If you ask the locals, we'd say that we have one season: the snowy one. But the four distinct seasons, and the different activities and opportunities they bring are the reason that most of the "whining" locals live in the beautiful Canadian Rockies.

There are many accounts of the intrepid traveller coming for a couple of months to "check it out", and well, they are still here nine or twenty five years later. So, therefore, our somewhat cool, but dry climate must not be all that bad. You can always put on more clothes and be warm!

We have a continental climate, which means "inland". From the lowest low to the highest high, there is a difference of a remarkable 70°C (that's about 125°F). Remember, for the sake of this climate discussion and your enjoyment in the Rockies: altitude, aspect, latitude and activity. As you gain altitude expect a drop in temperature of one degree Celsius (1.8° Fahrenheit) per one 1000 feet / 330m (except for inversions); north slopes are colder than south slopes, due to our northern latitude the sun hits these slopes obliquely; and, therefore, alpine activities in which you participate will be colder than valley bottom forays EXCEPT during an inversions (see below).

The local weather stations are in valley bottoms, so the daily average temperature does not tell the whole story. Also, expect long range weather forecasts to be inaccurate, but you can get a general sense of what's coming next at this weather site. Micro-weather is a reality here, so learn to read the signs of changing weather yourself.

Winter
It seems most sensible to start with winter, because "snow" (the "s" word) is the common theme to all seasons. Winter has us in it's grasp from mid-November until late March? early April? early May? (remember altitude and aspect). Our biggest snowfalls occur when the westerly Pacific air mixes with the Arctic air resident on the prairies, and pushes up against the mountains from the east (upslope conditions).

Sometimes enough moisture laden Pacific air manages to get over the Main Range from a westerly direction and drop heavenly, dry powder on the most western parts of the Bow Valley. Expect bad driving and great skiing or riding. But, for most of the winter our snow falls in small amounts of 5cm or less per day, and the short storm cycles are broken by amazing, blue sky days. The average overnight lows range from -12 to -18°C (5-0°F) and daytime highs of -5 to -15°C (23-4°F).

We have two winter phenomenas that break all the temperature rules: inversions and chinooks. On our coldest days when Arctic air sneaks in and settles in the valley bottoms and temperatures can be as cold as -40°C (equals -40°F), but the cold air mass is only 200-300m thick. Therefore, as you rise above the cold blanket of air, the temperature can moderate to a decent -10°C (12°F). Now that's a perfect skiing temp and the air is usually very still!

On the other hand, expect blustery conditions during a chinook. The chinook is a native name that means "snow eater", and in Europe is known as the foehn. Put simply, these strong, dry winds warm as they "fall" over the mountain range while sucking the moisture out of the atmosphere and your lips! Daytime temperatures can be as high as +10°C (42°F), with dramatic temperature increases of 30°C or more in a few hours. The snow in the towns sublimates, evaporates, melts, turns brown and ugly. Then we have a short storm, it snows again, and our beautiful winter wonderland returns.

Spring
Spring is the slow process of getting rid of the snow. It starts in the valley bottom mid April, but also expect the odd cold storm to dump a few centimeters of the white stuff one day, and have the intense spring sun make it disappear the next. By mid-May the golf courses green up, road bikes hit the Parkway, leaves start to blossom at lower elevations, and the bears can be seen foraging too close for comfort. Daytime highs average 14°C (55°F), with overnight lows of 5°C (40°F). BUT we are still skiing at or above treeline.

June tends to be a rainy month, heavy at times, and also more snow falls in the high country. Our nastiest storms come with upslope conditions (pushing in from the east remember?). If this is the case, head west and you'll find some sun and warmer temps. June also offers the longest day of the year..... almost 17 hours of amazing Rockies sunshine! Summer is just around the corner, but there is still SNOW in the alpine!

Summer
Summer is elusive in the Rockies. Last year we had the summer that wasn't..... there was a snow storm every summer month (notice that "s" word again). Generally a Rockies summer is short but nice, with daytime highs of between 20 and 25°C (69-75°F) and nightly lows of 7°C (45°F). A very hot day would be 30°C (85°F). The intense UV radiation, and opportunity for plenty of high altitude recreation, lands some foolish, unsuncreened souls in the hospital with 2nd degree burns.

Thunderstorms are a common afternoon occurrence, and tend to be localized. I don't recommend getting caught in these.... head for lower ground, as there is nasty electrical activity associated with mountain thunderstorms. Afternoon "build-up" will clear out in the evening, so you can take in the great shopping or evening strolls by the Bow River.

The snow is now gone from the alpine trails, so get out and enjoy them because summer is only six weeks long! But, if you really want to walk on the snow (sigh! it's always here!) you can venture onto one of the Rockies many awe-inspiring permanent icefields or glaciers. See more details about summer mountain adventures.

Autumn
The first official day of fall (autumn) is not until September 21st, but alas, the long shadows arrive much earlier (due to our latitude). Indian summer is that amazing (also elusive) phenomena in the Rockies, with clear, cool, crisp mornings and afternoons wrapped in a warm, soft light. A great time for photographers, and to view wildlife scurry around doing their thing before the LONNGGG winter.

Typically daytime temps average 15°C (55°F), and overnight lows average 3°C (38°F). Now that only applies until early October (unless we're extremely lucky). From October 15th and throughout November all bets are off: the snow comes and goes, the wind cuts, the leaves fall on the ground, and everything becomes dull and brown-gray. Many businesses cut their hours or close for annual renovations, owners go south, mountain bikers carry on come-mud-or-snow, and little children dress like Eskimoes for Halloween festivities.

The bottom line in the Rockies, is be prepared for cool, inclement, changeable weather....whatever the season. The climate is a myriad of extremes, as is the wild, beautiful surroundings. Being prepared, physically and intellectually, allows you to enjoy everything it has to offer. For local recorded weather forecasts phone the Banff Weather Office at 403-762-7779.

Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our North America Insiders page.