Weather in Prince Rupert

Stay informed about weather conditions in the city of Prince Rupert before starting your journey. Below you will find current forecasts and charts that will help you prepare for your trip.

The climate in Prince Rupert can be described as temperate marine, making it quite unique compared to many regions of Canada. Thanks to the strong influence of the Pacific Ocean, there are no extreme temperature fluctuations here: winters are surprisingly mild, and summers are cool and fresh. The thermometer rarely drops significantly below freezing even in January, and in the warmest months — July and August — the average temperature hovers at comfortable levels around +14...+17 °C.

A characteristic feature of the local weather is high humidity and frequent precipitation throughout the year. It is difficult to single out a dry season here: the number of days with precipitation remains consistently high, varying from 17 to 23 days per month. Such weather promotes the lush growth of greenery and creates a special atmosphere of a coastal city, often shrouded in fog and light drizzle.

Travellers should be prepared for the sky often being overcast, with sunshine giving way to rain. Regardless of the time chosen for the visit, a high-quality raincoat and waterproof footwear will become your main companions. However, it is precisely thanks to this climate that Prince Rupert is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and pristine air.

The temperature regime in Prince Rupert is distinguished by its mildness and the absence of sharp fluctuations, which is not quite typical for many regions of Canada. Due to the oceanic influence, a temperate climate forms here with cool summers and comparatively warm winters. The coldest months are January and February, when the average temperature holds around 0°C — +1°C. Even in the height of winter, severe frosts are a rarity here: night-time lows average only down to -1°C or -2.3°C, making the cold season quite bearable.

The summer period in the city can be characterized as fresh and comfortable, without exhausting heat. The warmest time of the year falls in July and August, when average figures reach their peak at +14°C — +14.3°C. During the day, the air warms up to a pleasant +17°C, which is ideal for walks and outdoor activities, though tourists should be prepared for cool weather. Sweltering weather practically never occurs here, so a light jacket may come in handy even in summer.

A characteristic trait of the local climate is the small amplitude of daily temperatures. The difference between daily highs and nightly lows throughout the year is small and usually amounts to about 3–6 degrees. For example, in May the temperature fluctuates from +5.7°C at night to +12.1°C during the day. The transitional seasons — spring and autumn — pass smoothly: by April a stable "plus" is established (around +4.7°C), and in October the air still retains warmth at the level of +7.5°C before the gradual winter cooling.

Prince Rupert is distinguished by a humid marine climate, where precipitation is a frequent companion for the traveller practically all year round. It is difficult to highlight a clearly pronounced dry season here, as humidity remains constantly high. The greatest intensity of precipitation is observed in the autumn-winter period, especially in October and November, when up to 14 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days reaches a maximum.

In winter, from December to February, the character of precipitation changes. Since average temperature minimums drop below freezing (down to -2.3°C in February), rain often gives way to snowfall or wet snow. January and November are the record holders for the frequency of bad weather: in these months, an average of 23 days with precipitation is recorded, so warm waterproof clothing will be simply essential.

The summer period brings relative relief, but it cannot be called completely dry. The "driest" months in terms of moisture volume are considered May and July (about 4 mm), however, the frequency of rains remains impressive. Even in the warmest months, such as July and August, tourists should expect about 17 rainy days. In summer, precipitation most often falls in the form of light but prolonged rains or drizzle.

Given the humid oceanic climate of Prince Rupert, the main priority when packing your suitcase should be reliable protection from rain. Precipitation falls here frequently throughout the year — from 17 to 23 rainy days per month — so a high-quality waterproof jacket with a hood, a raincoat, and water-repellent trousers will become your indispensable companions. We also recommend taking a sturdy umbrella resistant to wind, and waterproof footwear, for example, trekking boots with a membrane or rubber boots, to feel comfortable during walks.

The air temperature here is quite steady but rarely hot: in summer, the thermometer usually stays around +14°C (maximum up to +17°C), and in winter it drops to 0°C. The ideal solution will be the principle of layering in clothing. For a summer trip, take t-shirts, but be sure to supplement them with a warm sweater, a fleece jacket, and a windbreaker in case of a cool breeze from the ocean. In winter and the off-season, you cannot do without a set of thermal underwear, a warm hat, a scarf, and gloves, which will keep you warm in high humidity.

Besides clothing, take care of small things that will make the trip more comfortable. Comfortable, broken-in shoes are mandatory, as the city and its surroundings are conducive to walking. Despite frequent cloudiness, it is worth bringing sunglasses and sunscreen, especially if you plan to go out to sea: ultraviolet radiation is active even through clouds. It is also useful to have a waterproof case for your phone or camera to protect equipment from sudden splashes or drizzle.