Canada - Weather

The climate varies considerably around the country. Atlantic Canada is very cold from November to April (minus 10° to 4°C/15° to 50°F), while May to October is mild on the coasts. There are few gales in summer, but the area is affected by fog. In spring and summer up to July, icebergs can be carried into the Newfoundland area.

In Western Canada, November to April is temperate on the coast, while May to October is warm and rainy. Northern Canada has subarctic conditions during the winter. The southern area, nicknamed the banana belt, is in the rain shadow of Vancouver Island, has milder winters and so cruising is possible all year round, while the northern sector tends to be summer cruising only. Land breezes often dictate the sailing conditions and calms are commonplace. In the summer gales are rare and west or north-westerly winds blow most afternoons.

Weather Forecasts:

• See Official Canadian marine weather service for the forecast for the various regions.
• Canadian Hurricane Center
• https://marineweather.net/. Covers US east and west coasts and the Gulf.

In poor visibility, yachts can contact the local Traffic (VHF Channel 13 or 14) and report their position, route and speed, and receive information on any large ships they may encounter.

Fundy Traffic can be contacted on VHF Channel 11 on the way to St John and will help when visibility is bad. Halifax Traffic on VHF Channel 14 offers similar assistance to yachtsmen.

The Canadian Coast Guard monitors VHF Channel 16.

For links to free global weather information, forecast services and extreme weather information see the Noonsite Weather Page