Toronto, Niagara, Kingston, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec have a warm summer continental climate. Toronto has an average temperature of 8.3 °C and annual rainfall of 785 mm, while Niagara’s temperature is 8.65 °C and rainfall 887 mm, Kingston’s temperature is 6.9 °C and rainfall 925 mm, Ottawa’s temperature is 6.0 °C and rainfall 868 mm, Montreal’s temperature is 6.4 °C and rainfall 975 mm, and Quebec’s temperature is 4.8 °C and rainfall 1101 mm.
Calgary, Banff, Jasper and Whistler have a cold and temperate climate. Calgary’s average temperature is 3.4 °C and annual rainfall 428 mm, while Banff’s average temperature is 1.8 °C and rainfall 511 mm, Jasper’s temperature is 2.9 °C and rainfall 469 mm, and Whistler’s temperature is 5.9 °C and rainfall 1113 mm.
Kamloops has a steppe climate with average temperature of 8.6 °C and annual rainfall 305 mm, while Vancouver’s climate is warm and temperate with average temperature of 9.9 °C and annual rainfall 1283 mm.
The seasons in Toronto, Niagara, Kingston, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec, Kamloops and Vancouverare as follow:
- Spring –March to May are months when the cities enjoy cool and mild weather which is good for walking around. This maple harvesting season also allows you the opportunity to be invited by Quebec’s maple sugar shacks to watch as the maple sap is boiled into syrup and other tasty treats.
- Summer –June to August is the peak tourist season, though Kamloops may experience the occasional rainstorm with relatively low humidity.
- Autumn –September to November bring about the colors of autumn. Temperatures can be unpredictable at Niagara. Early autumn may still be warm in Kamloops and Vancouver, but it can get rather cold by the end of autumn. It is recommended to pack more layers.
- Winter –Toronto, Niagara and Kingston are covered in snow from December to March, while Ottawa, Montreal and Quebecfrom November to March, and Kamloops and Vancouver from December to February. Toronto, Niagara, Kingston, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebecwill experience biting winds and snow, and Niagara Falls may freeze. While Kamloops enjoy mainly sunny yet windy days in winter, Vancouver will have frequent rain showers which may hinder sightseeing plans. Sidewalks will be icy, so it is recommended to have proper footwear. Do also pack more layers and a winter jacket.
The seasons in Calgary, Banff, Jasper and Whistler are as follow:
- Spring –April to May are months when melting snow will muddy parks and trails in Calgary, Banff and Jasper. Banff’s weather is unpredictable and everything from blizzards to warm weather can be experienced during this season. Skiing can be done through the end of April at Whistler.
- Summer –June to August is the peak tourist season, with July being the hottest month of the year. The mountain lakes at Banff look their most brilliant during this period. Skiing can still be done at Whistler’s Horstman Glacier.
- Autumn –September to October is when temperatures cool and beautiful fall colours arrive. Do pack warm layers to protect you from the cooling weather. Blizzards are not uncommon in Banff in October as it can quickly turn bitterly cold within the month.
- Winter –November to March are months when snow blankets the cities and towns, and winter sports enthusiasts descend upon them in search of powder. Do pack more layers and a winter jacket. January is the coldest month of the year.