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

Altitude, mountain topgraphy combine to make variable weather for Banff.

• check current Banff weather conditions and forecast
  

Summer

Little humidity, warm temperatures and daylight past 10 p.m. is a Banff summer. Average highs are about 21º C (70º F) with night-time lows around 7º C (45º F). Clouds tend to build in the afternoon, clearing again in the evening. Thunderstorms strike quickly and are quickly over. Always be prepared for changing weather.

Autumn

Warm days, cool evening winds and dropping average temperatures. Typically, we get one early snowfall, which melts before the morning is over, signalling the start of the fall colour show.

Winter

Winter lasts five months in Banff. It starts with the first real snowfall in November. The average day temperature is -12º C (6º F).

One or two cold snaps per season last 7 to 10 days. The temperatures plummet to -30º C (-22º F) or lower. Luckily, these snaps are offset by the weather phenomenon, called a chinook. A chinook produces strong winds and spring-like temperatures in a matter of hours. The moderating influence can last for days or even weeks.

Spring

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.

The sun is strong

The UV rating for Banff area is high to extreme 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. A strong sunblock, applied regularly, a shade hat and sunglasses are essential to avoid sun damage.