Weather in Calgary: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

Alberta is ranked number one by Environment Canada for having the most comfortable weather overall in Canada, and when it comes to Calgary specifically, the city is known to get more hours of sunshine than any other major city in Canada. However, no matter the season, the weather in Calgary can often be unpredictable with often frequent temperature fluctuations on a daily basis.

Fast Climate Facts

• Hottest Month: July (73 degrees F / 23 degrees C)
• Coldest Month: January (27 degrees F / -3 degrees C)
• Wettest Month: June (3.7 inches)
• Windiest Month: April (10 mph)

Spring in Calgary

Spring weather in Calgary can be pleasant and is a good time to visit if you want to explore the city ahead of the much busier summer tourist season. But do keep in mind that due to snowmelt, the parks, trails, and other outdoor spaces can get muddy. Late March and early April can still be on the colder side, but late April into the remainder of spring sees the temperatures start to climb to more comfortable levels.

What to pack: For a spring visit to Calgary, it’s advisable to pack a waterproof outer layer for any wet days you may encounter. In addition, packing clothing that can easily be layered (T-shirts, sweaters, and light jackets) is the best way to ensure you’re prepared for any type of spring weather. It’s also a good idea to bring an umbrella, hiking boots if you plan on hitting the trails, and a hat and sunscreen for sunnier days.

Summer in Calgary

Summer is peak tourist season in Calgary, so hotels fill up and attractions become busier. But summer in the city is alive, with visitors and locals alike taking full advantage of the city’s outdoor space and proximity to the Rocky Mountains. Weather is pleasant and warm, making it an ideal time to really get to know Calgary. Summer is also festival season (including the Calgary Stampede), drawing even more people to the city. Book accommodations early if you plan to visit Calgary in the summer.

What to pack: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat should all make their way into your luggage, as should a bathing suit, shorts and T-shirts, comfortable walking shoes or sandals, and an umbrella as summer can bring bouts of rain to the city. Temperatures can dip in the evenings, so it’s also a good idea to have some sweaters and a light jacket.

Fall in Calgary

Similar to spring, fall can be a good time to visit Calgary if you are looking for a quieter experience. Weather is still pleasant for the most part, but be prepared for chillier evenings and mornings. With fewer visitors, hotel room rates can be lower and attractions much less busy than during the summer months.

What to pack: Since the weather begins to take a colder turn in the fall, it’s important to pack warm layers like long-sleeve T-shirts, sweaters and a fall jacket to mitigate the lower temperatures. If you’re visiting into late October and into November, you may also want a warm hat and a pair of gloves if you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors.

Winter in Calgary

Winter in Calgary brings the snow sports enthusiasts, so if you like skiing and snowboarding, this is your season to visit. For the most part, the city is cold in the winter, but mild winds called “chinooks” also bring warm temperatures to Calgary. 

What to pack: You will need to pack a winter jacket, hat, gloves and boots to start with. You’ll also want warm layers you can mix and match depending on what you’ll be doing and for how long. A vest underneath a jacket can help block the wind on colder days and if you’ll be hitting the slopes, you’ll want to ensure you have enough warm clothing to keep you comfortable outdoors.

Average Monthly Temperature, Rainfall, and Daylight Hours