The climate of Edmonton
Edmonton, situated on the central region of
Canada, is classified under the Köppen climate classification as Dfb. This evaluation indicates a humid continental climate with no dry season and a warm summer. A close observation of the weather data attests to a vast array of weather conditions experienced through the year.
Temperatures fluctuate across the year, with the lowest point of -15.1°C (4.8°F) recorded in
February and the highest record hitting 22.6°C (72.7°F) in
July. This wide range signifies a significant seasonal contrast typical of the humid continental climate. Edmonton does not miss out on the dose of humidity, peaking at 92% in
March while recording the lowest humidity at 60% in
May.
Understandably, Edmonton sees varied amounts of rainfall. May leads the way with 43mm (1.69") recorded, ahead of
June and July. The least rainfall is logged in February at 8mm (0.31") and
December at 9mm (0.35"). Edmonton residents are familiar with the sight of snow, with
January and December featuring the most snowfall at 73mm (2.87") and 70mm (2.76"), respectively. Nonetheless, Edmonton also experiences noteworthy levels of sunshine, particularly from June through
August, with daylight hours exceeding 16 hours a day.
The best time to visit Edmonton
While
Edmonton's climatic conditions tend to vary from month to month, the city appears at its best from
June to
August. During these months, visitors can take pleasure in an average temperature that ranges from 20°C (68°F) to 22.6°C (72.7°F). Couple this with over 16 hours of daylight, and it creates the perfect window to explore the city exhaustively.
During this peak period, there is decreased cloud coverage, ensuring higher visibility of 9km (5.6mi) to 10km (6.2mi). As summer kicks in, the UV index surges to 5, calling for sun protection as visitors explore the city. Despite the rise in rainfall from 43mm (1.69") in
May to 74mm (2.91") in June and a subsequent decrease to 37mm (1.46") in August, it is not enough to dull the allure of summer in Edmonton.
The worst time to visit Edmonton
The most unfavorable time to visit
Edmonton would be between
December and
February. During these months, temperatures are frigid, plummeting to lows between -13.6°C (7.5°F) and -7.3°C (18.9°F). Daylight hours are minimal, barely exceeding 8 hours a day. Sunshine hours reduce significantly, shrinking to an average of 4 to 4.8 hours.
Furthermore, snowfall becomes a common feature, especially in
January when 73mm (2.87") of snow is recorded. High relative humidity, reaching 89% to 91%, compounds the chilling temperatures during these winter months. Consequently, winters in Edmonton may be less appealing to visitors.
Spring weather in Edmonton
Springtime in
Edmonton, taking place from
March to
May, ushers in a warming pattern. Temperatures inch up from -1.6°C (29.1°F) in March to a pleasant 16.4°C (61.5°F) by May. It is a welcome reprieve from the winter cold. The moderate temperatures are complemented by a decrease in relative humidity from 92% in March to 60% in May.
Rainfall begins to pick up during this period with 13mm (0.51") observed in March and reaching 43mm (1.69") in May. Sunshine isn't left out either, as the city enjoys 4.2 to 9.9 hours of sunshine daily across the spring months. Despite daily snowfall decreasing to 1.6 days in May, there are still 18mm (0.71") of snowfall recorded then.
Summer weather in Edmonton
Summer in
Edmonton stretches from
June to
August, characterized by long daylight hours and pleasant temperatures. From June to August, the temperatures savor highs of 22.6°C (72.7°F) in
July and lows of 10.5°C (50.9°F) in August.
Rainfall peaks in June with 74mm (2.91") but then eases down, reaching 37mm (1.46") in August. Meanwhile, the city luxuriates in plenty of sunlight with daily sunshine hours crossing the 10-hour mark. It's important to note that UV index increases to 5, reflecting the need for sun protection during summer. Unfortunately, the snowfall disappears completely during the summer months.
Autumn weather in Edmonton
Autumn descends on
Edmonton from
September to
November. During this period, a cooling trend becomes evident with temperatures registering a high of 17.3°C (63.1°F) in September and then falling to -1.1°C (30°F) in November.
Rainfall is modest, dropping from 23mm (0.91") in September to 14mm (0.55") in November. The sunshine hours decline progressively as daylight hours diminish. It's noteworthy that snowfall reappears during this season, starting with 18mm (0.71") in September and rising to 90mm (3.54") in November.
Winter weather in Edmonton
Winter in
Edmonton spans from
December to
February, characterized by cold temperatures and frequent snowfall. Temperatures are consistently low, with February witnessing the coldest conditions at -15.1°C (4.8°F).
Throughout these winter months, snowfall totals between 64mm (2.52") and 73mm (2.87"). The short days yield 7.6 to 8.2 hours of daylight, while sunshine is limited to 4 to 4.4 hours a day. Despite this, Edmonton's winter displays its unique beauty that locals and intrepid visitors can enjoy.
Weather in January
Cold descends upon
Edmonton in
January with robust might. The chill penetrates every corner of the city. Between frequent snowfall, days are characterized by decreased daylight hours and a pronounced layer of clouds, enveloping the city with a consistent, cozy gloom.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February continues to keep
Edmonton under its cold grasp, though the daylight hours slowly begin to increase. Snowfall persists, laying a thick blanket over the city. The winds grow slightly milder, setting the stage for a relatively calmer period.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March announces the onset of a gradual return to slightly warmer temperatures for
Edmonton. The weather exhibits an increased propensity for rainfall compared to previous months, a soft introduction to the upcoming spring season.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the beginning of
Edmonton's transition from the harsh winter to the more gentle spring season. Snowfall becomes considerably less frequent, replaced by a rising trend of rainfall. The advent of longer daylight hours imbues Edmonton with a discernible touch of vibrancy.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings the full onset of spring to
Edmonton, infusing the city with breaths of fresh air, warmer temperatures, and a refreshing surge in natural beauty. The increased prevalence of rainfall significantly contributes to this vivid transformation.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June,
Edmonton truly steps into the warmth of summer. Nature at this time is in full bloom, no doubt aided by the cumulative increase in rainfall since the beginning of the year. The sun stays up the longest during June, offering ample opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Edmonton is characterized by summer heat amplified by lengthy sunshine hours. The prevalence of rainfall sees a considerable increment from the previous month, enhancing the fresh, lively atmosphere of the city. The peak of summer activity is evident in bustling outdoor events and vibrant natural landscapes.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August carries forward the warm weather trends of
July in
Edmonton. However, daylight hours begin to shorten, signaling the gradual approach of the fall season. Rainfall decreases back down after the high of the previous month. Despite these changes, temperatures remain high, occasionally reaching up to 22.4°C (72.3°F) in some instances. The weather in Edmonton during August records an average high-temperature of a still pleasant 22.4°C (72.3°F), closely mirroring the preceding month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in the fall season in
Edmonton, noticeable in the gradually lowering temperatures and changing foliage. Whilst rainfall lessens, daylight hours continue to shorten, making way for longer, cooler nights. September exudes a calm solemnity indicative of the changing seasons.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Edmonton showcases the full onset of autumn. Rainfall continues its downward trend, contributing to the crisp coolness of the weather. Coupled with fewer hours of daylight, the city is steeped in an atmosphere of quiet tranquility.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Edmonton unveils the approaching winter season with a stark drop in temperatures and daylight hours. Rainfall is scarce, while snowfall begins to mark its presence. The days are usually characterized by a crisp, frosty chill and a graying sky.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the arrival of winter in its full glory in
Edmonton. The city is dominated by snowfall, freezing temperatures, and substantially decreased daylight hours. The scarce sunshine and shorter days encourage a cosy, slower rhythm of life.
Weather in December »