Tourism Information

British Columbia, Canada

Tourism Information

Set between the province of Alberta and the Pacific Ocean, British Columbia is a land blessed with amazing diversity and a temperate climate. There is an equally amazing variety of places to see and things to do across the province. Mountains to gaze at or climb. History and art to discover. Endless beaches to comb. Cosmopolitan cities to explore. Moss-carpeted rainforests to hike. Sensual spas and tantalizing gastronomic delights to indulge in. Warm-water lakes to play in. Rivers to ride. And so much more.

Climate in British Columbia is a variable thing influenced by latitude, mountainous topography and the Pacific Ocean. This diversity causes wide variations in average rainfall, snowfall, temperature and hours of sunshine, sometimes over very short distances. In general, however, temperatures are warmer in the south than in the north, and rainfall is heaviest along the coast and lightest in the southern interior.

Winter
Winters on the coast are temperate, and if snow falls it doesn't stay long. A warm coat and umbrella are sufficient weather protection in these mild coastal climes. Most of BC's interior, on the other hand, experiences freezing temperatures and lasting snow from November to March, so full winter wear is necessary for comfort: a heavy coat, a warm hat and gloves or mittens.

Spring and Fall
Spring and fall can often be very warm and pleasant, especially in June and September. Daytime temperatures -particularly in southwestern BC and the southern interior- allow for dresses, shorts and short-sleeved shirts; however, it is advisable to have sweaters, trousers and a light coat or jacket on hand as well.

Summer
Summers are hottest in BC's interior, particularly in the south where temperatures frequently surpass 30°C (86°F). Nearer the coast, temperatures range from 22 to 28°C (72 to 83°F). Recommended clothing for both regions in summer is the same: shorts, short-sleeved shirts and light dresses in daytime and sweaters and trousers in the evenings.