What Is Calgary’s Climate Like?
According to the Koppen Climate Classification, Calgary is listed as a Dwb climate. This means it has a continental climate, as well as a dry winter and a warm summer.
The (D) in Dwb refers to the city having a continental climate, which is characterised by at least one month with an average temperature above 10°C (50°F) and at least one month with an average temperature below freezing. The other four types of climate are tropical (A), where every month has an average temperature of 18 C (64 F), dry (B), which is defined by its low precipitation, temperate (C), which is like continental, but doesn’t have a month where the average temperature is below freezing, and Polar (F), which doesn’t have any month with a temperature averaging above 10 C (50 F).
A continental climate is the most common type of climate in Canada, and in addition to the stated temperature, this type of climate has a lot of traits that most places with this type of climate have in common. Most places with this type of climate, including Calgary, have four distinct seasons, including a fall when leaves change colour. This type of climate is also more susceptible to major storms, such as thunderstorms. It should also be noted that Calgary is located within Canada’s tornado alley.
The (w) refers to a dry winter, which means that the wettest summer month gets ten times as much rain as the driest winter month on average. It should be noted that in this case, summer refers to April–September, and winter refers to October–March. Three times as much precipitation in the wettest month of winter as in the driest month of summer would have made it a dry summer (s). If neither of these were true, it would have been considered (f), meaning no significant difference in precipitation.
What Is Everyday Weather Like In Calgary?
Calgary has a relatively warm temperature compared to more northern places, and it doesn’t get as cold in the winter as you would expect for a place that is in what is often considered a prairie province. Calgary is also known for being the sunniest city in Canada, and it has relatively low humidity. This is due to its proximity to the Rockies, with most clouds dumping all their rain on this mountain range just before blowing into Calgary. The winds range from 10-15 km/h (6-9 mph) in most months, with summer having more precipitation than winter.
What Is Spring Like In Calgary?
Spring (March – May) in Calgary starts off very dry and cold but gets warmer and wetter as the season progresses. Highs in March average out to around 5 C (41 F), with lows of close to -5 C (23 F). However, by May, these numbers have increased by about 10 °C (18°F) warmer, with 15 °C (59°F) and 5 °C (41°F). Rain goes from about 40 mm per month to more than double that throughout the season, setting the city up for a summer that is much warmer and wetter than the rest of the year. Cloud cover and humidity go from the mid-60s to the high 50s.
What Is Summer Like In Calgary?
Summer (June-August) in Calgary is warm and has the most precipitation of any season, despite the fact that even this season isn’t as wet as it is in other cities. Highs range from 20 C – 25 C (68 F – 77 F) with lows of around 10 C (50 F). Early summer will be the wettest time of the year, with well over 100mm or rain per month on average, but that quickly drops to around half that amount by the end of the season. Humidity will average around 60% throughout the season, with cloud cover dropping from averaging in the 50s at the beginning of the season, to in the 40s at the end.
What Is Fall Like In Calgary?
Fall (September-November) in Calgary is, like in many places, almost the inverse of Spring, except with beautifully changed colours in the leaves. Highs start off at around 20 C (68 F) at the beginning of the season, and drop quickly, becoming close to 5 C (41 F) if not lower by the end of the season. Lows will also drop from 5 °C (41°F) to around -5 °C (23°F) in the same amount of time. Humidity will average in the 60s throughout the entire season, and cloud cover will start off averaging around 45% and increases to about 60%. There will usually be an average of below 50 mm of rain per month in every month.
What Is Winter Like In Calgary?
Winter (December-February) in Calgary is cold, but not as cold as it is in other parts of Alberta. Highs will generally hover around freezing on average, and lows will stay around -10 C (14 F). There won’t be much precipitation at all, and most of it will be snow. Cloud cover will average around 60% in the entire season, with humidity staying in the high 60s and low 70s all winter,
Is Calgary For Me?
Calgary does have a certain appeal. Perhaps a very high amount of sun is the largest factor drawing people in there, and if you want a relatively moderate temperature in Alberta, Calgary could be the place for you.
