The climate of Kelowna
Kelowna, located in
Canada, is classified under the Köppen climate system as Dfc: Subarctic, synonymous with severe winters, cool summers and a distinct absence of any dry season. This climate classification characterizes the city with a striking array of weather conditions throughout the year.
Addressing temperature first, it fluctuates noticeably from -9.5°C (14.9°F) in the coldest months (
January and
February) to 24.4°C (75.9°F) during the warmest month (
August). This multidimensional climate transitions suggestively from significantly cold winters to moderately warm summers. Reflecting on rainfall, there is a discernible pattern of moisture distribution. The highest precipitation is documented at 45mm (1.77") in
May, and the lowest is marked at 13mm (0.51") in August. Furthermore, snowfall is prominent during the colder months specifically from
November to
April with the highest recordings at 108mm (4.25") in February.
Kelowna's relative humidity ranges considerably between monthly averages of 55% in August to a saturated 93% in January. The city offers varying daylight hours from a low of approximately 8.2 hours in the darkest month,
December, up to about 16.3 hours in
June, the city's longest day period. Culminating the climatic scenario with wind speed, it fluctuates slightly with an average monthly high of 7.4km/h (4.6mph) achieved in November, and the lowest average at 5.7km/h (3.5mph) during the month of August.
Exceptional weather occurrences in Kelowna are mainly related to its wide-ranging climatic patterns. Specifically, the city experiences an intense winter season with significant snowfall and freezing-temperatures spanning from November till April. Conversely, the city vividly transforms during the warm summer months with a perceptible decline in precipitation, suggesting a relatively drier atmosphere.
The best time to visit Kelowna
Judicious consideration of the climatic parameters suggests that summer, earmarked mainly by the months from
June to
August, signifies the most favorable time to visit
Kelowna. During this period, temperatures usually maintain a comfortable bracket from 18.9°C (66°F) to 24.4°C (75.9°F). The city experiences the least rainfall during these warmer months with figures bottoming at 13mm (0.51") in August. Sunshine hours also peak during the summer, providing between approximately 11.1 hours to 11.9 hours of sunlight per day.
The worst time to visit Kelowna
Conversely, the least ideal time to venture to
Kelowna would be during the severe winter months from
November to
March. Temperatures plunge significantly, reaching lows of -9.5°C (14.9°F) to -9.8°C (14.4°F), making it unbearably chilly especially for outdoor exploration. Additionally, think layers of snow blanket the city, peaking anywhere between 48mm (1.89") to 108mm (4.25").
Spring weather in Kelowna
The spring season in
Kelowna, starting in
March and ending in
May, can be characterized by slow warming and increasing precipitation. Temperatures start to climb, with lows moving up from -5.7°C (21.7°F) in March to a more moderate 2.9°C (37.2°F) by May. Correspondingly, highs also show a climb from 2.8°C (37°F) in March up to 15.9°C (60.6°F) in May. Rainfall sees a significant increase during this time, growing from 29mm (1.14") in March to a hefty 45mm (1.77") in May.
Summer weather in Kelowna
Summers in
Kelowna, broadly encompassing
June through
August, are characterized by warm temperatures and short spells of precipitation. Average highs range from to 18.9°C (66°F) in June up to 24.4°C (75.9°F) in August. Rainfall subsides to a moderate 44mm (1.73") in June and fades to a low of 13mm (0.51") by August.
Autumn weather in Kelowna
Autumn, falling between
September and
November, features gradually lowering temperatures earmarked by a damp atmosphere. Temperatures dwindle from highs of 18.5°C (65.3°F) in September to just 1.9°C (35.4°F) by November. Correspondingly, lows dip from 5°C (41°F) in September down to a chilling -5°C (23°F) in November. Rainfall remains rather constant during this period hovering around 22mm (0.87") to 29mm (1.14").
Winter weather in Kelowna
Winter in
Kelowna, stretching from
December to
February, brings along cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. Average maximum temperatures plummet from -2.6°C (27.3°F) in December to a low of -9.5°C (14.9°F) in
January, followed by a slight rise to -2°C (28.4°F) in February. Snowfall paints the cityscape white with constant layers of snow ranging from 100mm (3.94") in December, peaking at 108mm (4.25") in February, before easing up to 67mm (2.64") by
March.
Weather in January
January in
Kelowna,
Canada, is characterized by long, frosty nights and relatively brief days. The climate is typically cold, with high temperature averaging -2°C (28.4°F) and the nights becoming chillier at -9.5°C (14.9°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
February's weather is similar to that of
January, albeit with slightly milder temperatures. The snowfall decreases, and the city prepares for the upcoming season of spring. This month witnesses a slight increase in daylight, hinting at the lengthier days to come.
Weather in February » Weather in March
In
March, the weather in
Kelowna starts transforming, marking the onset of spring. The average temperature rises to 2.8°C (37°F), and the city bid goodbyes to the intense snow phases of winter. Days become longer, and the snow showers rapidly moderate to rain showers owing to the transition.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Kelowna witnesses a delightful shift from the chilly winter month to the blooming spring period. Weather conditions start to stabilize and the surroundings enliven with colors, representing a typically beautiful Canadian spring.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the pre-summer period in
Kelowna, highlighted by longer days and amplified daylight hours. The city's weather becomes increasingly pleasing with the emergence of a comfortable climate. This month, it experiences a noticeable increase in rainfall, reaching up to 45mm (1.77"), as it anticipates the impending summer thunderstorms.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June experiences a considerable rise in temperature, indicating a distinct transition into the summer season. With a high temperature averaging 18.9°C (66°F) and longer daylight hours, the city embraces the warm sunny days. Despite the season's heat, the relative humidity drops to 64%, one of the lowest of the year, suggesting a drier environment.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the primary summer month in
Kelowna, known for its persistent warm weather and abundant sunshine. The temperature rises, with both day and night temperatures reaching their yearly high. The city experiences the maximum temperature of 24°C (75.2°F) and maximum UV Index of 5, making it remarkably warmer compared to other months.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Continuing the summer pattern,
August offers a mild weather tinctured with plentiful sunshine. Although days begin to shorten, they remain relatively long, facilitating several outdoor endeavors. The city witnesses a minimum pressure of approximately 1014.3mb during this month, suggesting a stable and calm climate.
Weather in August »Weather in September
In
September,
Kelowna's weather begins to enter the fall season, with a noticeable decrease in temperature. Despite shorter days and cooler evenings, the atmospheric pressure slightly increases, signaling the impending shift to the cooler season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings more visible changes in the ceasing summer season as the temperature drops and leaves start to fall. Weather conditions show a slight increase in humidity, but the most dramatic change is the decrease in sunshine hours.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November remains firmly under the influence of the colder season, with temperatures continuing to dip. The cold bites and the ground starts to freeze as winter sets in. The snowfall dramatically hikes to 48mm (1.89"), denoting the city’s preparation for the intense winter period.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Kelowna is fully covered by winter with lower temperatures and shorter daylight hours. A considerably high relative humidity of 90% often leads to frosty mornings and snowy days. Celebrations of the holiday season are likely to witness heavy snowfall reaching up to 100mm (3.94"), becoming the co-occurring highest of the year.
Weather in December »