Victoria sells itself as Canada's mild city, and it is, but most visitors miss how wet the off-season gets. December has 21 rain days, and even a sunny July day turns chilly on a whale-watching boat. Pack for the water, not just the town.
Victoria 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 | 7°C45°F | 7°C45°F | 10°C50°F | 12°C54°F | 18°C64°F | 20°C68°F | 25°C77°F | 24°C75°F | 19°C66°F | 14°C57°F | 10°C50°F | 8°C46°F |
| Low | 2°C36°F | 2°C36°F | 4°C39°F | 5°C41°F | 9°C48°F | 11°C52°F | 14°C57°F | 15°C59°F | 12°C54°F | 8°C46°F | 5°C41°F | 5°C41°F |
| Rain days | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 8 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 14 | 18 | 21 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryMild but wet. Highs are 7–8°C (45–46°F) and lows 2–5°C (36–41°F), with 15 to 21 rain days a month. Snow is rare, rain isn't, so waterproof shoes and a hooded shell matter more than a heavy parka.
Spring
March–MayRain eases from 15 days in March to 8 in May, and highs climb from 10°C (50°F) to 18°C (64°F). Butchart Gardens is at its best, but mornings are cool. Layers and a rain shell cover it.
Summer
June–AugustThe dry season. July has just 1 rain day and highs of 25°C (77°F), with August close behind at 24°C (75°F). Evenings on the Inner Harbour cool to 14–15°C (57–59°F), and it's colder still out on the water, so bring a warm layer.
Fall
September–NovemberSeptember is still pleasant at a 19°C (66°F) high with 7 rain days. Then the rain returns, with 14 days in October and 18 in November, and highs drop to 10°C (50°F). Pack a waterproof and a warm mid layer.
What to bring to Victoria
0 of 19 packedWith up to 21 rain days a month in winter, a waterproof that packs into its own pocket stays in your bag all trip.
It stuffs into a pocket for the ferry, then goes on the minute the harbour drizzle starts.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Weather-sealed zips keep your camera dry on a wet walk along Dallas Road.
- A warm wrapClothing
Wrap it over your jacket on a chilly whale-watching boat, even in July.
- Dramamine Less Drowsy ChewablesHealth & Safety
One chewable lasts up to 24 hours and needs no water, which covers the ferry and a boat tour.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Visiting from abroad, its US setting fits Canada's sockets and charges five devices from one outlet.
Clothing
- Warm fleece · 1Chilly on a whale-watching boat
- Light layers · 4
- Warm hat and gloves · 1 setFor the water, even in July
- Water-resistant trousers · 1December has 21 rain days
Footwear
- Waterproof walking shoes · 1 pair
- Wool socks · 4 pairs
Gear
- Compact umbrella · 1
- Binoculars · 1Whale watching
- Sunglasses · 1
Health and toiletries
- SunscreenJuly is dry, 1 rain day
Documents and money
- Passport
- Ferry or floatplane booking
Tech
- Phone charging cable · 1
What shoes should you pack for Victoria?
Waterproof walking shoes for most of the year. You'll walk the Inner Harbour, up to Fisherman's Wharf and along the Dallas Road waterfront, and the paths stay wet from October to April. Trail shoes help if you're heading out to East Sooke or other coastal trails.
What do people wear in Victoria?
Outdoor casual. Rain jackets, fleece and jeans are everywhere, even at good restaurants. Afternoon tea at the Empress is the one place people dress up a little.
What plugs does Victoria use?
Canada uses Type A and B sockets at 120V, the same as the US. If your plugs aren't A or B, you need an adapter, and check that your chargers are dual voltage.
Tours and things to do in Victoria
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Victoria.
What should you leave at home for Victoria?
Leave the umbrella. The wind off the water flips them, and a hooded shell does the job better. Skip a big wardrobe too. Layers you can mix will cover every season here.
Packing for Victoria: questions people ask
What should I wear in Victoria in winter?
A waterproof hooded shell, a warm mid layer and waterproof shoes. Highs are 7–8°C (45–46°F) with up to 21 rain days a month.
Does it rain a lot in Victoria, BC?
From October to April, yes, with 13 to 21 rain days a month. Summer is dry, with only 1 rain day in July.
What should I wear whale watching in Victoria?
More than you think. Bring a warm layer and a windproof or waterproof shell, even in summer, because it's much colder on the water.
Do I need an umbrella in Victoria?
A hooded rain jacket works better. Wind off the harbour makes umbrellas a pain.
How warm is Victoria in summer?
July highs reach 25°C (77°F) and August 24°C (75°F), with lows of 14–15°C (57–59°F). Evenings by the water feel cooler.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.