The Seasons in Canada

Canada's varied topography and large span of latitude creates a wide variety of climatic characteristics. Overall, Canada features cold winters and short, hot summers. May to mid-September is ideal for touring, camping out, and seeing the sights; one month on either side of this peak period and the weather is cooler but still pleasant; and the rest of the year the skiing and snowboarding are fantastic.

The best source of weather information is Environment Canada's Weather Office website.

WINTER

January is usually the coldest month, when Toronto's mean average temperature is below freezing and Calgary's is -13°C (8.5°F). In Vancouver, winter's are mild, with snow rarely falling in the downtown area. In the interior, severe cold weather is often accompanied by sunshine; the cold is a dry cold, unlike the damp cold experienced in coastal regions. Cold temperatures and snow can continue until mid-March.

SPRING

After the 21 March spring equinox, daylight exceeds nighttime, and the coldest days of winter become a distant memory. Although spring officially continues to late June, snow often falls in May, many mountain lakes may remain frozen until early June, and snow cover on higher mountain hiking trails may remains until late. Late snowfalls, although not welcomed by golfers, provide important moisture for crops.

SUMMER

Summer is officially 21 June-21 September, the dates of the summer and fall solstice, respectively. Air temperatures lag behind solar intensity as the sun melts snow, heats land surfaces, and warms the water of lakes and rivers. July is the hottest month and providing the most uniform temperatures throughout the country. On hot days, the temperature hits 30°C (86°F)—usually every other summer day in south regions—and occasionally climbs above 40°C (104°F). In the western interior, because of the dry air, these high temperatures are more bearable here than in coastal regions experiencing the same temperatures.

FALL

The frost-free growing season is over by late September, when the air develops a distinct chill. October brings the highest temperature variations of the year, with the thermometer hitting 30°C (86°F) but also dipping as low as -20°C (-4°F) in the north. Mild weather can continue until early December, but the first snow generally falls in October, and by mid-November winter has set in.