Winter in Vancouver brings a mix of cool temperatures, frequent rain, and limited daylight. Most days feel mild but damp, with average highs around 5°C (41°F) and lows near 2°C (36°F).
Snowfall happens, but it’s usually light and doesn’t stick around long. Rain, not snow, tends to set the pace for daily life and outdoor plans.
If you’re here between December and February, you’ll see how the weather shapes everything from commutes to weekend plans.
Days stay short, the sky often looks gray, and rainfall peaks during these months. Still, Vancouver’s climate feels easier to handle than most Canadian cities.
Overview of Vancouver’s Winter Climate
Vancouver’s winters bring steady rainfall, mild temperatures, and not much sunlight.
The city sits on the coast, which keeps things wetter and warmer than you might expect for Canada. Geography and ocean currents really shape the weather here.
Marine West Coast Climate Characteristics
Vancouver falls under the Marine West Coast climate zone. That’s a rare thing in Canada.
This means you get cool, wet winters instead of deep freezes. Daytime highs usually range from 4°C to 7°C (39°F to 45°F), and lows stay just above freezing.
Rain rules the season. From November to January, monthly precipitation often tops 180–200 mm.
Snow shows up only a few times each winter, and it melts quickly because the surface temperatures stay mild.
Clouds hang around most of the time. Overcast skies cover the city more than two-thirds of winter, and December brings as little as 8 hours of daylight.
Sunshine is limited, maybe 2 to 4 hours a day. The season feels darker than the rest of the year.
Geographic Influences on Weather
The city’s spot in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland really shapes winter weather.
The Pacific Ocean keeps temperatures from dropping too low, so you don’t get the deep cold found elsewhere in Canada.
Ocean currents bring in mild air, and moist air masses deliver a steady supply of rain.
The Coast Mountains to the north and east trap moisture, boosting rainfall for Vancouver and nearby areas.
Mountains get heavy snow, but the city itself mostly gets rain. This rain shadow effect is easy to notice if you travel around.
Elevation matters too. Downtown Vancouver stays mild, but higher spots like North Vancouver or Burnaby Mountain get more snow and cooler temperatures.
If you’re planning to explore the region, you’ll want to keep this in mind.
Comparison to Other Canadian Cities
Vancouver’s winters are much milder than most Canadian cities.
In places like Toronto or Montreal, lows often drop below -10°C (14°F), and snow lingers for months.
Here, average lows hover around 1°C to 3°C (34°F to 37°F), and snow is brief.
Precipitation here falls mostly as rain, not snow, which makes getting around easier but can feel a bit soggy and gray.
Cities further inland, like Calgary, get colder but sunnier winters thanks to drier air.
Vancouver trades sunshine for milder temperatures and green landscapes, even in January. That’s why people often call it Canada’s warmest big city in winter.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Vancouver
Winters in Vancouver feel cool and damp, not brutally cold.
You’ll get mild daytime highs, chilly nights, and plenty of rain. Sometimes there’s frost or a bit of snow, depending on the month.
Average Highs and Lows by Month
From December to February, highs usually sit between 6°C and 8°C (43°F–46°F).
Nights drop to 1°C–2°C (34°F–36°F).
January is usually the coldest, with days around 5°C and nights about 2°C.
December and February look similar, though February can feel a bit warmer.
The mild range means you rarely deal with extreme cold. Damp air and cloudy skies can make it feel colder than the numbers say.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Mean Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 7°C | 1°C | 4°C |
| January | 7°C | 2°C | 5°C |
| February | 8°C | 2°C | 5°C |
These averages show why Vancouver winters feel cool but not harsh.
Temperature Extremes and Variability
Averages stay mild, but sometimes cold snaps sneak in.
Arctic air masses can drop temperatures near or below -5°C (23°F).
These cold spells don’t last long, but they do make the city feel different from its usual damp winter mood.
Sometimes, warm Pacific systems push daytime highs up to 10°C–12°C (50°F–54°F), even in the middle of winter.
You can see how quickly things change. Rain is the norm, but when temperatures hover near freezing, you might get a mix of rain and snow.
It’s smart to dress in layers and be ready for anything.
Frost and Freezing Days
Frost shows up pretty often on winter nights, especially when skies clear.
Lows near 0°C (32°F) can leave icy surfaces in the morning.
Most months bring several freezing days, but long stretches below zero are rare.
Snow happens, but it’s usually light and melts fast at sea level.
Higher elevations just outside the city get more freezes and heavier snow. If you’re heading inland or up into the mountains, expect conditions to change quickly.
For most of Vancouver, frost and light freezes are more of an inconvenience than a real hazard.
Winter Precipitation Patterns
Vancouver’s winters are all about steady rain, occasional snow, and high humidity.
Wet days are the rule, and dry breaks don’t last long.
Rainfall Frequency and Amounts
Rain defines winter here.
From November through January, rainfall peaks, with monthly averages between 180–210 mm (7–8 inches).
November is usually the wettest.
Most days bring rain, but it’s often light or moderate, not heavy.
You’ll see 15–20 rainy days per month in winter.
Instead of big storms, it’s more like a steady drizzle that just doesn’t quit.
The Pacific Ocean helps keep things mild, so you avoid the deep freeze that locks other Canadian cities into snow.
Waterproof clothing is a must—forget the heavy parkas unless you’re heading to higher ground.
Snowfall Occurrence and Accumulation
Snow shows up less than rain, but it does make an appearance.
On average, Vancouver gets 20–40 cm (8–16 inches) of snow per winter, usually spread over a few short events.
The heaviest snow tends to fall between December and February.
Unlike cities further inland, snow rarely sticks around. Warm ocean air melts it within days.
February usually brings the most, with about 5–7 cm (2–3 inches) on average.
If you’re visiting, don’t expect deep snow in the city.
But if you want winter sports, nearby mountains like Grouse, Cypress, and Seymour get plenty and offer reliable conditions.
Humidity and Dew Point Trends
Humidity stays high all winter, often above 80%.
The air feels damp, which is typical for a marine west coast climate.
This moisture makes temperatures feel colder than the numbers show.
The dew point sits just above freezing, around 1–4°C (34–39°F).
That means the air is almost always saturated, so mist and drizzle are common.
If you’re out and about, the high humidity can make it feel chillier than the thermometer says.
Wearing moisture-resistant layers helps more than piling on thick insulation.
Daylight, Sunshine, and Cloud Cover in Winter
Winter in Vancouver means short days, not much sunshine, and a lot of cloud cover.
You’ll notice the daylight hours are limited, and the sky stays gray with only quick bursts of sun.
Shortest Daylight Hours
December brings the shortest days.
The sun rises around 8:00 a.m. and sets before 4:30 p.m., so you get just over 8 hours of daylight.
By January, days stretch a bit—about 8.5 to 9 hours.
February adds a little more, with close to 10 hours by month’s end.
Short days can limit outdoor plans. If you’re sightseeing, aim for midday when the light is best.
Average daylight in winter months (approximate):
| Month | Daylight Hours |
|---|---|
| December | 8.3 hours |
| January | 8.6–9.1 hours |
| February | 9.5–10.5 hours |
Average Sunshine Duration
Even if daylight lasts 8–10 hours, actual sunshine is less.
In December and January, you only get about 3.5 to 4 hours of sun per day on average.
February is a little better, with close to 5 hours.
Vancouver’s frequent clouds and rain keep sunshine hours low, even compared to other big Canadian cities.
Expect long stretches of gray with the occasional sunny break.
When the sun does come out, it feels brighter just because you’ve missed it.
Estimated sunshine duration:
- December: ~3.9 hours/day
- January: ~3.9 hours/day
- February: ~5 hours/day
Typical Cloudiness
Clouds dominate Vancouver’s winter.
Overcast skies are the norm, and clear days are rare.
Clouds usually hang thick, especially when rain is in the mix.
You’ll often see low, gray skies for days at a time.
December and January are the cloudiest, thanks to frequent storms.
February might bring a bit more clearing, but cloudy days still outnumber sunny ones.
If you’re visiting, expect muted light, soft shadows, and sometimes limited views of mountains or water.
Clouds cut down on UV exposure, but they don’t block it entirely. That matters if you’re outdoors, especially near snow or water.
Wind, Pressure, and Visibility During Winter
Winter in Vancouver brings steady winds from the ocean, frequent low-pressure systems, and sometimes reduced visibility from rain, fog, or clouds.
These factors all shape how you experience the city during colder months.
Prevailing Winds and Gusts
You’ll notice winter winds in Vancouver are usually light to moderate.
Average speeds hover around 4–9 mph, but stronger gusts can show up with Pacific storms.
Most storms roll in from the southwest, bringing damp air and unsettled weather.
Calm days aren’t unusual, but breezier conditions pop up along the coast and in open spaces.
Wind picks up a bit in January and March, with averages near 9–11 mph.
Mountains shelter Vancouver from extreme winds, so damaging gusts are rare.
Valleys can funnel wind, especially near the Fraser River and Burrard Inlet, so you might feel a breeze there.
When you’re planning outdoor activities, be ready for the occasional gust, but most winter days are fine for walking, cycling, or sightseeing.
Atmospheric Pressure Patterns
Pacific storm systems shape winter pressure in Vancouver. The average sea-level pressure sits around 762 mmHg (29.9 inHg), but storms can push it lower.
From November through February, low-pressure systems move in and bring frequent rain and cloudy skies. These systems create unsettled weather and help build Vancouver’s reputation for wet winters.
High-pressure ridges show up less often. When they do, you’ll get brief breaks of clearer, colder weather. Nights turn cooler, and conditions feel steadier, but this rarely lasts more than a couple of days.
The weather feels unpredictable because pressure shifts back and forth so much. You might see calm, rainy, and breezy days all in the same week.
Visibility Changes
Rain, fog, and thick clouds often cut down visibility in winter. Heavy rainfall, especially in December and January, can make it tough to see across the city or harbor.
Fog pops up most mornings, especially in sheltered valleys and near the Fraser River. It’s not as dense as you’d find inland, but it can still delay flights and slow down traffic.
Cloud cover barely lets up during winter. December and January might bring fewer than 10 clear days combined. The city can feel dim and a bit dreary.
If you’re planning a trip or some sightseeing, expect shorter visibility and muted views of the mountains. When the sun finally comes out, you’ll get crisp sights of the North Shore peaks and ocean. Those days feel like a treat.
How Winter Weather Impacts Daily Life in Vancouver
Winter in Vancouver means steady rain, mild temperatures compared to most of Canada, and not much daylight. These things change how you spend time outdoors, get around, and even how you look after your health.
Outdoor Activities and Recreation
You probably won’t see much snow in the city, but you’ll definitely deal with rain. That means waterproof jackets, umbrellas, and decent shoes are must-haves if you plan to walk, jog, or bike. Parks and seawalls stay open all year, though trails get muddy and slick.
If you’re after snow, just head up to Grouse, Cypress, or Seymour. These mountains sit less than an hour from downtown, so you can squeeze in skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing even on a short trip.
Temperatures usually hover between 3°C and 8°C (37°F to 46°F), so you can stay active outdoors without bracing for bitter cold. Still, daylight only lasts about 8 or 9 hours in December, so you’ll want to get outside earlier.
Commuting and Transportation
Rain is the main headache for winter commutes. Roads stay wet for days, and heavy showers make it hard to see. Give yourself extra time for driving, and make sure your tires are up to the task.
Snow in the city almost never happens, but when it does, it causes chaos. Even a few centimeters can slow everything down because Vancouver just isn’t set up for big snow removal.
Public transit, like SkyTrain and buses, keeps running all winter but sometimes hits delays during storms. Walking and cycling are still possible, but you’ll need waterproof gear and something reflective to stay safe in the dark and rain.
Seasonal Health Considerations
High humidity and damp weather can really make you feel chilled, even if the temperature sits above freezing. Try layering up and grab a water-resistant jacket—that usually keeps you comfortable enough.
Shorter days might sap your energy a bit. Lots of folks turn to indoor lighting or light therapy lamps when seasonal mood changes creep in.
Damp conditions might stir up asthma or allergies, so respiratory health sometimes takes a hit. Still, I have to admit, Vancouver’s mild climate saves you from the brutal cold and frostbite that hit other Canadian cities.