Vancouver Holiday Weather Overview
Vancouver is officially known as the City of Vancouver and is a coastal seaport city in British Columbia. Originally the settlement that Vancouver grew out of was called Gastown and developed around Hastings Mill and a small tavern that were both established in 1867.
Best food and places to eat in Vancouver
There is a wide variety of places to eat in Vancouver and with the city being a port there is plenty of fresh fish to be enjoyed.
The most original and enjoyable of all the restaurants in Vancouver is the Salmon n’ Bannock, a restaurant that serves Native American cuisine. The menu is varied with a great selection of fish and wild game being served and the restaurant is more than happy to accommodate families though you’ll have to book if you want to dine here.
There are lots of other choices when it comes to local and international cuisine though with fine dining options of the Absinthe Bistro and Bishop’s both offering high qualities dining that is affordable and comes with a refined atmosphere.
If you are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere to dine then restaurants like the Blue Water Café & Raw Bar are perfect for lunch and evening dining. Whereas restaurants like Meat & Bread are excellent choices when visiting Vancouver if you are looking for something lighter and in the sandwich line.
Top places to stay in Vancouver
There is plenty of accommodation available in Vancouver for those who are looking for luxury hotels, bed and breakfasts and holiday rental apartments.
When it comes to hotels it is hard to beat the quality that is offered by the beautiful surroundings in the L’Hermitage Hotel, the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, the Loden Hotel, the Fairmont Pacific Rim, the Opus Hotel and the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa.
For those who would rather stay in suites of private apartments, Vancouver is not lacking for choice, whether that is Times Square Suites Hotel or something more private and secluded like Spectrum 31 or Woodwards Condos, you will have all the space you need for your family or just more privacy for a special getaway for two.
When it comes to bed and breakfasts in Vancouver it’s hard not to be overwhelmed by the beautiful colonial houses, let alone the impressive Canadian hospitality that comes with staying in places like the Greystone Bed & Breakfast, the Barclay House Bed and Breakfast, the West End Guest House and the Bee & Thistle Guest House.
Things to do and see in Vancouver
When it comes to things to do in Vancouver there are things to keep even the most adventurous people entertained.
For those who enjoy natural beauty there is the Seawall in Vancouver that not only offers beautiful scenery but the perfect place to take a bike ride. Other points of natural beauty in Vancouver include Stanley Park, the VanDusen Botanical Garden, English Bay, the Spanish Banks and Queen Elizabeth Park.
If you are more interested in the cultural and historical aspects of the city then there is the Vancouver Public Library, the Klahowya Village in Stanley Park, the University of British Columbia, Yaletown, Christ Church Cathedral, Library Square, Gastown, Point Grey and Robson Street.
However there is one attraction that Vancouver boast that is sure to have music fans lining up around the streets and that is the Jimi Hendrix Shrine.
Best month to visit Vancouver
As the winter is too mild to afford much snow and extremely wet the best time of year to visit Vancouver is in the height of summer, June to August, when there is very little chance of rain, the days are long, warm and full of sunshine.
Climate in Vancouver
Vancouver is one of the mildest cities in Canada, and it's also the wettest. Unlike the rest of Canada, Vancouver doesn't get all that cold in winter, and doesn't receive much snow. Vancouver's climate sets it apart from the rest of Canada in several ways.
Vancouver in the Winter
In December, January and February, Vancouver daytime temperatures hover at around 6°C and even at night the city itself rarely falls below freezing. However, frost and ocean fog are very common - and so is rain.
It will rain on around 17 days a month through the winter in Vancouver, so make sure you bring warm, waterproof clothing if you are visiting in the winter. When it does rain, the rain tends to linger all day via grey, overcast skies, and the winds can get up significantly too.
The surrounding highlands get plenty of snow in the winter, but in the city itself it's rare to see much snow accumulation, and what snow there is doesn't last very long.
Vancouver in the Spring
Spring comes early in Vancouver, and it's not uncommon to see blossom in February. March, April and May are the true spring months, with temperatures of between 11 and 17°C during the daytime, and high single figures at night. It can still be chilly, however, and windy. If you're visiting Vancouver in the spring, you won't need particularly heavy clothing, but do bring a sweater for the chillier moments.
Spring is a popular time of year for exploring Vancouver's parks, and it's also when many major cultural events get underway.
Vancouver in the Summer
In June, July and August, Vancouver warms up considerably. The weather during the summer months is usually warm and pleasant, with daytime average temperatures around 20°C. July and August are the driest months of the year, but you'll still see rain on around 6 days each month.
Visitors to Vancouver in the summer should bring summer clothing, but if you're venturing into the mountains it will still be fairly cool, so pack appropriately.
There are many festivals and events to enjoy in Vancouver in the summer, and the city is busy at this time of year.
Vancouver in the Autumn
Vancouver's autumn months are September, October and November, when the temperature starts to fall again (although it's still pleasantly warm through much of September) and the rain picks up. By November, daytime temperatures are down to around 10°C, with nights falling lower than that.
Autumn is a good season for making the most of Vancouver's museums and attractions - even if it's raining outside, there's a great deal to keep your interest in the warm and dry.
What to pack and wear in Vancouver?
If you are visiting Vancouver in the winter it is really recommended that you take warm clothing with you and plenty of wet weather gear. Alternatively if you visit Vancouver during the summer then light clothing is the only thing you’ll need besides your sunglasses and the sun tan lotion.
Best months to visit Vancouver?
July and August are the best month to go for holiday or travel to Vancouver. The Vancouver weather averages gathered from Vancouver weather forecast and Vancouver weather history also forecast these months temperature to be around 22°c and average of 262 hours of sunshine in a month.
Coldest months of Vancouver?
December and February are the coldest months with temperature at around 2°c.
Which months receive most rainfall in Vancouver?
November and January receive most rainfall with precipitation count of 409.96mm.
Travelling to Vancouver? Check out our Weather averages of Vancouver to better plan your holiday or travel.
If you would just like to know what the weather was for a past dates for research or education or you are just curious then visit our historical weather of Vancouver section.