Travel time: Year-round
Calgary is defined by its dramatic, high-altitude climate. Situated at 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) above sea level in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, the city experiences a semi-arid, humid continental climate characterized by intense sunlight and sudden atmospheric shifts. It is officially Canada’s sunniest major city, boasting over 330 days of sunshine annually.
Calgary’s most iconic weather feature is the Chinook. These warm, dry winds descend from the Rocky Mountains, typically between November and May. A Chinook can raise temperatures by as much as 20°C (36°F) in just a few hours, melting snow at incredible speeds—hence the Indigenous name "snow eater." Locals identify an impending Chinook by the "Chinook Arch," a distinct, stationary band of clouds that forms over the western horizon while the rest of the sky remains clear.
Winters are long and cold, but frequently interrupted by the aforementioned Chinooks. While temperatures can plummet to -30°C (-22°F) or lower during an arctic hair-trigger freeze, these periods rarely last long before a warm wind arrives. Because the air is extremely dry, the cold often feels less "biting" than the damp cold found in coastal cities, but the low humidity makes skin care and hydration a local priority.
Spring in Calgary is famously unpredictable and often arrives late. It is common to see a blizzard in May just as the trees begin to bud. Significant temperature swings are the norm; a single day can start with frost and end in mild, T-shirt-friendly sunshine. March is historically the month with the heaviest snowfall.
Summers are short, warm, and pleasantly dry. Daytime highs usually hover between 20°C and 25°C (68°F–77°F), though heat waves can push temperatures above 30°C (86°F). June is the wettest month, characterized by rapid afternoon thunderstorms that can occasionally bring heavy hail—a specific phenomenon known as "Hailstorm Alley" affects the region between Calgary and Red Deer.
Fall is often considered the most beautiful season, though it is brief. Expect crisp, clear days with vibrant foliage. However, the first snowfall usually occurs in early October, often as a sudden dusting that melts within days.
Due to the high elevation and dry air, Calgary experiences significant diurnal temperature swings. Even on the hottest summer days, the temperature can drop by 15°C or more once the sun sets, necessitating a jacket for evening activities.
Microclimates also exist within the city; the lower-lying river valleys (Bow and Elbow Rivers) tend to be slightly cooler and more prone to morning fog, while the elevated northwestern plateau often catches stronger winds and receives slightly higher snow accumulation.
Calgarians are highly adapted to the "four seasons in one day" reality. The city’s infrastructure includes the Plus 15 (+15), an extensive network of indoor skywalks 15 feet above street level, allowing pedestrians to traverse the downtown core without stepping outside during extreme cold.
While Chinooks are a psychological relief from winter, they are also associated with "Chinook migraines" due to the rapid drops in barometric pressure. Generally, the local lifestyle is active year-round, with residents taking advantage of the intense winter sun to ski or skate, even when temperatures are well below freezing.