The best time to visit Vancouver and Victoria is during the warmer and drier months of April through October. But with their moderate, sunny summers and mild, rainy winters, both cities welcome visitors year round, especially Victoria, which receives about half as much rain as Vancouver.

In February, the first crocuses and daffodils appear. In March, thousands of cherry trees burst into bridal blossom, and by the end of the month, azaleas, rhododendrons, and magnolias are in bloom. By late April, the first cruise ships start to arrive, taking advantage of the beautiful spring weather.

Summer rarely gets too hot, or too humid, thanks to the cooling ocean breezes, and is rarely rainy, but the crowds can seem overwhelming, especially in the touristy parts of both cities. September and October are often the best times to visit, with their long, warm days, smaller crowds, and rarely a spot of rain. November sees the start of the rainy season, which continues through to March. Even in the depth of winter, neither city sees much snow or freezing temperatures; this is, after all, the mildest part of Canada.

Holidays

The official British Columbia public holidays are New Year’s Day (Jan 1), Family Day (third Mon in Feb), Good Friday, Easter, Easter Monday, Victoria Day (third Mon in May), Canada Day (July 1), British Columbia Day (first Mon in Aug), Labour Day (first Mon in Sept), Thanksgiving (first Mon in Oct), Remembrance Day (Nov 11), Christmas (Dec 25), and Boxing Day (Dec 26).

ATMs will work on all holidays, and most stores and many businesses remain open on all except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.



Daily Average High Temperatures & Total Precipitation for Vancouver, BC

                                  Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May  June  July   Aug   Sept   Oct    Nov   Dec

Temp ([dg]F)               41     45     50     57     64     70     73      73      64      57      48      43

Temp ([dg]C)               5       7      10     14     18      21     23     23      18      14        9       6

Precipitation (in.)          5.9    4.9    4.3     3     2.4     1.8   1.4    1.5     2.5     4.5      6.7      7


Daily Average High Temperatures & Total Precipitation for Victoria, BC

                                  Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May  June  July   Aug   Sept   Oct    Nov   Dec

Temp ([dg]F)               45     48     52     55     61     64      68     68      66      57      48      45

Temp ([dg]C)               7       9      11     13     16     18      20      20     19      14        9       7

Precipitation (in.)          3.7    2.8    1.9    1.1      1      0.8    0.5    0.8      1       2      3.4    4.3

 

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.