When to go

Take in Vancouver's seasonal highlights

Word to the wise: If you're hoping to do a day trip to Victoria, there's great whale watching from May-Sep. During this summer period, Vancouver Island's famous Butchart Gardens will be at their most spectacular.
Noteworthy for: Vancouver has the fourth largest cruise ship terminal in the world, operating from Apr-Oct.

It might be one of the world's most livable cities, but Vancouver has both seasonal benefits and drawbacks. During spring (Apr-Jun), the city comes into bloom. It's still damp and chilly during this shoulder period, but as a bonus, it's possible to ski and golf on the same day. From Jul-Sept, the city is warm (averaging 25°C or 77°F) and dry, providing the perfect platform for the busy summer festival season.
Many locals believe that Vancouver is at its most beautiful during the fall (Oct-Dec), but this is also the low season - there'll be less crowds, but more rain, and most nearby mountain resorts are closed for hiking.

Positioned at sea-level, Vancouver receives more rain than snow during winter (Dec-Feb). It's not the nicest time to tramp around the city, but fewer crowds and easy access to ski resorts make up for it. Of course, this is also hockey season - catch a game at Rogers Arena.