Best time to visit
Best Time to Visit Vancouver
A coastal city framed by mountains and ocean, consistently ranked among the most liveable in the world, with a mild but rainy climate. Its setting between the Pacific and the North Shore mountains makes outdoor activity part of daily life here more than in most cities.
Best time to visit: June to September, when rainfall is lowest and days are longest.
Local tip: Pack for rain outside summer — Vancouver gets significantly more rainfall than most North American cities from October through April.
Getting around: The SkyTrain and buses cover the city well, and downtown Vancouver, including the Stanley Park seawall, is very walkable and bike-friendly.
Good to know: The North Shore mountains (Grouse, Cypress, Seymour) are reachable by public transit and offer hiking or skiing within roughly 30–45 minutes of downtown, depending on the season.
What to plan your trip around
- Stanley Park
A large forested park on a peninsula, with a seawall path and coastal views.
- Granville Island
A former industrial site turned public market and arts district on False Creek.
- Capilano Suspension Bridge
A pedestrian bridge high above a forested canyon, a short trip from downtown.
- Gastown
Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood, known for its cobblestone streets, steam clock, and converted warehouse boutiques.
Vancouver weather by month
Vancouver weather by month
Average temperatures and rainfall Vancouver gets in each month (2011–2020). Tap a month for the full breakdown.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1°C | -3°C | 312 mm | 93% |
| February | 1°C | -4°C | 193 mm | 93% |
| March | 4°C | -1°C | 260 mm | 91% |
| April | 8°C | 2°C | 151 mm | 85% |
| May | 15°C | 7°C | 88 mm | 78% |
| June | 17°C | 10°C | 86 mm | 79% |
| July | 20°C | 13°C | 52 mm | 77% |
| August | 21°C | 13°C | 53 mm | 77% |
| September | 17°C | 10°C | 137 mm | 81% |
| October | 11°C | 5°C | 228 mm | 86% |
| November | 5°C | 0°C | 334 mm | 90% |
| December | 1°C | -3°C | 286 mm | 93% |
Vancouver through the year
January · 1° / -3°C · 312 mm
- January is among Vancouver's three coolest months.
- Pack for frost — nights average -3°C in January.
April · 8° / 2°C · 151 mm
- In Vancouver, April is mid-spring.
- It warms up quickly from here: by May highs are about 7°C higher.
July · 20° / 13°C · 52 mm
- It's one of the drier months, with about 71% less rain than Vancouver's average.
- July is Vancouver's second warmest month.
October · 11° / 5°C · 228 mm
- October brings mid-autumn to Vancouver.
- It cools down fast from here: November is about 6°C cooler.
The best time to visit Vancouver is June, July and August, when average highs are 17–21°C and rainfall is around 64 mm a month.
At a glance
When to go to Vancouver, season by season
December – February
Rainy1° / -3°C · 264 mm
The wettest part of the year. Showers are likely, so pack a rain jacket and keep plans flexible.
March – May
Rainy9° / 3°C · 166 mm
The wettest part of the year. Showers are likely, so pack a rain jacket and keep plans flexible.
June – August
Best time19° / 12°C · 64 mm
Pleasant temperatures and relatively little rain: the best window for sightseeing and time outdoors.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the best time to visit Vancouver?
- For pleasant, fairly dry weather, go to Vancouver in June, July and August. Average highs are then 17–21°C.
- Why is June a good time to visit Vancouver?
- In June, Vancouver averages 17°C by day and 10°C at night, with about 86 mm of rain and 71% cloud cover: warm enough to be outdoors without the peak heat or the wettest weather.
- What is the warmest month in Vancouver?
- August is the warmest month in Vancouver, with average highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C.
- What is the coldest month in Vancouver?
- December is the coldest month in Vancouver: average highs of 1°C, dropping to -3°C at night.
- When does it rain the most in Vancouver?
- November is the wettest month in Vancouver with about 334 mm of rain. The driest is July, with around 52 mm.
- When is the worst time to visit Vancouver?
- January is the least pleasant month in Vancouver, with average highs of just 1°C. It's still fine for museums and fewer crowds.
- Is the shoulder season a good time to visit Vancouver?
- Yes. May sits just outside the best months for Vancouver, with average highs of 15°C and about 88 mm of rain a month. Weather-wise, it is a good alternative to the peak months.
- How can I check the weather in Vancouver before I travel?
- Compare the live forecast for Vancouver from three independent weather services on WeatherCompare. When they agree, the forecast is more reliable.
Cite or embed this data
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Best time to visit Vancouver. WeatherCompare, 2026 (climate averages: NASA POWER / ERA5, 2011–2020). https://weathercompare.eu/guides/best-time-to-visit/canada/vancouver
<a href="https://weathercompare.eu/guides/best-time-to-visit/canada/vancouver">Best time to visit Vancouver</a> (WeatherCompare)
<iframe src="https://weathercompare.eu/embed/canada/vancouver" width="300" height="160" style="border:0;border-radius:12px" loading="lazy" title="Best time to visit Vancouver"></iframe> <p style="font-size:12px"><a href="https://weathercompare.eu/guides/best-time-to-visit/canada/vancouver">Best time to visit Vancouver</a> – WeatherCompare</p>