Victoria Holiday Weather Overview
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia, and sits at the southern tip of Vancouver Island in western Canada. Originally an outpost for the Hudson’s Bay company, the city’s British heritage is evident in its architecture, the horse drawn carriages and the tea rooms. Today, however, it is a vibrant and cosmopolitan destination with a wide choice of museums, galleries and attractions.
Victoria’s Climate
Victoria has one of the mildest climates in Canada, and has the distinction of being the only city to report a winter where the temperature did not dip below freezing. With mild, wet winters and cool summers, the city’s gardens boast plants which don’t grow anywhere else in Canada, including palms and bananas. Victoria lies in the rain shadow of the nearby Olympic mountains, which means it receives significantly less rainfall than other areas of western Canada.
Victoria in Spring
Spring comes early to Victoria and its many gardens and green spaces are a delight at this time. Bulbs bloom in February and cherry blossoms in March. The city stages an annual “flower count” in February, as a light-hearted way of drawing attention to the fact that they are in spring while the rest of the country is still in winter.
Expect daily highs of 11°C in March, rising to 16°C in May. Evenings can still be chilly, however, so take layered clothing if you’re visiting Victoria in spring.
Victoria in Summer
Victoria’s summers are warm but not hot. Average daily highs rise from 18°C in June to 21°C in August, although nights remain on the cool side at around 11°C. There is plenty of sunshine, and only a little, occasional rain. Summer is the peak tourist season, however, so the city can become busy.
Summer is also the best time for whale watching off the coast of Victoria, with killer whales, grey whales, humpbacks and minke whales all in the offshore waters.
If you’re visiting Victoria in the summer, take lightweight summer clothing but something with long sleeves for the evenings. Don’t forget your sunglasses!
Victoria in Autumn
Autumn is a lovely season to visit Victoria. September is still warm and dry, but autumn proper arrives in October, as the foliage changes colour and the air cools. With average daily highs of 14°C in October, falling to 9°C in November, it’s good weather for exploring the coast and for sailing too. Bring an umbrella as the rain starts to pick up now, and bring layered clothing so that you can adapt to changing temperatures.
Victoria in Winter
Victoria’s winters are very mild for Canada. Average daily highs reach around 7°C throughout the winter months, with overnight lows of 3°C. Temperatures will fall below freezing on only around 10 days in the year, and one third of winters see now snow. When snow does fall, it rarely lingers long in the city. Winter in Victoria is the ideal time to explore the city’s museums and historical attractions.
Best months to visit Victoria?
June and May are the best month to go for holiday or travel to Victoria. The Victoria weather averages gathered from Victoria weather forecast and Victoria weather history also forecast these months temperature to be around 18°c and average of 223.9333 hours of sunshine in a month.
Coldest months of Victoria?
February and December are the coldest months with temperature at around 3°c.
Which months receive most rainfall in Victoria?
November and January receive most rainfall with precipitation count of 176.33mm.
Travelling to Victoria? Check out our Weather averages of Victoria to better plan your holiday or travel.
If you would just like to know what the weather was for a past dates for research or education or you are just curious then visit our historical weather of Victoria section.