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Contents
- The climate of Banff
- The best time to visit Banff
- The worst time to visit Banff
- Spring weather in Banff
- Summer weather in Banff
- Autumn weather in Banff
- Winter weather in Banff
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
The climate of Banff
Banff, a Canadian town located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, is characterised by a Tundra climate, identified as ET according to the Köppen climate classification. The Tundra climate implies long, brutal winters and brief, mild summers, which is quite accurate for Banff. With temperatures ranging from a low of -15.9°C (3.4°F) in February to a high of 17°C (62.6°F) in July, the climate is profoundly influenced by cold temperatures.
Relative humidity starts at 91% in January, steadily declining to a minimum of 62% by August before increasing again towards the end of the year. Rainfall is heaviest between May to August, peaking at 116mm (4.57") in June. Remarkably, snowfall is a regular feature from October to April, with the heaviest fall recorded in March at 324mm (12.76"), illustrating the harsh winter conditions.
Banff experiences a notable change in daylight hours, starting from a minimum of 8 hours in January and peaking to a maximum of 16.5 hours in June. The amount of sunshine follows a similar pattern, surging from 5 hours of sunshine per day in December and January to a maximum of 11 hours in August. Despite this, the UV index remains low throughout the year, signifying lesser risk of skin damage from the sun. The steady increase in visibility from 7km (4.3mi) in the winter months to 9km (5.6mi) in the summer months further denotes the stark contrast between the seasons.
While the amount of cloud cover fluctuates moderately throughout the year, wind speeds remain consistently high, more so in the winter months. The average wind speed varies between 7.2km/h (4.5mph) in August to 11.2km/h (7mph) in January, with gusts reaching speeds of up to 19.3km/h (12mph) in December. This, coupled with low temperatures, can result in significantly cold wind chill effects during the winter months.
Relative humidity starts at 91% in January, steadily declining to a minimum of 62% by August before increasing again towards the end of the year. Rainfall is heaviest between May to August, peaking at 116mm (4.57") in June. Remarkably, snowfall is a regular feature from October to April, with the heaviest fall recorded in March at 324mm (12.76"), illustrating the harsh winter conditions.
Banff experiences a notable change in daylight hours, starting from a minimum of 8 hours in January and peaking to a maximum of 16.5 hours in June. The amount of sunshine follows a similar pattern, surging from 5 hours of sunshine per day in December and January to a maximum of 11 hours in August. Despite this, the UV index remains low throughout the year, signifying lesser risk of skin damage from the sun. The steady increase in visibility from 7km (4.3mi) in the winter months to 9km (5.6mi) in the summer months further denotes the stark contrast between the seasons.
While the amount of cloud cover fluctuates moderately throughout the year, wind speeds remain consistently high, more so in the winter months. The average wind speed varies between 7.2km/h (4.5mph) in August to 11.2km/h (7mph) in January, with gusts reaching speeds of up to 19.3km/h (12mph) in December. This, coupled with low temperatures, can result in significantly cold wind chill effects during the winter months.
The best time to visit Banff
Picking the best time to visit Banff greatly depends on the activities planned. For travelers interested in hiking or enjoying lush landscapes, the best time to visit Banff is from June to August. These months are the warmest in Banff, with temperatures ranging from 12.4°C (54.3°F) to 17°C (62.6°F). The considerable rainfall during these months also allows lush vegetation to thrive, making for picturesque landscapes. Additionally, these months have the longest daylight hours, contributing to more time for activities and exploration.
The worst time to visit Banff
The months of January and February are arguably the most challenging time to visit Banff. With temperatures plunging to between -13.9°C (7°F) and -15.9°C (3.4°F), along with heavy snow, the conditions can be harsh for those not accustomed to extreme winter weather. Moreover, these months also witness the shortest daylight hours, with an average of 8.5 hours to 10 hours, and the least amount of sunshine, further intensifying the extreme winter conditions.
Spring weather in Banff
In Banff, spring ushers in a season of transformation. From March to May, temperatures steadily rise from -2.5°C (27.5°F) to 7.9°C (46.2°F). Rainfall starts to increase, with the monthly average ranging from 37mm (1.46") in March to 90mm (3.54") in May. However, snowfall is still significant during the spring months, tapering off from 324mm (12.76") in March to 115mm (4.53") in May. The increase in daylight hours from 11.9 hours in March to 15.6 hours in May provides more opportunities for outings and exploration.
Summer weather in Banff
Summer in Banff, from June to August, is marked by moderate temperatures, abundant rain, and extended daylight hours. Temperatures throughout these months range from 12.4°C (54.3°F) to 17°C (62.6°F), offering a pleasant respite from the harsh winters. Rainfall peaks in June at 116mm (4.57"), providing a lush, green landscape. However, snowfall is almost non-existent during these months. The extended daylight hours, peaking at 16.5 hours in June, provide ample time for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Banff
Autumn, from September to November, in Banff, sees a significant drop in temperatures, from 11.5°C (52.7°F) to -3.8°C (25.2°F). While rainfall decreases progressively from 39mm (1.54") in September to 31mm (1.22") in November, snowfall begins to pick up, marking the onset of winter. Snowfall starts from 61mm (2.4") in September to 217mm (8.54") in November. Despite reduced daylight hours, a substantial amount of sunshine is still available, ranging from 8.8 hours in September to 5.4 hours in November.
Winter weather in Banff
Winter, from December to February, is long and severe in Banff. Temperatures drop to as low as -15.9°C (3.4°F) in February, creating chilling conditions. During these months, snowfall is a regular occurrence, increasing from 177mm (6.97") in December to a peak of 272mm (10.71") in February. Despite the harsh conditions, winter sports enthusiasts might find this period ideal for activities like skiing and snowboarding. However, daylight hours fall to a minimum of 8 hours, limiting the time available for outdoor activities.
Weather in January
A new year in Banff, Canada begins with the long winter nights and bone-chilling cold. January showcases a snow-covered landscape, inviting enthusiasts of winter sports. There's a slight increase in snowfall from 142mm (5.59") to 174mm (6.85") transitioning toward February. Weather in January »
Weather in February
As the last full month of winter, February offers the highest snowfall of 272mm (10.71"), enabling winter sports enthusiasts to fully engage in their outdoor activities. Despite the cold temperature dipping to -15.9°C (3.4°F), longer daylight hours compared to January offer more opportunities to appreciate the stunning sight of the snow-covered Rockies. Weather in February »
Weather in March
Educating a bit of relief from the freezing temperatures, March paves the way for the initiation of spring in Banff. The snow starts to melt with the increase in temperature yet offers plenty for winter sports. The shift in season is accompanied by an increase in daylight hours, being the first month with more than 11 hours of daylight. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the arrival of spring in Banff, with the landscape transforming from white to shades of green. An increase in temperature to 1.6°C (34.9°F) along with 324mm (12.76") of melting snow indicates the warming days. This transition month from Winter to Spring presents a unique blend of weather patterns. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May brings a bout of freshness as the temperature continues to rise, and the town gears up for the warmer months. The weather conditions in May are typically mild, with more hours of sunshine than any preceding month. May stands as the month witnessing the largest number of rainy days, indicating the transition from a snowy landscape to a lush verdant one. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June ushers in summer, adding more vibrancy to Banff’s attractions with the highest visibility of 9 km. With the warmest minimum temperature of the year at 3.1°C (37.6°F), most of the outdoor attractions get a boost. Wildlife becomes more active; wildlife spotting adventures thrive in the splendid weather of June. Weather in June »
Weather in July
As the apex of summer, July displays the warmest weather conditions with a maximum temperature soaring to 17°C (62.6°F). The warmth is coupled with the lowest humidity of 64% throughout the year. This is Banff's best time for outdoor activities, courtesy of the lovely weather and impressive natural scenery. Weather in July »
Weather in August
August continues the summertime pattern with a maximum temperature of 16.9°C (62.4°F), only a slight drop from July's warmth. This is the driest month of the year, combined with a slight drop in relative humidity. While the temperature remains comfortable, the length of daylight begins to shorten. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September ushers in autumn, with cold nights making their presence felt. Despite the declining temperature, the pleasant weather permits a variety of outdoor activities, given the moderate rainfall of 39mm (1.54"). The average visibility stretches back to 9 km, maintaining the perfect conditions for wildlife spotting and hiking. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in Banff witnesses an accelerated transition into winter. The temperatures continue to decrease, bringing back the chill in the air. An increased snowfall of 179mm (7.05") in October indicates the upcoming hibernation period. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November witnesses a sharp dip in temperature, dropping to -11°C (12.2°F), marking the initiation of stern winter months. With extended snowfall periods totalling 217mm (8.54"), November sets the stage for the winter season. Weather in November »
Weather in December
December, known as the coldest month with a low temperature of -15.4°C (4.3°F), blankets Banff in a winter wonderland. With snowfall reaching 177mm (6.97"), the town is all about winter festivities and activities. The daylight hours are minimal, and the temperature remains sub-zero, marking the peak of winter. Weather in December »
Updated: Aug 12, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What are the most humid months?
The months with the highest humidity in Banff are January and February, with an average relative humidity of 91%.
What is the driest month?
The month with the least rainfall is January, when the rain falls for 9.9 days and typically collects 18mm (0.71") of precipitation.
How many days does it rain?
In Banff, during the entire year, the rain falls for 166.4 days and collects up to 589mm (23.19") of precipitation.
When does it snow?
Months with snowfall are January through June, September through December.
How many days does it snow?
In Banff, during the entire year, snow falls for 133.1 days and aggregates up to 1671mm (65.79") of snow.
What are the months with the least sunshine in Banff?
The months with the least sunshine are January and December, with an average of 4.8h of sunshine.
What is the month with the lowest UV index?
The months with the lowest UV index are January through March, October and November, with an average maximum UV index of 1.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
On Sunday, 10. March 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from MST to MDT. Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, 03. November 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from MDT to MST.
When does it snow the most?
April is the month with the most snowfall in Banff. Snow falls for 17.3 days and accumulates 324mm (12.76") of snow.
What is the rainiest month?
The month with the most rainfall is June, when the rain falls for 22.5 days and typically aggregates up to 116mm (4.57") of precipitation.
When are the longest days?
The month with the longest days in Banff is June, with an average of 16h and 30min of daylight.
What is the warmest month?
Banff's July weather, with an average high temperature of 17°C (62.6°F) and an average low temperature of 6°C (42.8°F), tends to be the warmest of the year.
When it does not snow?
July and August are months without snowfall.
What is the month with the highest UV index?
July is the month with the highest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 4.
What is the least humid month?
The least humid month is August, with an average relative humidity of 62%.
What month has the most sunshine in Banff?
The month with the most sunshine is August, with an average of 11h of sunshine.
What is the coldest time of year?
The coldest temperatures occur during December, when averages reach a peak of -8.1°C (17.4°F) and a low of -15.4°C (4.3°F).
What is the month with the shortest days?
December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 8h and 0min of daylight.
Average temperature
Banff, Canada
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (17°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (-8.1°C).
- Average low temperature in January:
-13.9°C - Average low temperature in February:
-15.9°C - Average low temperature in March:
-10.9°C - Average low temperature in April:
-7.2°C - Average low temperature in May:
-1.4°C - Average low temperature in June:
3.1°C
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (6°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (-15.9°C).
Average pressure
Banff, Canada
- Average pressure in January:
1019.7mbar - Average pressure in February:
1019.3mbar - Average pressure in March:
1015.8mbar - Average pressure in April:
1014.5mbar - Average pressure in May:
1014mbar - Average pressure in June:
1011.7mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1013.9mbar - Average pressure in August:
1013.8mbar - Average pressure in September:
1014.5mbar - Average pressure in October:
1015.9mbar - Average pressure in November:
1017.2mbar - Average pressure in December:
1019.8mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is December (1019.8mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (1011.7mbar).
Average wind speed
Banff, Canada
- Average wind speed in January:
11.2km/h - Average wind speed in February:
9.4km/h - Average wind speed in March:
9.6km/h - Average wind speed in April:
8.6km/h - Average wind speed in May:
7.5km/h - Average wind speed in June:
7.8km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
7.5km/h - Average wind speed in August:
7.2km/h - Average wind speed in September:
8.4km/h - Average wind speed in October:
9.6km/h - Average wind speed in November:
10.8km/h - Average wind speed in December:
10.7km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (11.2km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (7.2km/h).
Average humidity
Banff, Canada
The months with the highest relative humidity are January and February (91%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is August (62%).
Average rainfall
Banff, Canada
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (116mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (18mm).
Average rainfall days
Banff, Canada
- Average rainfall days in January:
9.9 days - Average rainfall days in February:
10.2 days - Average rainfall days in March:
10.8 days - Average rainfall days in April:
14.3 days - Average rainfall days in May:
19.8 days - Average rainfall days in June:
22.5 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
17.5 days - Average rainfall days in August:
14.1 days - Average rainfall days in September:
13.4 days - Average rainfall days in October:
11.7 days - Average rainfall days in November:
11.5 days - Average rainfall days in December:
10.7 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (22.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (9.9 days).
Average snowfall
Banff, Canada
- Average snowfall in January:
142mm - Average snowfall in February:
174mm - Average snowfall in March:
272mm - Average snowfall in April:
324mm - Average snowfall in May:
115mm - Average snowfall in June:
10mm
The month with the highest snowfall is April (324mm).
The months with the least snowfall are July and August (0mm).
Average snowfall days
Banff, Canada
- Average snowfall days in January:
18.4 days - Average snowfall days in February:
18.8 days - Average snowfall days in March:
21.2 days - Average snowfall days in April:
17.3 days - Average snowfall days in May:
6.8 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0.7 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0.1 days - Average snowfall days in September:
2.1 days - Average snowfall days in October:
11.1 days - Average snowfall days in November:
17.6 days - Average snowfall days in December:
19 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is March (21.2 days).
The month with the least snowfall days is July (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Banff, Canada
- Average daylight in January:
8h and 3min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 0min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 5min - Average daylight in May:
15h and 4min - Average daylight in June:
16h and 3min
- Average daylight in July:
16h and 0min - Average daylight in August:
14h and 3min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 4min - Average daylight in October:
10h and 4min - Average daylight in November:
8h and 5min - Average daylight in December:
8h and 0min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 16h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 0min).
- Average sunshine in January:
4h and 5min - Average sunshine in February:
5h and 2min - Average sunshine in March:
6h and 4min - Average sunshine in April:
7h and 3min - Average sunshine in May:
9h and 0min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 5min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 5min - Average sunshine in August:
11h and 0min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 5min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 4min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 2min - Average sunshine in December:
4h and 5min
The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 11h and 0min).
The months with the least sunshine are January and December (Average sunshine: 4h and 48min).
Average sunshine days
Banff, Canada
- Average sunshine days in January:
12.2 days - Average sunshine days in February:
9.7 days - Average sunshine days in March:
7.6 days - Average sunshine days in April:
5.8 days - Average sunshine days in May:
6.3 days - Average sunshine days in June:
4.3 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
8.3 days - Average sunshine days in August:
12.1 days - Average sunshine days in September:
13.4 days - Average sunshine days in October:
13.2 days - Average sunshine days in November:
10.4 days - Average sunshine days in December:
12.1 days
The month with the most sunshine days is September (13.4 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (4.3 days).
Average UV index
Banff, Canada
The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 4).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, October and November (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Banff, Canada
The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 58).
The month with the least cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 25).
Average visibility
Banff, Canada
The months with the highest visibility are June, July, August, September and October (9km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April and December (7km).
Banff, Canada
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