Climate and monthly weather forecastVancouver, WA

The climate of Vancouver

Positioned in Washington, USA, Vancouver experiences a mild climate which is predominantly classified as a warm summer Mediterranean according to the Köppen climate classification. The weather is moderately variable and generally displays a distinct seasonal pattern. Highlights include warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Temperature variations throughout the year are demonstrative of this traditional seasonal shift. The highest recorded temperatures are noted from July to August, reaching up to 80.6°F (27°C), while the lowest drop to 34°F (1.1°C) occur in December. Humidity levels fluctuate slightly from a peak of 84% in winter months to a reduced 65% during the summer period.

An acknowledged pattern discernible in Vancouver's climate is the rainfall distribution. Throughout the year, precipitation is highest in December at a measurement of 5.08" (129mm), thereafter declining to its lowest during July at just 0.35" (9mm). Additionally, snowfall, although a rare occurrence, can be expected mainly during the winter months of January and February.

The best time to visit Vancouver

When choosing the best time to visit Vancouver, the warm, sunny and relatively dry summer period from June to August suggests itself. With temperatures peaking around 80.6°F (27°C) in August, and rain seldom at just 0.35" (9mm) in July, the city provides an inviting environment for a multitude of outdoor excursions. The abundance of daylight ranging from 14.9 hours in May to 15.3 in July amplifies the potential for long days of exploration in the city.

The worst time to visit Vancouver

Conversely, the winter months from December through to February, mark a less desirable period for tourism. Cold temperatures dipping to lows around 34°F (1.1°C) in December are accompanied by frequent rain, with December typically experiencing the highest rainfall of 5.08" (129mm) annually. Furthermore, the daylight hours shrink to a yearly low of 8.8 in December, which can limit the number of daylight hours available for sightseeing.

Spring weather in Vancouver

Spring in Vancouver, stretching from March to May, brings about gradual warmth as temperatures rise from 51.8°F (11°C) in March to 66.6°F (19.2°C) in May. Rainfall tapers off from 3.74" (95mm) in March to about 1.85" (47mm) by May end. Concurrently, there is a palpable expansion in daylight hours, reaching up to 14.9 hours in May, fostering longer and increasingly sunny days for local activities.

Summer weather in Vancouver

Experiencing the warmest and driest conditions of the year, summer in Vancouver from June through August offers idyllic climatic conditions. With persistent warmth, temperature highs reach 80.6°F (27°C) in August, while rainfall remains low, particularly in July at 0.35" (9mm). Relatively low humidity and a generous range of 15.3 to 15.6 daylight hours contribute to pleasant, bright summer days well suited for open-air ventures.

Autumn weather in Vancouver

The advent of autumn in Vancouver from September to November signals cooler temperatures, falling from 73°F (22.8°C) in September to a crisper 50.2°F (10.1°C) in November. Rainfall becomes more frequent, with November presenting the highest volume during this season, accumulating to 4.06" (103mm). Be prepared for substantial cloud cover, increasing from 33% in September to 55% by November end.

Winter weather in Vancouver

Winters in Vancouver, spanning December to February, are characterized by relatively mild but wet conditions. The coldest month, December, witnesses temperatures plummeting to 34°F (1.1°C), but it is notable that snowfall is minimal with only 0.35" (9mm) reported in December. With rainfall reaching a peak of 5.08" (129mm) in December, winter holds the reputation for being the wettest season of the year.

Weather in January

Vancouver, Washington ushers in the year with relatively temperate conditions, despite being in the deep throes of winter. The month sees a median humidity of 84%, becoming one of the moistest periods of the year. Despite this, clear skies can be rare due to high cloud cover, which makes it hard to predict sunshine hours with certainty. Weather in January »

Weather in February

By February, the weather conditions witness relatively little change from January and it still retains some of the crisp winter notes. There is a subtle rise in both the highest and lowest temperature to 46.9°F (8.3°C) and 35.1°F (1.7°C) respectively. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March symbolizes a noticeable turning point in the weather conditions of Vancouver, Washington. It brings with it a clear uptick in temperatures, fortelling the onset of spring. The changes in weather patterns could see increased outdoor activities, and plants around the city awakening from their winter hibernation. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April brings a dramatic transformation to the weather in Vancouver as temperatures significantly increase, marking the full arrival of spring. Rainfall totals drop to a more manageable 3.19" (81mm), and the snowfall of previous months dissipates, rendering the city's landscape unrecognizable from its winter form. Weather in April »

Weather in May

In May, the weather of Vancouver, Washington transforms almost overnight into that of summer, even though the calendar might suggest otherwise. With the warm climate settling in, there is often an air of cordiality and anticipation that permeates the city's streets. Weather in May »

Weather in June

Come June, summer has truly entrenched itself in Vancouver with soaring temperatures and abundant sunlight. Clear skies dominate, encouraging locals to adopt a more leisurely lifestyle. Long days with over 15 hours of daylight make the city feel alive and bustling from morning to late in the night. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July represents the pinnacle of summer and sees some of the warmest weather in Vancouver. Its clear sky and longer sunlight hours become the perfect backdrop for a round of picnics, barbecues, and a host of other outdoor activities. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August weather in Vancouver, Washington sees a continuation of the warm temperatures from July but with a more marked decrease in humidity. Residents looking forward to the coolness of fall have to wait a bit longer as the days remain sun-kissed and pleasant. Weather in August »

Weather in September

By the time September rolls around, subtle signs of the approaching fall start to creep into the weather. The days grow slightly shorter, while the explosion of heat lessens. People start to swap their summer clothing for the comfortable coziness of lightweight sweaters. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October heralds a significant change in weather patterns in Vancouver, Washington, as the city fully embraces fall. A covering of golden leaves adds a touch of beauty to the cityscape, making autumn one of the city's most picturesque times. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in Vancouver brings a somber change in weather, as the vibrant autumn season fades and gives way to the colder temperatures of late fall. The prospect of the approaching winter begins to make its presence felt, as people start to unpack their winter clothing. Weather in November »

Weather in December

By the time December arrives, winter is in full swing and the cityscape of Vancouver, Washington transforms to match the season. The wintry month sees a considerable decrease in temperature, with the city chilling under an average low temperature of 34°F (1.1°C). Weather in December »