Ocean currents and winds
Canada’s climate is diverse due to its large landmass and its location in the Northern Hemisphere. Ocean currents also play a crucial role in shaping the country’s climate.
The Gulf Stream, a warm ocean current in the Atlantic Ocean, brings warm water to the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. This helps to moderate the climate in this region, making winters milder and summers cooler. The Alaska Current, a cold ocean current in the Pacific Ocean, has the opposite effect. It cools the climate along the west coast of Canada, making winters colder and summers shorter.
Westerly winds that blow from the west to the east are the prevailing air currents in the Pacific Ocean. These winds often bring heavy rain to coastal British Columbia. The Great Lakes also have a moderating effect on the climate in Quebec and southern Ontario, helping to keep winters warmer and summers cooler.
About two-thirds of the northern part of Canada has a climate not much different from that found in the north of Scandinavia. Winters here are short but very cold and summers are generally cool. The southern central part of the country’s interior plains boasts a continental climate with hot summers, cold winters, and fairly little rain. Quebec and Southern Ontario have humid, hot summers and snowy, cold winters, reminiscent of some regions in the American Midwest. With the exception of the West coast, the whole country experiences below freezing average temperatures with ongoing snowfalls in winter.
Temperatures
During the winter months those regions of Canada that are the furthest away from open water such as lakes are typically the coldest. This means that winters are particularly cold in the North and in the plains of the country’s interior. The coldest temperature ever measured was in Snag, Yukon in 1947: −63 °C, i.e. −81 °F. However, those regions that are the farthest away from lakes and other open water typically have the highest temperatures. The highest temperature that was ever measured was 45 °C (113 °F) at Yellow Grass and Midale. both of which are in Saskatchewan.
The western coast of Vancouver, therefore, has an average temperature of 3 °C (37 °F) in January. In July this increases to 18 °C (64 °F). In Regina, Saskatchewan, which is located on the central plains, the average temperate can vary between −18 and 19 °C (−1 to 67 °F).
Daily average temperature ranges are also wider in the interior that along the coast.
When is the best time of the year to visit Canada?
The fact of the matter is that Canada has weather conditions that will suit everyone. Below we have a look at when is the best time for visiting the country, depending on your particular preferences.
The winter months
The 21st of December marks the start of winter in the country. This lasts 3 months until the 19th of March.
The winter months are cold throughout Canada. Travelers will experience milder temperatures in coastal areas such as Vancouver though. Here the lowest temperature you are likely to encounter is around 4 degrees C. In the flatlands and Northern regions, however, the lowest temperature can easily drop to -20°C.
The cold does not mean that winter can’t be the best time for visiting Canada. If you want to experience sports such as skiing and skating, however, you should visit the country during the winter months. This is also when you will enjoy the stunning Northern Lights, a multi-colored natural extravaganza that you will always remember.
If you make sure you have the right clothing (and equipment) you will also be able to enjoy a wide variety of other activities and enjoy the many festivals during the winter months.
What are the temperatures like?
Because of its vastness and many different latitudes, temperatures throughout Canada can vary a lot during the winter months. While in some parts of the country winter (such as Vancouver, temperatures of 4 degrees Celsius are not uncommon, areas such as Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa can get as cold as -25 degrees Celsius. If you are prepared for sub-zero temperatures, therefore, you will not be get any nasty surprises.
Winter is for many people the preferred time to visit the country because they want to experience the top winter festivals and sports. This is the time when you can go skating in beautiful outdoor skating rinks throughout the country or go skiing in one or more of the country’s many mountain ranges.
If you have never seen the Northern Lights (also referred to as Aurora Borealis, you should absolutely not miss this remarkable phenomenon while visiting Canada during the winter months. This is also the perfect time to visit friends and family, because this is when millions of Canadians take their annual vacation.
Winter is also one of the loveliest parts of the year in the country. Just make sure that you plan your journey well ahead and bundle up with proper outerwear.
The spring months
Spring in Canada starts on March 20th and lasts until June 20th. If you are from a relatively warm part of the world, such as India, you might find this time of the year to be quite chilly in Canada. April usually brings a lot of rain, so make sure you have your umbrella and raincoat ready.
During May you will notice that the flowers are starting to bloom and the weather is getting significantly warmer. This is a great time to enjoy what Canada has to offer without paying the higher prices of the summer months.
In June temperatures will be even more comfortable while prices are still reasonable. This is also when you will enjoy the longest days of the year. June is also a good time to visit the country’s northern regions and embark on an unforgettable journey through lakes, glaciers, valleys, and mountains.
Because of Canada’s huge size and many different latitudes, temperatures can still vary a lot, depending on where you go. Maximum temperatures throughout the country will normally be above zero though. In Vancouver the midday temperature can be up to 12 degrees Celsius while in regions such as Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal, it will often still be close to zero.
Why should I visit Canada in spring?
Early spring for Canadian tourism is still regarded as off-season. You will pay lower prices of things like accommodation and travel. Spring is also when the festival season starts, with flowers starting to blossom. The downside is that spring can sometimes get wet and cold, depending on where in the country you find yourself. Make sure to bring rain boots and and umbrella.
Summertime
The summer months (July and August) are Canada’s peak tourist season, and for very good reason. One can without much trouble travel anywhere in the country and partake in a wide range of activities. At the annual Calgary Stamped that takes place in July you can unleash your deeply hidden cowboy. Afterward, head for Montreal’s Jazz Festival, which takes place in July to listen to some of the top global jazz artists. Nature lovers also have a feast in summer, with loads of activities to enjoy.
Temperatures in July
Temperatures in July still vary throughout Canada, depending on the latitude and altitude, but one can bargain on the year’s warmest temperatures across the country. Toronto’s temperatures typically vary between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius. More temperate regions such as Vancouver will experience lower temperatures and narrower ranges in the region of 18 to 27 degrees Celsius. But as a general rule, this is the hottest time of the year.
Top reasons to visit during summertime
With the arrival of warmer weather, summer offers all the top attractions such as hiking trails and national parks that are open to visitors and you can explore wherever you want, whenever you want.
Summer travel tip
If you would prefer to get away from the crowds, visit smaller towns and cities and alternative destinations. Not only will you get to create your own personal Canadian experience, but you will also save time and money.
The autumn months
In Canada autumn (September, October, November, December) is a genuinely amazing time of the year. Regardless of whether you are exploring a small town’s historical buildings and sites, or taking a walk in a nearby forest, the autumn colors will undoubtedly take your breath away. Starting with a warm green, the foliage will transform itself into different shades of orange, yellow, and red that you will want to remember for the rest of your life. The crowds at outdoor activities will also be smaller in summertime, making these more enjoyable.
Autumn temperatures
Once again there will be wide temperature variations depending on the region, but generally speaking one can expect temperatures to cool throughout autumn. For example, the average temperature in Toronto in September is about 16 degrees. In October this drops to 10 degrees and in November to 4 degrees Celsius. Other cities will experience a similar drop in temperature.
Top reasons for visiting Canada in autumn
The first month of autumn is an excellent time to visit the country. This is the time for fall festivals, less tourists, and temperatures that are still high enough to allow you to travel to the Niagara Falls and to explore the Niagara gorge and its changing colors.
Conclusion
Canada has something for everyone at all times of the year. If you don’t mind other tourists, the summer is a great time to visit anywhere in the country. The winter months are a great choice for those who would like to see snowcapped mountains and partake in winter sports. And the shoulder seasons of autumn and spring bring smaller crowds and their own unique opportunities to experience the country in a way that would not be possible during winter and summer. Temperatures are often very pleasant and prices are lower than during the peak season.