Vancouver features a temperate oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb), characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, relatively dry summers. Unlike the rest of Canada, Vancouver rarely experiences deep freezes or heavy snowfall at sea level, thanks to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the protective barrier of the North Shore Mountains.
Seasonal Climate Trends
- Winter (December – February): This is the wettest and greyest time of year, often referred to by locals as the "Big Dark." Temperatures typically range from $3^{\circ}\text{C}$ to $8^{\circ}\text{C}$ ($37^{\circ}\text{F}$ to $46^{\circ}\text{F}$). While the city stays green due to constant drizzle, the surrounding mountains receive heavy snow, providing a sharp visual contrast.
- Spring (March – May): Spring arrives earlier here than in any other major Canadian city. Early bloomers like cherry blossoms and crocuses appear in March. Weather is highly unpredictable; you may experience sun, rain showers, and hail within the same afternoon as Pacific storm fronts pass through.
- Summer (June – August): Vancouver summers are short but remarkably comfortable. Afternoon highs average $22^{\circ}\text{C}$ to $25^{\circ}\text{C}$ ($72^{\circ}\text{F}$ to $77^{\circ}\text{F}$), moderated by cool sea breezes. This is the sunniest period, with July and August seeing significantly less precipitation than the rest of the year.
- Autumn (September – November): September often feels like an extension of summer, but the shift to the rainy season (the "wet season") is abrupt, usually occurring in mid-October. November is historically the rainiest month, seeing an average of 18 or more days of precipitation.
Daily Weather Behavior & The "Feel"
Because of the high humidity (often above 70%), the weather in Vancouver can feel colder than the thermometer suggests. A damp $5^{\circ}\text{C}$ can feel like a piercing chill that settles in the bones. In the summer, the air is rarely "muggy" or oppressive; the humidity remains, but the ocean maintains a crisp, fresh quality.
Daily patterns often involve morning mist or low clouds that burn off by mid-afternoon in the summer, while winter days may remain overcast for weeks at a time with a persistent, light "liquid sunshine" (drizzle) rather than heavy downpours.
Regional Microclimates
Vancouver’s complex geography creates distinct microclimates over very short distances:
- The North Shore: Areas like North Vancouver and West Vancouver sit against the mountains, receiving up to 30% more rainfall than the southern suburbs like Richmond or Delta.
- Richmond & Tsawwassen: These coastal flats are the sunniest and driest because they are further from the mountain lift that triggers rain.
- River District: Areas along the Fraser River often experience thick "river mist" in the mornings when the warmer water meets cool air.
- The "Snow Line": On winter days, it is common to see rain downtown while neighborhoods at higher elevations—like the British Properties or Burnaby Mountain—are covered in several centimeters of snow.
Regional Phenomena & Local Adaptation
- Atmospheric Rivers: Locally known as the "Pineapple Express," these are narrow corridors of concentrated moisture from the tropics that can cause intense, multi-day rainfall and flooding.
- King Tides: Occurring in early winter, these exceptionally high tides can cause localized coastal flooding on the Seawall when combined with low-pressure storms.
- The Local Perspective: Vancouverites are famously undeterred by rain. The city remains active year-round, with locals moving seamlessly between urban errands and mountain trailheads. There is a cultural acceptance of the "grey," and life continues outdoors regardless of the drizzle, as long as the winds remain calm—Vancouver is one of the least windy major cities in Canada.
Historical Context & Evolving Climate
Historically, Vancouver's climate was defined by its stability. However, the region has recently seen more extreme events. The 2021 "Heat Dome" saw temperatures shatter records, reaching into the high 30s ($C^{\circ}$), a rare occurrence for a city where many homes lack air conditioning. Additionally, late summer now occasionally brings periods of wildfire smoke from the interior of British Columbia, which can significantly impact air quality for several days.