Town of Banff

Climate

Cool autumn weather brings out spectacular colours in the Canadian Rockies, like the splash of golden Aspens reflected in Johnson Lake

The weather throughout the Canadian Rockies and around Banff is extremely variable, due to our high altitude and the rugged mountain topography.

• check current Banff weather conditions and forecast
  

Summer (July - August)

The summer season usually has low humidity, warm temperatures and daylight hours lasting until 11 p.m. at the height of summer. Average highs are about 21º C (70º F) with night-time lows around 7º C (45º F).

Autumn (September - October)

Fall sees diminishing daylight hours and warm days, with cooling evening winds. Average temperatures are dropping, but the highs remain well above freezing and lows hover right around the freezing point.

Winter (November - March)

Although it can and does snow at any time of the year, the first "real" snow generally begins to fall in November. The average temperature during the winter months is around -12º C (6º F); however it is not unusual to have a two-week cold snap during December or January where temperatures plummet into the -30º C (-22º F) range.

Fortunately, Banff, the National Park, and areas west and south, regularly enjoy a pleasant winter weather phenomenon called a chinook. The warm winds of the chinook produce spring-like temperatures in a matter of hours, and the moderating influence can last for days or even weeks.

Spring (April - June)

Rain and warming temperatures begin to melt winter away from the valleys in April. However, the high mountain passes and trails remain snow-covered until mid-summer. June is Banff's rainiest month: this combined with snowmelt pushes the rivers to their crests.

UV Rating

The UV rating for Banff and its surrounding area is usually high to extremely high throughout the year. Because of the altitude and the sun's angle of incidence in this section of the world, people's skin tends to burn much faster than usual. You really must use sunscreen, a shade hat, and  sunglasses, to avoid sunburn.