Weather in Peterborough

Stay updated on the latest weather conditions in Peterborough. Below you will find current data, forecasts, and useful weather charts to help plan your day.

Peterborough, located in Canada, is characterised by a continental climate with four distinct seasons. Visitors should expect significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, which is typical for this climatic zone. The city experiences cold winters and warm summers, with transitional spring and autumn periods.

Winters in Peterborough are quite severe: the average temperature in January drops to -6.3°C, and minimum values can reach -10°C and lower. Summers, by contrast, are warm and comfortable, especially in July, when the average temperature is +21.6°C, and the maximum can rise to +25.8°C. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons: April and May bring gradual warming, while September and October bring gradual cooling, preparing the city for winter.

As for precipitation, it is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, averaging 2-4 mm per month. However, the number of days with precipitation is quite significant – from 10 to 14 days monthly. This means that while heavy downpours are unlikely, light precipitation can be a frequent occurrence at any time of the year. Tourists are advised to consider this feature when planning a trip and choosing their wardrobe.

The weather in Peterborough demonstrates a distinct change of seasons with a noticeable annual temperature range. The coldest months are traditionally January, with an average temperature of -6.3°C and minimum values dropping to -10.1°C, and February, where the average temperature is -4.8°C. Conversely, the peak of heat occurs in July, when the average temperature reaches 21.6°C, and daily highs can rise to 25.8°C, and August with an average temperature of 20.6°C.

Summer months in Peterborough, especially June, July, and August, are characterised by pleasantly warm weather. Daytime temperatures in July and August fluctuate on average from 24.5°C to 25.8°C, creating comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. Nights also remain warm, with average minimum temperatures ranging from 14.2°C in June to 17.4°C in July. Daily temperature fluctuations in summer average 8-9°C, which is a moderate figure, ensuring a comfortable drop in temperature after a hot day.

Winter in Peterborough is quite frosty and long. From December to March, average monthly temperatures are often below freezing. In January and February, the thermometer regularly drops below -9°C at night, and daily highs rarely exceed -0.6°C, indicating persistent frosts. Even in March, the average minimum temperature is still -4.3°C. Transitional months, such as April and October, bring milder weather but with noticeable fluctuations between day and night temperatures; for example, in April, the difference between the average maximum (10.0°C) and minimum (1.5°C) temperature is 8.5°C.

In Peterborough, the nature of precipitation is closely linked to the changing seasons and temperature regime. In the winter months — January (with an average temperature of -6.3°C), February (-4.8°C), and December (-2.2°C) — sub-zero temperatures contribute to precipitation mainly in the form of snow. In transitional periods, such as March (average temperature -0.2°C) and November (2.9°C), when the temperature hovers around zero, both mixed precipitation (sleet) and alternating rain and snow are possible. With the arrival of warmth, from April to October, when consistently positive temperatures are established, the main type of precipitation becomes rain.

The monthly amount of precipitation in Peterborough is small and ranges from 2 to 4 mm. Despite this, days with precipitation are recorded quite regularly, amounting to 10 to 14 days in each month. The highest amount of precipitation, 4 mm each, falls in April, June, and August. In terms of the frequency of wet days, April, July, August, and December stand out, each having an average of 14 days with precipitation. January, March, and October are also characterised by frequent precipitation, having 13 such days each.

The lowest figures for precipitation volume (2 mm) are observed in February, March, May, September, and November. At the same time, September is distinguished by the fewest number of days with precipitation — only about 10. Thus, the climate of Peterborough does not imply either heavy downpours or abundant prolonged snowfalls. Instead, the city is characterised by light or moderate precipitation, whether it be snow in the cold season or rain in the warm season, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, without a pronounced rainy or dry season.

When planning a trip to Peterborough, it is worth being prepared for the changeable weather characteristic of Canada. A key feature of the local climate is frequent precipitation – from 10 to 14 days per month can be rainy or snowy, so waterproof clothing is essential all year round. The winter months, from December to March, greet travellers with real cold: the average temperature steadily stays below freezing, dropping in January to -6.3°C (and the minimum down to -10.1°C). At this time, your suitcase must include warm layered clothing: thermal underwear, fleece jackets, sweaters, as well as a high-quality waterproof and windproof winter jacket, a hat, a scarf, gloves, and insulated waterproof footwear.

Summer in Peterborough, from June to August, is quite warm – the average temperature fluctuates around 18-21°C, and in July it can reach 25.8°C. However, even in summer, do not forget about possible rains and cool evenings. Take light clothing made of natural fabrics, but supplement it with a jumper or a light jacket. Sunscreen and headwear will also be very useful. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) are seasons of changeable weather, when the temperature can fluctuate significantly: from +5.8°C in April to +17.1°C in September, and again dropping to +2.9°C in November. Here, the principle of layering is ideal: t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters, and a versatile windbreaker or waterproof jacket will allow you to feel comfortable in any weather. And, of course, at any time of the year, do not forget comfortable walking shoes and a compact umbrella or raincoat.