How to Dress for Victoria BC Weather

Victoria BC weather is predictably unpredictable.

We enjoy the most temperate climate in all of Canada with lots of sun (according to worldatlas.com Victoria is the 8th sunniest city in Canada), beautiful fresh air and not as much rain as many people think. In fact, data from Environment Canada for the period of April 2018 to March of 2019 shows Victoria receiving total precipitation of 794.8 mm and Toronto, Canada receiving 932.6 mm. The biggest difference in the two cities is that most of our precipitation comes as rain while Toronto’s is a mix of rain and snow.

Waterproof Columbia 3-in-1 jacket with liner removed.

Victoria BC weather rarely consists of lightning, thunderstorms or torrential rain. Our rain generally comes down gently, sometimes even as a mist.

One of the best things about the weather in this area is that is doesn’t stop many people from getting outside and enjoying nature. All you need is a waterproof jacket and shoes/boots and you are good to go!

Other weather-related considerations:

There is almost always a light ocean breeze
We experience a lot of rainbows
When it is sunny out, it usually feels warmer than the official temperature
Warm summer evenings are rare; it usually cools down quickly once the sun goes down
Some people feel the dampness, particularly older individuals in the winter (layering of clothing is good to combat this)
There are multiple micro-climates in the greater Victoria area with some neighbourhoods considerably warmer/cooler/drier/damper than others who are only a few kilometres away

My go-to Timberland Goretex hiking boots for all kinds of west coast weather.

How to dress for Victoria BC weather by month

Note: All temperatures are displayed in Celsius

January

Average high: 8
Average low: 2-3
Average precipitation: 237 mm
How to dress: a 3-in-1 waterproof jacket with rain boots or waterproof shoes/boots
Read more about Victoria in January

February

Average high: 6
Average low: -1
Average precipitation: 70 mm
How to dress: a 3-in-1 waterproof jacket with rain boots or waterproof shoes/boots
Read more about Victoria in February

March

Average high: 11
Average low: 1-2
Average precipitation: 21 mm
How to dress: lightweight jacket/wind breaker or fleece sweater
Read more about Victoria in March

April

Average high: 13
Average low: 5-6
Average precipitation: 86 mm
How to dress: lightweight jacket/wind breaker or fleece sweater
Read more about Victoria in April

May

Average high: 18
Average low: 8
Average precipitation: 26 mm
How to dress: light sweater, fleece vest, sandals
Read more about Victoria in May

June

Average high: 20
Average low: 10
Average precipitation: 2.5 mm
How to dress: light sweater or fleece vest for evening, sandals
Read more about Victoria in June

July

Average high: 23-24
Average low: 12-13
Average precipitation: 1 mm
How to dress: light sweater or fleece vest for evening, sandals
Read more about Victoria in July

August

Average high: 23
Average low: 12
Average precipitation: 2.5 mm
How to dress: light sweater or fleece vest for evening, sandals
Read more about Victoria in August

September

Average high: 20
Average low: 10
Average precipitation: 41 mm
How to dress: waterproof jacket or fleece sweater, closed-toe shoes
Read more about Victoria in September

October

Average high: 15
Average low: 5
Average precipitation: 85 mm
How to dress: a 3-in-1 waterproof jacket; closed toe shoes
Read more about Victoria in October

November

Average high: 10
Average low: 3-4
Average precipitation: 165 mm
How to dress: a 3-in-1 waterproof jacket with rain boots or waterproof shoes/boots
Read more about Victoria in November

December

Average high: 7
Average low: 1
Average precipitation: 142 mm
How to dress: a 3-in-1 waterproof jacket with rain boots or waterproof shoes/boots
Read more about Victoria in December

Victoria in September

Victoria in October

Victoria in November

Victoria in December

Don't worry if you arrive unprepared for Victoria BC weather. There are many terrific outdoor stores in the downtown area where you can pick up quality rain gear.