Weather in St. John's

Find out what weather awaits you in St. John's right now. Below are the current data, detailed forecasts, and charts to help you plan the perfect day.

The climate of St. John's is strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, making it humid and moderately cool. There is no extreme heat or severe frost here, which are typical for the continental part of the country: the ocean softens winter cold and brings freshness in summer. The weather in the city is often described as capricious, so travellers should be prepared for its rapid changes.

Summer in the city is short and quite fresh, with average temperatures in July and August around +16...+17°C, which is ideal for active tourism without sweltering heat. Winter is relatively mild by Canadian standards: the thermometer averages between -1°C and -3°C, although high humidity and wind can make the temperature feel lower.

An important feature of the local climate is the regular precipitation throughout the year. There is no distinct "dry season" here: even in summer, it can rain 10–12 days a month, and in winter, the number of days with precipitation (snow or rain) reaches 16–17. When planning a trip to St. John's, it is definitely worth taking waterproof clothing and comfortable shoes, regardless of the season.

Climatic conditions in St. John's are formed under the strong influence of the ocean, which makes the temperature regime quite moderate, smoothing out both summer heat and winter chills. The annual temperature cycle shows that the coldest month is February with an average of -3.1°C and night frosts down to -5.8°C. The peak of warmth occurs in August, when the average temperature reaches 17.2°C, and daily highs rise almost to 20°C.

Summer in this corner of Canada can be described as cool and fresh, which will be a real salvation for those who cannot stand exhausting heat. Even in the warmest months, July and August, the temperature rarely exceeds comfortable values, remaining in the range of 13°C to 20°C. The winter period is characterized by mild frosts: although negative temperatures prevail from January to March, they rarely drop to extreme values, often balancing just a few degrees below zero.

An interesting feature of the local climate is the insignificant temperature difference between day and night. According to statistics, the difference between the average minimum and maximum during the day is usually only 3–5 degrees. This means that travellers will not have to face a sharp drop in temperature immediately after sunset, and clothes chosen for a daytime walk will most likely be comfortable in the evening as well.

Precipitation in St. John's is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, so there is no distinct dry season here. Thanks to the maritime climate, the weather is often humid and changeable. In winter, when the average temperature stays below zero (in January about -1.6°C, in February -3.1°C), precipitation falls mainly as snow. This is the "wettest" time of the year in terms of frequency of bad weather: in December and January, 16 to 17 days with precipitation are recorded.

With the arrival of spring and rising temperatures, snow gives way to rain. Summer is considered a relatively drier period, but rains cannot be completely ruled out. The most favourable month for walks is July, when the number of rainy days drops to a minimum — about 10 per month. At this time, the air temperature is most comfortable, reaching an average of 15.8°C.

In autumn, the frequency of precipitation increases again. By November, the number of days with rain or wet snow increases to 16. Despite the fact that the intensity of precipitation can be moderate (according to statistics, about 3–5 mm), their regularity makes an umbrella and waterproof clothing mandatory items in a tourist's luggage at any time of the year.

The weather in St. John's is famous for its variability and winds, so the main principle when packing a suitcase is layering. Even if the forecast promises sun, the situation can change quickly, bringing fog or rain from the ocean. For a trip during the winter months and the off-season, be sure to take a high-quality windproof and waterproof jacket, a warm hat, a scarf, and gloves. Thermal underwear will be an excellent addition, as due to high humidity and strong winds, the temperature often feels significantly lower than the actual thermometer readings.

Summer here is quite cool and fresh, there is practically no sweltering heat, so a light sweater, fleece jacket, or windbreaker will be useful even in July and August. Given the precipitation statistics — there are quite a few rainy days here all year round — a reliable raincoat often proves more practical than an umbrella, which may not withstand local wind gusts. Pay special attention to footwear: for walking along the hilly streets of the city and scenic coastal trails, choose comfortable, non-slip, and preferably waterproof boots or trainers.

Do not forget about useful accessories. Sunglasses are relevant at any time of the year: in winter they will protect your eyes from the bright light reflected from the snow, and in summer — from the glare on the water. Cream with SPF is also necessary, as the cool sea breeze can deceptively hide the sun's activity. If you plan long walks in nature, bring a small waterproof backpack or a case for your electronics so that sudden bad weather does not spoil your impressions of travelling through Canada.