Victoria BC Weather

Victoria has a Mediterranean type of climate, with mild, rainy winters and cool, dry summers. Daily temperatures rise above 30°C on an average of only one day per year and fall below -5°C on an average of only 2 nights per year.

During the winter, the average daily high and low temperatures are 8.2°C and 3.6°C, respectively. The summer months are equally mild, with an average high temperature of 19.6 °C and low of 11.3°C.

Victoria does experience more extreme temperatures (but only very occasionally). The highest temperature ever recorded in Victoria was 35.3°C on July 23, 2004, while the coldest temperature on record was -15.6°C on December 29, 1968. Victoria has not recorded a temperature below -10°C since 1990.

You can also call (250) 363-6717 for up to the minute weather information in Victoria.

Precipitation

Thanks to the rain shadow effect of the nearby Olympic Mountains in Washington State, Victoria is the driest location on the B.C. coast, with much lower rainfall than other nearby areas.

Total annual precipitation is just 608 mm at the Gonzales weather station in Victoria compared with 1,589 mm in Vancouver, 100 km to the north, and 3,671 mm at Port Renfrew, just 80 km away on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island. Even the Victoria Airport, 25 km north of the city, receives about 45% more precipitation than the city proper.

One of the most striking features of Victoria's climate is the distinct dry and rainy seasons. Nearly two thirds of the annual precipitation falls during the four wettest months, November to February. Precipitation in December, the wettest month (109 mm) is nearly eight times as high as in July, the driest month (14 mm).

During the summer months, Victoria is the driest major city in Canada.

Victoria averages just 26 cm of snow annually. Every few decades, Victoria receives very large snowfalls, including the more than 100 cm of snow that fell in December 1996.

On the other hand, roughly one third of winters will see virtually no snow, with less than 5 cm falling during the entire season. When snow does fall, it rarely lasts long on the ground. Victoria averages just 2-3 days per year with at least 5 cm of snow on the ground.

The rain shadow effect also means that Victoria gets more sunshine than surrounding areas. With 2,223 hours of sun annually, Victoria is one of the sunniest places in British Columbia, and gets more sunshine than most other cities in Canada except those in the southern Prairies. Often there is a break in the clouds over the Victoria area. Pilots use this "hole in the clouds" as a navigation aid, referring to it as the "blue hole".

Victoria BC Weather Through the Seasons

The temperate Victoria BC weather and climate have also added to its reputation as the "City of Gardens". With its mild temperatures and plentiful sunshine, Victoria boasts gardens that are home to many variety’s of flowers, from the cherry blossoms in January, the daffodils and tulips in March, lilacs in May, to the variety of roses and rhododendrons in the Summer and Fall...

The air smells of the aroma from the blossoms, especially during the long summer nights. Several species of palms, eucalyptus, and even certain varieties of bananas can be seen growing throughout the area's gardens.

The city takes pride in the many flowers that bloom during the winter and early spring, including crocuses, daffodils, early-blooming rhododendrons, cherry and plum trees. Every February there is an annual "flower count" in what for the rest of the country and most of the province is still having winter weather.

So, there you have it... a snapshot of Victoria BC weather. As you can see, you really need have few concerns when it comes to the Victoria BC weather. Hope you found it to be helpful in planning your visit!

This chart shows you the types of weather Victoria has throughout the year.

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