Banff Adventures - Seasonal Banff Vacations Weather

Climate

The seasonal weather throughout the Canadian Rockies and around Banff is extremely variable due to high elevation and rugged topography.

Source: Town of Banff

Winter

Although it can and does snow at any time of the year, the first snow generally begins to fall in November. The average temperature during the winter months is around -12º C (6º F); however it is not unusual to have a two-week cold snap during December or January where temperatures plummet into the -30º C/F range. Fortunately Banff and areas west and south regularly receive a welcome weather phenomenon called a Chinook, where warm winds produce spring-like temperatures in a matter of hours, which can last for days or even weeks.

Spring

Rain and warming temperatures begin to melt winter away from the valleys in April; however snow does not leave the mountain passes until mid-summer. June is Banff's rainiest month: this combined with snowmelt pushes the rivers to their crest.

Summer

The summer season usually has low humidity, warm temperatures and daylight hours lasting until 11:00 p.m. at the height of the summer equinox. Average highs are about 21º C (70º F) with lows around 7º C (45º F).

Fall

Fall sees diminishing daylight hours and warm days with cooling evening winds. Average temperatures are dropping, but highs remain well above freezing and lows hover right around freezing.