When to go & weather

Weather

Rural BC can justly claim to be one of the world’s great natural wonders; an immense wilderness of verdant forests, craggy peaks and remote islands that can easily overwhelm city slickers. Prominent features include at least 7000km of crenulated western coastline, the immense Rocky Mountains range shadowing the eastern border, and the mighty Fraser River, which starts in the Rockies and snakes 1400km to the Pacific Ocean near Vancouver.

BC’s varied climate is influenced by latitude, elevation and ocean proximity but it’s generally warmer in the south and cooler in the north. Winters are mild in Vancouver and Victoria, with only brief snowfalls, while other regions – especially the north and the interior – are subject to freezing temperatures and heavy snow from November to March.

Spring and fall are often warm and pleasant but rainfall can be heavy, particularly on the coast. Summers (June to September) are mostly dry and sunny with warm temperatures, but the interior is hot in July and August, with temperatures surpassing 30°C. Check www.weatheroffice.pyr.ec.gc.ca for online forecasts.