Edmonton, Canada – Climate and Average Weather Year Round: A Comprehensive Guide

Edmonton, located in Alberta, Canada, experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers.

The warm season spans from mid-May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 64°F.

July is the hottest month, seeing highs around 74°F and lows near 55°F, making it an enjoyable time for outdoor activities.

Winter in Edmonton is quite cold, lasting from mid-November to early March. During this period, average daily high temperatures drop below 31°F.

December, one of the coldest months, sees average temperatures of 15°F, with nighttime lows often plunging to -17.5°F. Edmonton’s climate can be harsh during these months, so it’s essential to prepare for the cold if visiting.

Despite the cold winters, Edmonton is one of Canada’s sunniest cities, receiving approximately 2,299 hours of bright sunshine annually. The city’s fairly dry climate adds to this charm, averaging about 18.8 inches of precipitation per year.

Enjoying bright, sunny skies is a common experience in Edmonton, even during its coldest seasons.

For detailed monthly weather data, Weather and climate in Edmonton provides a comprehensive overview.

Average Temperature in Edmonton, Canada

Edmonton experiences wide variations in temperature throughout the year.

The cold season lasts from mid-November to early March. During this time, the average daily high temperature remains below 31°F.

The warm season, from June to August, sees much milder temperatures. The hottest month is July, with an average high of 74°F and a low of 55°F.

The transitional months like March and April have more moderate temperatures.

• March sees averages from 21°F to 37°F.
• April ranges from 33°F to 54°F.

Edmonton’s weather exhibits strong seasonal contrasts, featuring warm summers and cold winters. It is common for temperatures to vary widely within a single day.

Average Precipitation in Edmonton, Canada

Edmonton experiences a varied climate with summer months seeing more rainfall while winters are characterized by significant snowfall. The wettest and driest months vary significantly, impacting the annual precipitation.

Average Rainfall in Edmonton, Canada

Rainfall in Edmonton is highest in the summer months. July typically sees the most rain, with an average of 3.4 inches.

The spring and early summer months also contribute to the overall annual rainfall.

In contrast, the driest month is February, which usually receives less than 0.5 inches of rain. The dry season stretches from late fall through early spring.

Average Snow in Edmonton, Canada

Edmonton’s winters bring substantial snowfall.

January is the snowiest month, with an average of 7.9 inches of snow.

Snowfall is common from November through March, with accumulations varying each month.

Snow and ice are common during the winter months, impacting daily life and travel. Forecasters track snowy conditions to keep residents informed.

Average Sun in Edmonton, Canada

Edmonton experiences a wide range of daylight hours and sunshine throughout the year. Variations in cloud cover affect the amount of sunlight reaching the ground, influencing daily activities and energy use.

Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Edmonton, Canada

Solar energy in Edmonton varies by season. During summer, longer days provide more sunlight, while winter days are much shorter.

The table below shows average daily shortwave solar energy by month:

Sunshine hours peak from June to August, reaching up to 9 hours per day. Cloud cover impacts winter sunshine, reducing solar energy and daylight hours significantly.

Average Humidity in Edmonton, Canada

Edmonton, Canada, experiences varying levels of humidity throughout the year. The city sees significant differences between the summer and winter months.

Relative humidity is a key measure. In Edmonton, the relative humidity is higher during the colder months and lower during the warmer months.

Monthly Average Relative Humidity

Dew Point

Dew point also plays a role in how humid it feels. During the summer months, the dew point in Edmonton is comfortable. It typically ranges from 45°F to 55°F.

Winter months have lower dew points, often dropping below 20°F.

Variations

These variations make Edmonton feel much colder in the winter and more comfortable during summer. The differences in humidity and dew point can affect how temperatures feel, making the city experience sharp contrasts between seasons.

Average Wind in Edmonton, Canada

The average wind speed in Edmonton varies throughout the year, influenced by seasonal changes.

The windiest month in Edmonton is typically April. Winds can reach an average speed of around 12 miles per hour.

This makes spring a bit gusty, adding a chill to the air.

During the summer months, from June to August, the wind speed usually decreases.

In this period, the average wind speed drops to around 7–9 miles per hour.

This gentle breeze can provide some comfort during warm days.

Winter months, starting from November to March, experience moderate wind speeds of about 10 miles per hour.

The cold temperatures combined with these winds can make the weather feel even colder, often described as wind chill.

Wind speeds can affect daily activities and outdoor plans.

It’s also important for understanding how the weather feels on any given day.

Exploring more about the wind can provide additional insights into Edmonton’s climate patterns.

Average Air Quality in Edmonton, Canada

Edmonton’s air quality is generally considered good. The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) shows that the city maintains levels that are safe for most individuals, although vulnerable groups should still take precautions.

• Air Quality Index (AQI): The AQI most often ranges between 0 to 50, indicating good air quality.

This means the air is considered satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk.

The monthly average concentration of PM2.5 is a useful metric:

• Weather Data: Clear days provide better visibility and lower pollution.

In the winter, temperature inversions can trap pollutants close to the ground, moderately affecting air quality.

The visibility is often high, except during rare pollution spikes or when there are atmospheric conditions like fog.

Overall, Edmonton maintains a good air quality profile year-round.

Temperature, humidity, and wind speed all influence daily conditions, but the city’s steady environmental practices ensure that the air remains breathable and safe.

Topography of Edmonton, Canada

Edmonton is located in Division No. 11, Alberta. It lies on the North Saskatchewan River at an elevation of 671 meters (2,201 feet) above sea level. The city’s terrain is varied, providing a mix of natural and urban landscapes.

The average elevation of Edmonton is about 690 meters (2,263 feet).

The minimum elevation drops to around 600 meters (1,968 feet), while the maximum elevation can reach up to 783 meters (2,569 feet).

This variety in elevation gives Edmonton a unique topographic character.

Edmonton’s river valley and urban parks are important features. The Louise McKinney Riverfront Park is a notable area with an average elevation of 647 meters (2,123 feet).

Edmonton is recognized as North America’s northernmost city with a metropolitan population over one million.

Its various elevations contribute to its distinct landscape and offer diverse areas for both nature and city living.

For more detailed maps and elevation data, visit this topographic map of Edmonton.

Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Edmonton, Canada

Edmonton faces various extreme weather events throughout the year. These events can range from heat waves to severe thunderstorms.

Heat Waves

During summer, Edmonton can experience intense heat waves. For example, in July 2024, temperatures soared above 84°F, leading to the activation of the city’s extreme weather response.

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can be harmful, especially to vulnerable populations.

Monthly Temperature Averages:

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms are another significant weather event in Edmonton. These storms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and sometimes hail.

During storm season, it’s essential to stay indoors and away from windows to avoid injury.

Example Events

In 2023, Alberta saw multiple record-setting weather events, including severe thunderstorms that led to floods and property damage.

Staying informed about upcoming weather changes is crucial for safety.

The city provides alerts and updates during these extreme events to help residents prepare and stay safe.

Best Time of the Year to Visit Edmonton, Canada

Edmonton offers unique experiences across all four seasons, with each period presenting its own charm. Choosing the best time to visit depends on what type of weather and activities one prefers.

What is Edmonton, Canada Like in Spring

Spring in Edmonton, from March to May, brings a gradual warming as the city transitions from the cold winter months.

March is still chilly with average highs around 40°F. By May, temperatures rise to a pleasant 64°F.

Rainfall increases during this time, with about 1.7 inches of rain in May. This season marks the start of the growing season, making it ideal for seeing blooming flowers and green spaces.

What is Edmonton, Canada Like in Summer

Summer spans from June to August, with July being the warmest month.

Temperatures often reach highs of 74°F and can occasionally touch 78°F.

The summer months are the best time to visit Edmonton if you enjoy outdoor activities, as rainfall is moderate, peaking at about 3.4 inches in June.

The long days and mild nights are perfect for festivals, outdoor dining, and exploring parks.

What is Edmonton, Canada Like in Fall

Fall in Edmonton, from September to November, showcases beautiful autumn colors.

September starts with average highs of around 68°F, but temperatures quickly drop.

October and November see cooler weather, with average highs falling to 30°F by November.

Rainfall diminishes, and humidity also drops, making it a great time to enjoy outdoor trails and fall foliage. By late autumn, expect the first snowfall.

What is Edmonton, Canada Like in Winter

Winter lasts from December to February and is quite harsh, with temperatures often below freezing. January is typically the coldest, averaging lows of around 5°F.

Edmonton receives minimal rainfall, about 0.8 inches in February, but experiences significant snowfall.

Despite the cold, winter is a magical time for winter sports like ice skating, skiing, and snowboarding.