Climate
By Barbara Ballard
Officially, Victoria's climate is "sub-Mediterranean" - it's supposedly moderate all year-round with eight months frost-free. The saying around here is, if you don't like the weather, wait half an hour - it'll change.
It's all due to Victoria's location, perched on the Pacific and open to the vagaries of the fronts that sweep across the ocean. Makes it hard for the weather forecasters. You can experience sun, rain, wind (lots of it) and cloud, and that's all in one morning. Then again, you can have a week of beautiful sunshine and warm temperatures - usually in July and August, sometimes in September. But even summer evenings are cool, and you'll need a light jacket.
As a rule, daytime temperatures May through September range from about 60°F (15°C) to 80°F (26°C). October through April sees average daytime temperatures from approximately 40°F (4.4°C) to 60°F(15°C). Canada uses Celsius temperature measurements, so don't be put off when you see low readings.
One rule of thumb - almost always carry an umbrella. It's a necessity, except maybe in the summer. Rain can be heavy from November through March, and Victorians speak unflatteringly of the gloomy gray season. Those who can, leave for sunnier climes. Nevertheless, the rainy season brings the best bargains in accommodations and gives Victoria the gardens and flowers that are one of its hallmarks.
For up to the minute forecasts from several sources see this weather site.
Questions?
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