Given Canada’s massive size and physical geography, temperatures can vary greatly across the country. Canadian winters can be harsh in many regions, with temperatures ranging between -15°C/5°F and -30°C/-22°F in the interior and Prairie provinces. Coastal regions, such as around British Columbia have much milder winters. Summers, on the other hand, are hot with temperatures ranging between 20°C/70°F to 30°C/86°F, and occasionally exceeding 40°C/104°F. Overall, Canada experiences four distinct seasons annually as outlined in the table below.
Table 1: Canadian weather during the four seasons:
Summer | June to August | The weather is usually warm to hot, with daytime temperatures between 20°C/70°F and 30°C/86°F or higher. |
Fall/Autumn | September to November | The weather starts to get colder and there is often a lot of rain. Light jackets and/or raincoats are common during this season. |
Winter | December to February | Winters are very cold, with temperatures often staying below freezing all day long. Snowfall often accompanies the cold weather. Hats, mittens, scarves, boots, and thick winter jackets are recommended during the Canadian winters. |
Spring | March to May | The weather starts to get warmer and days are typically very pleasant, while the evenings getting cool. A light jacket is often needed during the early mornings and late evenings. |
Pro Tip: Travelling to Canada? Plan for the weather! Contrary to popular misconception, Canada does not always have snow and extreme cold. It gets quite hot in the summers with temperatures going up to 40°C/104°F in some parts of the country.