Weather in Canada

Canada is the second largest country in the world, covering almost 10 million square kilometers from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts and from its southern border to the North Pole. As you might expect, the weather in Canada varies dramatically depending on your location within the country. You can literally find yourself skiing the Rockies one day and enjoying a round of golf on the Cabot Trail the next!

Below are some general guidelines on the climate of Canada. However, for more accurate and up-to-date information, the Environment Canada and The Weather Network websites are great resources.

Canadian Seasons

Spring Weather in Canada

The arrival of spring varies across the country. You can generally expect the weather to start getting warmer by April, although some areas experience spring even sooner. In Nova Scotia, the average spring temperatures range from 1 ˚C (34 ˚F) in late March to 17 ˚C (63 ˚F) by early June.

Summer Weather in Canada

Canadian summers bring the heat to many parts of the country, especially in the central and mid-western provinces. Between June and August, you can expect to find great outdoor weather for hiking, swimming or just lying on a beach. Being on the ocean, Nova Scotia’s summers are usually moderate in temperature, ranging from 14 ˚C (57 ˚F) to 28 ˚C (82 ˚F). The hottest temperatures ever recorded were 37.2 ˚C (99 ˚F) in Halifax and 36.7 ˚C (98 ˚F) in Sydney.

Fall Weather in Canada

Fall temperatures in Nova Scotia usually hover between 5C (41F) and 20C (68F), making for pleasant days and cool evenings and a perfect time for Nova Scotia's Celtic Colours International Festival in Cape Breton and the annual Nova Scotia Fall Wine Festival to take place.

Winter Weather in Canada

By late December, much of Canada is transformed into a winter wonderland, blanketed in a layer of snow. There are exceptions, particularly on the west coast, where snow is more of a rarity and golfers have been known to play throughout the season.

In Nova Scotia, the same ocean currents that keep its summers moderate also do the same in winter. Temperatures typically range from lows of -20 ˚C (-4 ˚F) to 5 ˚C (41 ˚F). Snowfall varies from year-to-year but you can expect enough to take to the ski hills or admire the snow-covered countryside by snowshoe, cross-country ski, or on a sleigh ride.