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When should I visit Alberta?

There's fun to be had in any season. The best time to visit depends on what you'd like to see and do during your visit, whether it's camping in the summer or skiing at world-class mountain resorts in the winter.

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312 days of sun per year

Alberta is the sunniest province in Canada. Enjoy sunny bluebird days in the winter and seemingly endless sunshine in the summer. 

20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) summer average

Summer is a great time to visit Alberta. Get outside and make the most of warm, sunny days.

Most comfortable climate in Canada

According to Environment Canada, Alberta has the most comfortable weather in the entire country. And Calgary has more hours of sunshine than any other large city in Canada.

What weather conditions should I expect during my visit?

A couple rides Segways along the North Saskatchewan River Valley in Edmonton.
Get inspired by ideas to enjoy summer in Alberta to the fullest, whether it’s a road trip to the Canadian Rockies or exploring the urban landscapes.

CityAverage TemperaturesHours of SunlightPrecipitation
CalgaryHigh: 21°C (70°F) Low: 7°C (45°F)10 hrs per dayRain: 71.5cm (2.8 inches) / week
EdmontonHigh: 21°C (70°F)Low: 9°C (48°F)10 hrs per dayRain: 69cm (2.7 inches) / week
BanffHigh: 20°C (68°F) Low: 5°C (41°F)10 hrs per dayRain: 59 mm (2.3 in) per month
Fort McMurrayHigh: 23°C (73°F) Low: 8°C (46°F)10 hrs per dayRain: 63 mm (2.5 in) per month

More at Environment Canada

Explore summer getaway ideas

People enjoying the hot tub at the Hidden Ridge Resort
Winter is magical in Alberta. Discover all the season has to offer and plan your winter adventure.
CityAverage Temperatures Hours of Sunlight Precipitation
CalgaryHigh: -1°C (30°F) Low: -12°C (10°F)5 hrs per dayRain: 11mm (2.3 inches) / month
EdmontonHigh: -4°C (25°F) Low: -13°C (9°F)4 hrs per dayPrecipitation: 17 mm (0.6 in) per month
BanffHigh: -2°C (28°F) Low: -12°C (10°F)5 hrs per dayPrecipitation: 59 mm (2.3 in) per month
Fort McMurrayHigh: -7°C (19°F) Low: -16°C (3°F)3 hrs per dayPrecipitation: 17 mm (0.6 in) per month

More at Environment Canada

A couple hikes across rocks along a lake with larch trees and mountains in the background.
Spring and fall are beautiful in their own right. Take in the beauty of the changing seasons, like the brilliant larch trees in the Canadian Rockies during the fall.
CityAverage Temperatures Spring Hours of Sunlight Spring Precipitation Spring
CalgaryHigh: 10°C (50°F) Low: -2°C (28.4°F)8 hrs per dayRain: 33mm (1.3 inches) / month
EdmontonHigh: 10°C (50°F) Low: -1°C (30°F)7 hrs per dayPrecipitation: 30 mm (1.2 in) per month
BanffHigh: 9°C (48°F) Low: -3°C (27°F)8 hrs per dayPrecipitation: 39 mm (1.5 in) per month
Fort McMurrayHigh: 11°C (52°F) Low: 5°C (23°F)6 hrs per dayPrecipitation: 25 mm (0.9 in) per month
CityAverage Temperatures Fall Hours of Sunlight Fall Precipitation Fall
CalgaryHigh: 7°C (30°F) Low: -1°C (10°F)7 hrs per dayRain: 25mm (0.9 inches) / month
EdmontonHigh: 10°C (50°F) Low: -13°C (9°F)6 hrs per dayPrecipitation: 28 mm (1.1 in) per month
BanffHigh: 9°C (48°F) Low: 3°C (27°F)7 hrs per dayPrecipitation: 32 mm (1.3 in) per month
Fort McMurrayHigh: 5°C (41°F) Low: -8°C (18°F)6 hrs per dayPrecipitation: 29 mm (1.1 in) per month

More at Environment Canada

Frequently asked questions

The drive from the Calgary airport to Banff is just shy of 150 km (93 mi), meaning the drive is typically 1.5 - 2 hours, although winter conditions can impact travel times.

The average temperatures vary based on where you are, but run between -12°C to -2°C (10°F to 28°F) in Banff in winter. Keep in mind that these are averages, and conditions on the ski hills can be quite different. Always check ahead before hitting the slopes!

Chairlifts typically run late November until some time in May, although the best snow conditions usually occur mid-January until late March.

Staying right in Banff, Jasper or Lake Louise are great bets for getting the most from your ski or snowboard vacation. With options in town and on-hill accommodations at Sunshine Village and Castle Mountain, you can’t go wrong choosing Alberta for your trip.

You’ll likely feel best on your own equipment if you own it and choose to travel with it, although rental options are abundant at most ski hills, and gear shops in the surrounding towns can outfit you with the latest equipment for resort skiing and riding or backcountry adventures as well.

If you want to get your hands on a book, Icefields Parkway: Confessions of a Ski Bum, by Marcus Baranow, or Alpine Ski Tours in the Canadian Rockies, by Chic Scott, are great starting points and can usually be found at Ski Uphill in Canmore or Monod Sports in Banff, great local resources in and of themselves.

Parks Canada provides some resources which can be helpful for learning about conditions and safety. A guiding outfit will also be a great resource for planning and executing a backcountry adventure.

Backcountry skiing is a serious endeavour often involving travel through complex avalanche terrain. Make sure to check avalanche conditions via Avalanche Canada before heading out and always carry a beacon, shovel and probe (and know how to use them).

Webcams

Calgary city center & Centre Street Bridge as seen from Rotary Park.

Calgary

Calgary
Wide shot of the city of Edmonton at sunset.

Edmonton

Edmonton
An idyllic winter moment on Banff Avenue at dusk, with shops lining either side of a street that seems to lead toward a mountain.

Banff - Lake Louise

Banff - Lake Louise
Dinosaur skeleton in the Royal Tyrrell Museum

Drumheller

Drumheller

Jasper

Jasper