Canada’s climate dramatically varies depending on where you are. It’s safe to say that coastal areas have warmer winters and cooler summers when compared to the interior. July and August are usually warm throughout the country, even in the north during these months, making them among the busiest times of year to visit. Depending on where you are (Ontario or Québec), September can also be a good time to go (namely because it’s the warmest in these areas). However, from October-May in Newfoundland, the Maritimes, Eastern Canada, and most of Québec outside Montréal, there’s little tourism infrastructure available due to dangerous conditions.
November to March can be challenging for many people, with freezing temperatures everywhere except California. Even though winter days in many areas are clear and dry, large Canadian towns are geared to the challenge of cold conditions by having covered walkways or indoor malls that protect their inhabitants from the worst of the weather.
During the warmer months of the year, portions of British Columbia experience some of Canada’s most enjoyable weather: much less extreme. While temperatures aren’t always the lowest on average, they’re generally not as high. However, during the winter and early spring, Pacific depressions sweep through, making this one of Canada’s damper regions for exploration. Visiting from late spring to early autumn is the best way to miss out on wet days.
Average temperatures and snowfall
Average temperatures and snowfall in Canada vary depending on which region you are in. In general, the further north you travel, the colder the climate becomes. Snowfall also varies widely across the country. Coastal areas tend to get less snow than inland areas.
Google Maps of Canada
Interesting facts about temperatures and snowfall in Canada
There are many interesting facts about temperatures and snowfall in Canada. Here are a few:
- Canada is known for its cold winters, with average temperatures ranging from -10 to -20 degrees Celsius in many parts of the country. However, temperatures can drop much lower, with some parts of the country experiencing average winter temperatures of -30 to -40 degrees Celsius.
- Canada is also home to some of the snowiest cities in the world, with some parts of the country receiving over 7 meters of snowfall yearly.
- Despite its cold temperatures, Canada is home to several hot springs, with the hottest being Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia, which has a temperature of about 54 degrees Celsius.
- The coldest temperature ever recorded in Canada was -63 degrees Celsius in Snag, Yukon, in 1947.
- The amount of snowfall in Canada can vary greatly from region to region. For example, the Prairie provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta typically receive less snowfall than the eastern provinces of Quebec and Ontario.
- Some parts of Canada, such as the West Coast, have a more mild climate with temperatures that do not drop as low as in other parts of the country.
- The highest temperature ever recorded in Canada was 45 degrees Celsius in Midale and Yellow Grass, Saskatchewan, in 1937.
- Canada is home to a number of ski resorts, many of which receive a large amount of snowfall each year. These resorts are popular for both skiing and snowboarding.
- The city of Thompson, Manitoba, is known for its extremely cold winters, with average temperatures of -23 degrees Celsius in January.
- In some parts of Canada, such as the Prairie provinces, the winter weather can be dry and cold, with little snowfall. This is due to the dry, cold air coming down from the Arctic.
- The city of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its heavy snowfall, with an average of over 300 centimeters of snowfall per year.
- In some parts of Canada, such as the Rocky Mountains, the winter weather can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature and snowfall.
- Despite its cold temperatures, Canada is home to a number of outdoor winter activities, such as ice skating, ice fishing, and dog sledding.
Conclusion
Canada’s climate varies depending on where you are. Coastal areas have warmer winters and cooler summers than the interior. July and August are usually warm throughout the country, making them among the busiest times of year to visit. However, from October-May in Newfoundland, the Maritimes, Eastern Canada, and most of Québec outside Montréal, there’s little tourism infrastructure available due to dangerous conditions. November to March can be challenging for many people, with freezing temperatures everywhere except California. Even though winter days in many areas are clear and dry, large Canadian towns are geared to the challenge of cold conditions by having covered walkways or indoor malls that protect their inhabitants from the worst of the weather. During the warmer months of the year, portions of British Columbia experience some of Canada’s most enjoyable weather. However, during the winter and early spring, Pacific depressions sweep through, making this one of Canada’s damper regions for exploration. Visiting from late spring to early autumn is the best way to miss out on wet days.