The Best Times of Year to Visit British Columbia

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The summer months are, without a doubt, the most popular time to visit British Columbia. But it’s also worth considering spring and fall. During these seasons, the weather is favorable, there are fewer crowds and things cost a little less. And you can’t beat a B.C. winter if you love mountain sports!

British Columbia’s unique climate makes it a superb year-round destination. You’re sure to find fun things to do in B.C. Whether you love to ski, tour wineries, hike incredible trails, or enjoy an amazing festival.  

As a local, I enjoy my province all year round. So, I’m here to break down the best times to visit B.C. for whatever you love to do!

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When is the Best Time to Visit British Columbia

Summer is when British Columbia is at its most fun and festive. The weather is great, and everyone lives outdoors. But fall and spring offer many benefits for those who prefer fewer crowds and are on a tighter budget. And winter is perfect for hitting the slopes!

There are many factors to think about when planning your trip to British Columbia, and it’s going to be different for everyone. It depends on what you like to do, the weather you prefer, and if you’re traveling solo, with friends, or bringing the kids along. 

I’ll cover what to expect from each season. You’ll learn about the weather in different regions, incredible festivals to plan your trip around, and when to visit with children. 

When to Visit British Columbia by Region

British Columbia is a huge province with tons of cool things to do throughout the year. You can expect different climates and conditions depending on your B.C. destination and the regions you visit. 

Coastal British Columbia is a temperate rainforest. Vancouver and Vancouver Island experience mild temperatures year-round. Occasionally, there is a heat wave, cold snap, or snowfall. But temperatures rarely go above 25ºC (77ºF) or dip below freezing. 

The best time of year to visit coastal British Columbia is late spring through fall. Bring your umbrella if you plan to visit these areas. One thing in this region is consistent: the rain. 

B.C.’s Interior and Central regions have the only desert climate in the country. The best time to visit the Interior and Central regions is summer and fall.

Here, you can expect arid conditions. The summers are hot and dry. Temperatures can hover around 30ºC (86º F) in July and August. Winters are colder than the coast and see more snow. 

In British Columbia’s north, winters are long and cold with significant snowfall. Summers are short. Along coastal areas of the north, expect colder temperatures with lots of rain. The best time to visit this region is summer.

When to Visit British Columbia with Kids

Children have the best time in B.C. during the summer months. The province is full of fun places to play and beautiful outdoor spots to run wild. 

British Columbia’s big cities have the most attractions to keep the kids busy. It’s always a fun time at Vancouver’s PNE, Victoria’s Miniature World, and Kelowna’s Myra Canyon Adventure Park. 

The Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast are perfect for swimming, water sports, or hanging at the beach. And there are hundreds of provincial parks in B.C., making it THE place to go camping. 

Every city and small town has tons of community events to enjoy during the summer months. Music, entertainment, and cultural events fill the streets on the long summer days. 

👉 Pro Tip: Hoping to snag a spot at one of the many campgrounds? Be sure to check out the BC Parks website for reservations. They fill up fast, so plan well in advance. 

When to Visit British Columbia for Festivals

British Columbians love to get together and celebrate, no matter the season. The province is full of festivals celebrating food, music, film, sports and art. The list is truly endless!

B.C. festivals are in full swing during the summer months. See a modern take on Shakespeare at Bard on the Beach in Vancouver. Discover a new favorite band at Smithers Midsummer Music Festival. Marvel at sand sculptures at Parksville Beach Festival. And celebrate Pride all over the province. 

However, the fun doesn’t stop when the summer ends. Fall also has its fair share of great festivals.

Enjoy films from all over the world at the Vancouver International Film Festival. Sample top local wines at Oliver’s Festival of the Grape. Vote for your favorite chili at the Nelson Harvest Market Festival. And overindulge at Esquimalt’s Ribfest.

Winters in B.C. are chilly, but in many communities, this is an opportunity to party. Fort St. John’s High On Ice festival is a city favorite, famous for its ice carving competition. 

Vernon’s Winter Carnival is one of Canada’s longest-running winter festivals. And bed races and lumberjack shows are just some of the unique events at Fernie’s Griz Days. 

Spring starts to warm up and everyone emerges from their homes. The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the burst of pink in our parks. Local craft breweries are the toast of Penticton at the Fest-Of-Ale. 

Whistler’s World Ski and Snowboard Festival shows off the best of the mountain. And bird watchers will love Invermere’s Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival. 

British Columbia Travel Seasons

💮 Spring

Spring is a nice time to visit British Columbia. The weather is warming up, there are fewer crowds, and everything is a little more affordable. 

Some parts of the province, especially the northern cities and towns, can still see snow on the ground. Province-wide, the mountains are a winter wonderland and perfect for skiing. And it’s not uncommon to have a surprise snowfall in March or April on the coast. 

In most places, the rains have set in. Bring your umbrella! But warmer temperatures mean the flowers are always out early. 

☀️ Summer

Summer is the perfect time to visit British Columbia. The long days are warm and sunny. The beaches, hiking trails, and lakes are at their best. Festivals and farmers’ markets are in full swing. And there is nothing better than hitting a patio with a glass of local wine and a view! 

But B.C. is crowded and expensive during the summer. Hot tourist destinations like Vancouver, Victoria, and the Okanagan are costly to visit. Campgrounds are often fully booked months in advance. 

Visiting British Columbia during the summer will require a little more planning. But experiencing the province’s natural beauty during these months can’t be beaten. 

👉 Pro Tip: Wildfires have increased in parts of British Columbia over the past decade. The area in and around the Okanagan is always hit hard. Be sure to check advisories and obey all posted warnings. 

🍂 Fall

Fall is my favorite season in British Columbia. The days are still long and sunny, but there is a little chill in the air. The parks are bursting with yellow and orange. 

During the fall, hotel prices begin to ease and many crowds have left. It’s a great time to do a road trip around the province or to visit the cities. There is still a fun, summery vibe but without the tourist throngs. 

Higher elevations and the mountain passes begin to see some snow in the fall. 

👉 Pro Tip: Planning to drive B.C.’s highways? Snow tires or chains are required on all vehicles. This is in effect from October 1st to April 30th. 

❄️ Winter

The weather in British Columbia is not the best during the winter. The coastal areas of the province are some of the warmest in Canada, with an average temperature of 0-5°C (23-32°F). But it rains. A lot. 

Winters in Northern British Columbia are typically “Canadian.” Temperatures can dip into the -20’s and -30’s and there is snow on the ground for most of the season. 

But if you’re looking to hit the slopes, it’s paradise. The mountains are full of snow!

British Columbia Weather and Climate

British Columbia is located on the west coast of Canada. 25% of the world’s temperate rainforest is right here in the province. It’s absolutely breathtaking, but we’re not called the “Wet Coast” for nothing. 

B.C. is not just the coast though, and climate can vary depending on where you are. 

Coastal British Columbia

Expect temperatures to be relatively mild with a lot of rain along B.C.’s coast. Vancouver can see 146 cm of rainfall per year. Tofino gets over 300!

But temperatures don’t often dip below -5ºC (23ºF) around Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Coastal regions of the north are slightly colder. 

The wind is typical anywhere along the water. This is very welcome during the summer. But in any other season, bring your hat and gloves! Or get out your surfboard if you’re in Tofino. 

Interior and Central British Columbia

British Columbia’s Interior and Central Regions are very dry. This is what makes the area perfect for wine production! But because the summers are so hot, there is always a risk of forest fires. 

The winters aren’t as rainy as the coast, but there is more snowfall. The mountains are particularly spectacular in this area as they receive tons of snow.   

Northern British Columbia

Northern British Columbia is cold and snowy during the winter months. Temperatures can get into the -20’s, -30’s, and sometimes even -40’s! 

Summers never get too hot in this region. They stay at a pleasant 20ºC – 22ºC (68ºF – 72ºF). 

🚗 Where to Rent a Car: Getting around British Columbia by public transportation can sometimes be challenging, especially if you want to visit smaller places. Discover Cars can organize vehicle rentals that will save time and money during your trip to B.C.  

FAQs

When is the high season in British Columbia? 

Summer is the high season in British Columbia. It’s when the weather is driest and sunniest, perfect for exploring the beautiful outdoors. Campgrounds and beaches are full of families. All of the attractions are open. Everyone is dining outdoors, and festivals fill the calendar. But this also comes with higher hotel and attraction rates. 

What is the best month to go to British Columbia? 

The best month to go to British Columbia is September. The weather is still sunny and dry, but it’s a little bit cooler. Prices begin to fall, and the popular attractions are less crowded. September is the perfect time to go on a long hike or get out on the water. Visiting the cities during September is peaceful and enjoyable. 

What is the cheapest month in British Columbia?

November to March is the cheapest time to visit British Columbia (aside from the holidays). Hotels and attractions drop their rates. But your bank account will take a hit if you’re planning to ski at any of the province’s mountain resorts during these months.  

How many days do you need in British Columbia?

A minimum of two weeks is perfect for British Columbia. That will give you time to visit Vancouver and Victoria. From there, you can take several incredible day trips. Or explore other parts of the province like Whistler, the Okanagan, and Vancouver Island.  

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British Columbia is a year-round destination, and there is something for everyone here. I hope this guide has helped you figure out the perfect time for you to come to British Columbia.

Leave me a comment to let me know when you plan to visit.