Vancouver

When To Visit

At any time of the year, Vancouver is sure to surprise and delight. Here's a little bit of information about the four seasons Vancouver enjoys and what you can expect when visiting during these times.

Also see our What to Wear page for additional weather details and clothing suggestions for our seasons.

Winter (January - March)

Vancouver enjoys mild winters, and snow is pretty rare in the city. In fact, blossoms start covering trees as early as February. Bikers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts need not hibernate here, and with mountain slopes just 20 minutes from downtown, winter is the perfect time to visit for those looking to ski or snowboard. While the weather outside might be rainy, there’s plenty to do indoors with the city’s arts and culture seasons in full swing, and the Dine Out Vancouver Festival offering the perfect excuse for a culinary getaway in late January/early February. You’ll find some excellent packages and deals during winter, as well as year-round fun.

Spring (April - June)

You really can ski and golf on the same day! While it’s still winter up on the local mountains, the weather in the city is perfect for a round of golf or even a paddle in a kayak. With the weather getting sunnier, Vancouver comes alive in the spring with more outdoor activities, beautiful garden tours, multicultural celebrations and more. During Spring Break, unique, West Coast attractions and activities abound, making it a great time for families to visit Vancouver.

Summer (July - September)

Mild, sunny days mean that Vancouver heads outside during summer, and there’s plenty to celebrate. Summer is when you’ll find many of the city’s festivals take place, with events for every taste in music, art, film and more. One of the highlights is the annual Celebration of Light fireworks competition, which lights up the downtown sky of the city each summer. This season is also the peak season for wildlife watching, whether you’re heading up to see the bears on Grouse Mountain, or zipping around on a boat looking for marine life.

Fall (October - December)

Temperatures in Vancouver get cooler in the fall, but the changing colour of the leaves and the start of the entertainment season make it a spectacular time to visit. It’s easy to fill your stay with museum visits, gallery browsing, garden strolls and a night or two at the theatre. It’s also a great time for sports fans to plan their stay with the beginning of the Canucks hockey season! As we head into December, Vancouver is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays with shopping, light displays, and festive events.