer, with long, sunny days perfect for exploring the city or enjoying outdoor activities. The rainy season eases up, and temperatures rise to around 17°C (62°F). Although accommodation prices go up, airfares tend to decrease after the Easter holidays.
In May, you can wander through the blooming VanDusen Botanical Garden, kayak in English Bay, or hike in Mount Seymour Provincial Park. Many visitors also cross the swaying Capilano Suspension Bridge, just north of the city, where the spring thaw makes the rushing river below even more impressive. Before the tourist spots get too crowded, it’s a good idea to take trips to scenic places like Bowen Island or the Butchart Gardens.
Vancouver in June
While June is, in theory, much better weatherwise than January, powerful rainstorms or cold spells are actually relatively common. This is referred to as ‘Juneuary’ by locals. Most years though, average temperatures finally reach 20°C (68°F) with there now being around 16 hours of daylight to walk around in.
As more people pour in, prices rise though are still way more affordable than July or August. There is a very vibrant feel about the place with lots of visitors taking trips to Squamish and Victoria or going whale watching. Plenty of fantastic events also go on such as its top-class International Jazz Festival.
On top of this, riveting performances of Shakespeare’s plays are put on from June through September as part of its annual Bard on the Beach Festival.
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Vancouver in July
July is one of the most popular months to visit Vancouver because of the holidays, sunny weather, and warm temperatures. With averages of 22°C (71°F) and 9 hours of sunshine each day, it’s perfect for activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, or relaxing on Kitsilano Beach. Although prices are higher, the vibrant atmosphere in Gastown and the numerous events make for a memorable visit.
In addition to exploring Stanley Park, visitors can play volleyball at Spanish Banks Beach or visit the Vancouver Lookout for panoramic views. There are countless concerts, parades, and parties for both Canada Day and Pride celebrations. The Vancouver Folk Music Festival features top acts, and the Honda Celebration of Light offers phenomenal fireworks displays.
Vancouver in August
August is the busiest time in Vancouver, with hotels, restaurants, and tourist spots packed with visitors. While places like Robson Street and Canada Place can get crowded, you can escape to nearby mountains and forests for more space. However, both hotel prices and airfares are at their highest.
With less rain, about 8 days on average, it’s perfect for hiking and biking in the city’s many parks. Besides enjoying musicals at the Theater Under the Stars festival, you can check out exhibitions and music performances at the Harmony Arts Festival. Throughout August, there are hundreds of concerts, events, and farmers’ markets happening all over town.
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Vancouver in September
September is another great month to visit Vancouver, as most of the summer crowds have left but the weather is still warm and sunny. Prices are lower, but there are still plenty of exciting events happening, such as the Fringe Festival and the Vancouver Film Festival, which lasts for two weeks and continues into October.
Although the days are shorter, the fiery colors of autumn foliage brighten up the city from mid-September onwards. You can enjoy these beautiful colors in Queen Elizabeth Park and learn about Canada’s artistic heritage at BC Culture Days. Before the weather gets worse, it’s a good idea to take trips to places like Bowen Island, Steveston, and Victoria.
Vancouver in October
Although October brings worse weather, many still visit Vancouver to explore the city and see its main attractions like the Vancouver Aquarium and Gastown Steam Clock. Average temperatures drop to 14°C (57°F), and it rains quite a bit, about 16 days of the month. However, with an umbrella, you can still enjoy the colorful trees in Stanley Park.
With fewer crowds and the end of the cruise ship season, prices for hotels and airfares become very reasonable. This is also the last chance to go whale watching or enjoy outdoor activities before the winter rains start. You can also join Halloween parties and parades or watch the Vancouver Canucks play.
Vancouver in November
November is one of the rainiest months in Vancouver, so it’s very quiet with few visitors. However, hotel and flight prices are much cheaper. With rain on 19 days of the month, sightseeing can be a bit damp. If you do visit, it’s best to spend most of your time indoors at art galleries, the aquarium, or the Museum of Anthropology.
While the fall foliage still looks nice at the beginning of the month, there are only 2 hours of sunshine and 9 hours of daylight per day to enjoy the autumn colors. On the bright side, there are concerts, shows, and events like the Eastside Culture Crawl and Chutzpah! Festival. As the holiday season approaches, the city is adorned with twinkling lights and Christmas decorations.
Vancouver in December
In December, despite the heavy rainfall averaging 21 days, more visitors return to Vancouver for the Christmas holidays and New Year’s Eve. The city comes alive with festive markets, the Festival of Lights, and special seasonal plays, pantomimes, and concerts. Even the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge is adorned with millions of twinkling lights!
With temperatures averaging just 6°C (43°F) and only about 2 hours of sunshine per day, it’s best to spend more time indoors. However, there are great skiing and snowboarding opportunities at Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour, and Whistler. Loads of concerts, parties, and fireworks displays take place all around Gastown and Canada Place to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
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