Best time to visit Canada

The climate in Canada through the year

When to go

Canada scores highest on Eddigo’s travel score in June–September, with an average of 82 out of 100 in August across the 20 destinations Eddigo covers. Daytime highs in August range from 20°C in Sombrio Beach to 27°C in Hamilton. May is a fair alternative. The lowest average is in December (26), with daytime highs from −7°C to 8°C.

Where in the country

In August, the highest scores are in Vancouver (90), Surrey (90) and Jericho Beach (90), while Quebec City scores 68. The destinations do not all peak at the same time:

• August: Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa, Edmonton, Winnipeg and 6 more
• July: Vancouver, Surrey, Jericho Beach, Wreck Beach and Sombrio Beach
• September: Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax and Melville Beach

Warmest, coolest, wettest and driest

Over the year, Surrey is the warmest destination (daytime highs averaging 15°C) and Edmonton the coolest (9°C). Sombrio Beach gets the most precipitation, about 2,680 mm a year, and Calgary the least, about 420 mm. The highest-lying is Banff Sunshine at about 2,100 m. The warmest sea is at Winnipeg: 24°C in July.

By type of trip

The best months change with what you want to do. With Eddigo’s trip types, Canada averages 65 or more in these months:

• Beach holiday: August. Best in August: Hamilton (75), Halifax (66) and Sombrio Beach (57)
• City break: May–September. Best in September: Calgary (86), Edmonton (81) and Halifax (80)
• Hiking: May and August–September. Best in September: Melville Beach (81), Calgary (79) and Edmonton (74)
• Skiing: January and February. Deepest snow in February: Shames Mountain Ski Area (about 130 cm), Revelstoke Mountain Resort (about 120 cm) and Whistler (about 120 cm)