Spring in Vancouver, Canada brings a mix of mild temperatures, frequent rain showers, and longer daylight that really shapes the season. Daily highs usually climb from the upper 40s °F in early March to the mid-60s °F by late May, while nights stay cool but rarely dip below freezing.
You’ll notice a steady warming trend that helps everyone shake off the damp winter months. Days get brighter and longer, and that alone can lift your mood.
Rain sticks around as a regular part of spring, but it starts to ease up as the weeks go by. Early March often feels wet and gray, but late May brings more sunshine and fewer rainy days.
Clouds thin out as spring moves along, so you get more chances to enjoy clear skies. By the end of May, daylight stretches close to 16 hours—pretty wild, right?
These changes open up opportunities for outdoor fun, whether you’re walking the seawall or heading to the mountains for a day trip. If you know what to expect with rain, wind, and humidity, you’ll be ready for both city adventures and coastal strolls.
Spring in Vancouver is really about balance—cool mornings, fresh air, and more chances to get outside as the weeks pass.
Typical Spring Temperatures in Vancouver
In spring, Vancouver starts to warm up, with cool mornings, mild afternoons, and longer daylight hours. Temperatures rise each month, rainy days drop off, and it just feels easier to get outside.
Monthly Average Highs and Lows
From March to May, daily temperatures shift from chilly to mild. In March, average highs hover near 48°F (9°C), and lows sit around 38°F (3°C).
By April, highs reach about 55°F (13°C), with lows closer to 44°F (7°C). May feels noticeably warmer, with highs averaging 65°F (18°C) and lows around 52°F (11°C).
You won’t see huge temperature swings between day and night, but mornings and evenings can feel a bit chilly, especially near the water. Layering up is your friend if you’re heading outside.
Spring feels a lot more comfortable than winter, when lows often hang just above freezing. It’s also milder than summer, when highs can get up to the mid-70s°F (24°C).
Temperature Trends from March to May
Spring really follows a warming pattern. Each month, highs and lows jump by about 5–7°F. Early March can feel damp and cold, but by late May, you get some of the sunniest and warmest days before summer arrives.
As temperatures climb, rain starts to back off, so May feels a lot drier than March. With fewer clouds, the sun feels stronger, even if the numbers on the thermometer don’t skyrocket.
Nights also get milder, so you can finally put away those heavy jackets by the end of spring. By late May, daily highs rarely drop below 60°F (16°C), and that’s when you know summer is right around the corner.
Comparison with Other Seasons
Spring in Vancouver sits between the rainy cold of winter and the dry warmth of summer. Winter highs usually stay around 40–45°F (4–7°C), with lots of rain and short days. Summer brings highs of 70–75°F (21–24°C), with long, sunny days and not much rain.
Spring warms up faster than autumn and gives you more daylight. Fall cools down slowly from summer, but spring bounces up from winter’s lows pretty quickly.
If you’re planning a trip, spring offers a sweet spot—not as soggy as winter, not as hot as summer, and plenty of daylight for exploring parks, gardens, and the waterfront.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Spring in Vancouver brings steady rainfall, barely any snow, and gradual changes in precipitation as the season rolls on. Wet weather dominates early in the season, but things dry out as summer gets closer.
Average Rainfall by Month
Rain falls often in Vancouver during spring, though amounts change from March through May. March usually gets the most, averaging around 120–140 mm over many days.
Rain starts to ease in April, dropping to about 100–110 mm. Showers are still common, but you get more sunny breaks.
May brings the least rain, with 70–80 mm on average. It’s the start of Vancouver’s drier season, but you might still catch the odd light shower.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| March | 120–140 | 17–19 |
| April | 100–110 | 14–16 |
| May | 70–80 | 11–13 |
Chance of Wet Days and Snow
You’ll probably notice a lot of wet days in spring, especially in March. Early spring often brings rain more than half the month.
By April, wet days drop off, though quick showers still pop up. May is the driest, with rain on about a third of the days.
Snow almost never falls in spring. While winter sometimes brings sea-level snow, by March it’s pretty much gone. The North Shore Mountains might still get some, but downtown? Not really.
Changes in Precipitation Through Spring
Precipitation drops off gradually through spring. March feels a lot like late winter—frequent rain and cool air.
April brings fewer rainy days and lighter totals, so you get more windows for outdoor plans between showers.
By May, rain comes in shorter bursts instead of those long, gloomy stretches. This signals Vancouver’s dry summer is on the way, making late spring a comfortable time to get out and explore.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
Spring in Vancouver slowly trades those long, gray winter days for brighter skies. You start to see fewer overcast afternoons, more sun, and longer daylight hours—honestly, it’s a relief.
Cloud Cover Trends
Skies clear up as spring goes on. In March, clouds still dominate, with more than two-thirds of days mostly cloudy or overcast. By May, that drops to about half, so you get more chances for blue sky.
The difference between early and late spring is pretty obvious. March feels damp and gloomy, but April starts to balance things out. By May, you’ll notice way fewer long stretches of gray.
If you’re planning something outdoors, keep this in mind. Early spring might still call for a backup plan, while late spring is a safer bet for dry, partly sunny days.
Cloud cover average:
- March: ~69% of the time overcast or mostly cloudy
- May: ~54% of the time overcast or mostly cloudy
Average Daily Sunlight
Sunshine hours increase steadily through spring. March averages just over 4.5 hours of direct sun each day, while May often hits 7 hours. That extra light really makes the city feel more inviting.
July is the sunniest month, but spring already feels like a big improvement over winter. December, for example, averages less than 2 hours of sun, so by March you’re already getting more than double that.
The change happens gradually. April sits in the middle, with around 6 hours of sun per day. It’s a nice mix of cloudy and sunny days.
Average daily sunshine (approximate):
- March: 4.5 hours
- April: 6 hours
- May: 7 hours
Daylight Duration Changes
Daylight length really shapes how spring feels in Vancouver. In March, you get about 12 hours of daylight, and sunrise and sunset shift quickly as the equinox passes.
By May, days stretch close to 16 hours, so evenings feel endless—perfect for getting outside after work or school.
You gain about two extra hours of daylight each month. The longer evenings make late-spring activities like walking the seawall, hiking, or patio dining way more doable.
Even on cloudy days, those extra hours of light help the city feel less gloomy compared to winter.
Daylight duration:
- March: ~12 hours
- April: ~14 hours
- May: ~15.5–16 hours
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Vancouver’s humidity rises and falls with the seasons, and spring shifts noticeably from damp winter to drier summer air. Wind patterns don’t change much, but they tend to stay mild because of the city’s coastal setting and the nearby mountains.
Typical Humidity Levels
Spring brings moderate humidity to Vancouver. Winter can feel heavy, with levels around 80%, but by March, the air starts to lighten up. By late spring, average relative humidity drops closer to 65%, making things feel more comfortable.
Mornings usually feel more humid than afternoons, since cooler nights let more moisture hang around. By midday, humidity drops as temperatures rise.
Rain still pops up in March and April, but you’ll notice a lot less by May. The switch from constant drizzle to lighter showers explains why humidity starts to ease.
Travelers might want a rain jacket early in spring. By late spring, though, you’ll see more sun and drier air. Locals tend to plan more outdoor activities in May because the air doesn’t feel as damp.
Prevailing Winds in Spring
Winds in Vancouver during spring usually stay light to moderate. Average speeds range from 6 to 10 mph (10 to 16 km/h), so you’ll feel a breeze but it won’t mess up your plans.
The Pacific brings most winds from the west or southwest. These breezes carry moist air, which helps explain why early spring still sees a lot of clouds and showers.
By May, winds shift a bit and feel drier as weather systems weaken. You might notice calmer days, especially when high pressure builds offshore.
If you walk the seawall or hop on a ferry, expect stronger gusts near open water. In neighborhoods closer to the mountains, winds tend to feel lighter and more unpredictable.
Outdoor Activities and Seasonal Highlights
With milder temperatures and longer days, spring is a great time to enjoy both the city and its natural surroundings. You can catch blooming landscapes, wildlife migration, and trails that make it easy to balance city life with outdoor adventure.
Cherry Blossom Season
From late March through April, about 40,000 cherry trees bloom across Vancouver. Streets in neighborhoods like Kitsilano and East Vancouver turn into pink and white tunnels, while parks such as Queen Elizabeth Park and Stanley Park offer plenty of space to enjoy the blossoms.
The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates this with picnics, guided walks, and cultural performances. VanDusen Botanical Garden is another favorite, mixing cherry trees with magnolias and rhododendrons for a full spring show.
Photographers can check the city’s online bloom map to find the best spots. If you want to avoid crowds, wander down residential streets for stunning views and a quieter vibe. Honestly, spring is one of the best times to visit Vancouver if you’re after both beauty and value.
Whale Watching Opportunities
Spring brings whales back to the Salish Sea, making it a prime time for marine tours. Starting in April, you can join trips from Steveston Village or downtown Vancouver. Operators use catamarans or zodiacs to look for orcas, humpbacks, grey whales, and minke whales.
The waters around Vancouver also fill with sea lions, seals, and bald eagles, so even if you miss a whale, you’ll probably spot some other wildlife. Many companies offer a free return trip if you don’t see whales, which is a nice safety net.
Whale watching in spring comes with calmer seas than winter and cooler weather than summer. This mix makes it a fantastic time to visit Vancouver if you want to see marine life and enjoy comfortable weather.
Hiking and Nature Walks
As snow melts away from the North Shore Mountains, trails reopen and welcome hikers of all skill levels. You’ll find the Grouse Grind is a tough 2.9 km climb, but the city views at the top definitely feel worth it.
Lighthouse Park gives you a totally different vibe. The route stays mostly flat and lets you wander through ocean views and past the iconic lighthouse.
If you want a hike that’s not too tough but still delivers on scenery, check out the Quarry Rock Trail in Deep Cove. Families love this one because it’s shorter, and the lookout over Indian Arm is always a hit.
The Stanley Park Seawall sits closer to downtown. People stroll or cycle here for the skyline, the Lions Gate Bridge, and spring flowers along the way.
From coastal paths to mountain climbs, spring in Vancouver really does offer something for everyone. The mix of trails means you can match your adventure to both the weather and your mood.
Travel Tips for Visiting Vancouver in Spring
Spring in Vancouver means mild weather, plenty of rain showers, and a burst of colorful flowers everywhere. You’ll want to plan for changing conditions, time your trip just right, and make the most of all the seasonal events happening around the city.
What to Pack for Spring Weather
Vancouver’s spring temperatures usually sit in the low 50s °F (10–12°C) in early March and can reach the upper 60s °F (18–20°C) by late May. It rains a lot, so waterproof gear is a must.
Bring a light rain jacket, an umbrella, and shoes that won’t mind getting wet. Mornings can be chilly, while afternoons often warm up, so layering really helps. A mix of sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and a lighter jacket or shell usually does the trick.
If you want to hike Stanley Park or Grouse Mountain, grab water-resistant hiking shoes and toss a small backpack in for snacks and water. For exploring the city, casual clothes work fine, but you might want a dressier outfit for dinner.
Here’s a simple checklist:
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Umbrella
- Light layers (sweaters, T-shirts, long sleeves)
- Daypack for outdoor trips
Best Time to Visit Vancouver for Pleasant Weather
Late March through May is generally the best time to visit Vancouver in spring. You get mild conditions, fewer crowds than in summer, and hotel prices are usually a bit better.
Late March to April: Cherry blossoms pop up all across the city, especially in Queen Elizabeth Park and Kitsilano. You’ll see daytime highs around 55°F (12–14°C) and some light rain.
May: Days get warmer, with highs in the upper 60s °F (18–20°C). Rain starts to ease up, so it’s a great time for biking the seawall or checking out local gardens.
If you want fewer tourists, aim for early spring. If you’d rather have drier weather and longer days, May feels like the sweet spot. Either way, you’ll get a good mix of comfort and access to all the seasonal highlights.
Local Events and Festivals
Spring in Vancouver buzzes with festivals that really show off the city’s culture and natural beauty. Every April, the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival draws crowds to parks and streets packed with blooming trees.
You can sign up for the Vancouver Sun Run too, which is actually one of Canada’s biggest 10K races. It happens in April and always brings a lively atmosphere to the city.
If you’re into film, the DOXA Documentary Film Festival comes around in May. It features a mix of international and local movies, so there’s usually something for everyone.
April also brings Vaisakhi celebrations to Vancouver. People gather for parades, music, and free food, especially around South Vancouver and Surrey.
When spring hits, farmers markets and patio dining pop up again. It’s a great time to get outside and try fresh local food.
If you want to make the most of your visit, maybe plan around these events. There’s always something happening.