Most people pack a heavy coat for Vancouver and get caught by the rain instead. Winters are mild, with highs of 6–8°C (43–46°F), but from October to April it rains on 14 to 23 days a month, often the steady, all-day kind. A real waterproof shell and shoes that stay dry matter more than any outfit.
Vancouver weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 6°C43°F | 6°C43°F | 9°C48°F | 12°C54°F | 16°C61°F | 19°C66°F | 23°C73°F | 23°C73°F | 19°C66°F | 13°C55°F | 9°C48°F | 8°C46°F |
| Low | 1°C34°F | 1°C34°F | 3°C37°F | 5°C41°F | 9°C48°F | 12°C54°F | 15°C59°F | 15°C59°F | 12°C54°F | 8°C46°F | 4°C39°F | 3°C37°F |
| Rain days | 16 | 16 | 19 | 14 | 10 | 9 | 2 | 6 | 10 | 17 | 19 | 23 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryDamp and chilly, not frozen. Highs sit at 6–8°C (43–46°F) with lows of 1–3°C (34–37°F), and December is the wettest month with 23 rain days. Pack a warm mid layer under a waterproof shell, plus a hat. If you're heading up Grouse Mountain or out to Whistler, ski gear is a separate bag.
Spring
March–MaySlow to warm up. March is 9°C (48°F) with lows of 3°C (37°F) and 19 rain days, then May reaches 16°C (61°F) as the rain eases to 10 days. Keep the shell and a warm layer through April, when the cherry blossoms are out.
Summer
June–AugustThe best months, with highs of 19–23°C (66–73°F). July is the driest month at just 2 rain days, and August has 6. Evenings drop to 12–15°C (54–59°F), so bring a light fleece for the seawall and Stanley Park after dark.
Fall
September–NovemberSeptember is still pleasant at 19°C (66°F) with 10 rain days. Then the rain comes back hard, 17 days in October and 19 in November, while highs fall to 9°C (48°F). By October you want the waterproof shell and a warm layer back.
What to bring to Vancouver
0 of 20 packedFrom October to April it rains on 14 to 23 days a month, so a waterproof shell that packs into its own pocket is the first thing that goes in the bag.
A light, packable women's rain shell for Vancouver's showers. Easy to keep in a day bag.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Weather sealing on the main compartment and zippers keeps your laptop and layers dry through Vancouver's steady drizzle.
- A warm wrapClothing
A wool or cashmere wrap handles chilly evenings by the water and doubles as a blanket on the flight in.
- Hydro Flask 18 oz Standard Mouth Bottle with Flex CapWater Bottles & Hydration
It keeps coffee hot for 12 hours on a chilly, wet day walking Gastown and Granville Island, and it fits a bag's side pocket.
For a long-haul flight into Vancouver from Europe or Asia, firm 20-30 mmHg compression helps with swollen legs, and it works on long walking days too.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
US plugs fit as they are, but UK, European and Australian visitors need one, and this adds five USB ports so the room charges off one outlet.
Clothing
- Warm fleece or insulated mid-layer · 1Winter highs of 6–8°C
- Long-sleeve base layers · 3
- Long pants or jeans · 2
- Light tees · 3Jul–Aug highs of 23°C
- Warm hat and gloves · 1 setNov–Mar
Footwear
- Waterproof walking shoes or boots · 1 pairRain 14–23 days a month Oct–Apr
- Comfortable sneakers · 1 pairFor the dry July–August stretch
Gear
- Compact umbrella
- Waterproof daypack cover
Health and toiletries
- SunscreenSummer
Documents and money
- Passport
- Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
- eTA or visa if requiredCheck Canada's entry rules
What shoes should you pack for Vancouver?
Wet pavement, wet trails, wet everything. Bring waterproof walking shoes or boots for downtown and the Stanley Park seawall, and something with grip if you're hiking Lynn Canyon or the Grouse Grind. Knit and canvas sneakers soak through here from October to April.
What do people wear in Vancouver?
Vancouver is casual and outdoorsy. Rain jackets, fleece, jeans and waterproof boots are what most people wear, even to dinner. Layers matter because you'll go from wet streets in Gastown to warm cafes and back.
What plugs does Vancouver use?
Canada uses type A and B sockets at 120V, the same as the US. US plugs fit directly, and UK, European and Australian travelers need an adapter, which the universal adapter covers. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 120V.
Tours and things to do in Vancouver
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Vancouver.
What should you leave at home for Vancouver?
Leave the heavy parka, winter in the city is wet, not frozen. Skip the umbrella-only plan too, a hooded shell works better in wind and drizzle. And skip suede and canvas shoes, they stay wet for days.
Packing for Vancouver: questions people ask
Does it rain a lot in Vancouver?
Yes, mostly from October to April, with 14 to 23 rain days a month and December the wettest at 23. Summer is much drier, and July gets just 2.
What should I wear in Vancouver in summer?
Light layers for days of 19–23°C (66–73°F) and a fleece for evenings around 12–15°C (54–59°F). July is the driest month with 2 rain days.
What should I wear in Vancouver in winter?
A warm layer under a waterproof shell, plus waterproof shoes and a hat. Highs are 6–8°C (43–46°F) and lows 1–3°C (34–37°F), so it's wet and chilly rather than freezing, and December brings 23 rain days.
What shoes should I bring to Vancouver?
Waterproof walking shoes or boots. Streets and trails stay wet from October to April, and knit or canvas sneakers soak through fast.
Do I need an adapter in Vancouver?
Not if you're from the US. Canada uses type A and B plugs at 120V, so UK, European and Australian travelers need one.
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