Just starting to plan your visit and wondering what is the best time to visit Banff? Well, it all depends on the experiences and activities you’re looking for! Summer is the busiest and most popular time to visit, but with so many unique experiences these mountains have to offer, you really can’t go wrong with a trip to Banff. Alberta is the sunniest province of Canada, so there is plenty of bluebird days in the winter and endless sunshine during the summer in Banff. We’ve been lucky to call these mountains home for the past 3 years and feel like there’s always something to do, so let’s find out what time is the best time to visit Banff for you!
Generally said, June through September are the best months for hiking and other summer activities, while December to March are the best months for those who love winter and skiing, but let’s break down each month so you can expect what’s the weather like and what activities you can do! Just note that the temperature averages we mention for each month are for the Town of Banff and regardless of the season, the temperature will fall about 1°C for every 200m of elevation gain. You’ll need layers no matter what time of a year you decide to visit, because seasons have no set rules in Banff National Park!
BANFF IN JANUARY
Banff weather in January
January is typically the coldest month in Banff in the whole year. Not coming from Canada, we like to say that January’s outdoor activities are for the brave ones haha. The average January temperatures in town can range from about -5°C (23°F) to -15°C (5°F) between the day and night, however we occasionally get severe temperature drops that go even below -30°C (-22°F) and days with wind chills can also feel much colder than what you see on the thermometer. That being said, Alberta’s climate is extremely dry, which makes the cold more bearable comparing to the wet cold climates. January in Banff can be a magical experience as Canadian Rockies are blanketed in snow and look like a winter wonderland. Things slow down a bit after holidays and with these cold temperatures, it’s a good time to enjoy Rockies with fewer crowds. This is a perfect month to explore all things frozen, but you’ll definitely want to pack lots of layers and keep moving while outside!
Things to do in Banff in January
» Skiing & snowboarding
» Cross-country skiing
» Winter hiking, snowshoeing & icewalks
» Exploring frozen waterfalls
» Skating on frozen lakes & observing frozen bubbles
» Ice climbing
» Hot springs
Read our blog post with 20+ best things to do in Banff in winter to see detailed recommendations to these winter activities!
Banff January events
BANFF IN FEBRUARY
Banff weather in February
February is often called the heart of winter in Banff. As the days begin to get slightly longer and temparetures warmer comparing to January, Banff starts to be busier again and becomes a paradise for all winter activities. The average temperatures in Banff in February range from about -1°C (30°F) to -12°C (10°F) between the day and night. Although not as cold as December and January, you should still expect some very crispy days with freezing temperatures. February also means some of the fluffiest and driest powder snow, so conditions for skiing and snowboarding are at their prime. In fact, this might be the best time to ski in Banff! Again, pack lots of layers and stay active while outside.
Things to do in Banff in February
» Skiing & snowboarding
» Cross-country skiing
» Winter hiking, snowshoeing & icewalks
» Exploring frozen waterfalls
» Skating on frozen lakes & observing frozen bubbles
» Ice climbing
» Hot springs
Read our blog post with 20+ best things to do in Banff in winter to see detailed recommendations to these winter activities!
Banff February events
BANFF IN MARCH
Banff weather in March
February typically marks the end of the winter and spring is in the air in many parts of the world. Well, that’s not the case in Banff! Winter is still in a full swing in March with plenty of sub-zero temperatures, frozen lakes and waterafalls. It also tends to see the biggest snowfall of the year which means lots of pow days and great skiing/snowboarding conditions! With average temperatures of +3°C (37°F) to -8°C (17°F) between the day and night, outdoor activities become much more pleasant. It’s easier to stay warm, so we recommend March for trying winter activities that typically aren’t active enough to keep you warm, e.g. dog sledding or stargazing.
Things to do in Banff in March
» Skiing & snowboarding
» Cross-country skiing
» Hiking & snowshoeing
» Exploring frozen waterfalls
» Skating on frozen lakes & observing frozen bubbles
» Snow tubing
» Ice climbing
» Dog sledding
» Stargazing
» Hot springs
Read our blog post with 20+ best things to do in Banff in winter to see detailed recommendations to these winter activities!
Banff March events
BANFF IN APRIL
Banff weather in April
Things are still quite wintery (are you even surprised at this point?), but spring is in the air! Yay! April is a shoulder season which means weather can be a little bit of everything. Average temperatures range from +10°C (50°F) to -3°C (27°F) between the day and night and snow melts in the lower elevations, but there is still plenty up in the mountains and ski resorts and snowfall days aren’t uncommon. Don’t expect to see blue lakes or go hiking quite this time of a year unless you’re experienced in avalanche terrain as early spring means conditions can be very risky in certain areas. Overall, April is still more suitable for those who like skiing or snowboarding as conditions still remain pretty good. Are you a non skier and wondering if it’s worth it to visit Banff in April? Well, it’s probably not the best month you can pick, but you can still have a great time in Banff in April, plus it’s a quiet and afforable month! It is also the start of the spring grazing season which can be great for spotting animals!
Things to do in Banff in April
» Skiing & snowboarding
» Snow tubing
» Dog sledding
» Stargazing
» Horseback riding
» Caving
» Yamuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
» Wildlife tours
» Hot springs
Read our blog post with 20+ best things to do in Banff in winter to see detailed recommendations to these winter activities!
Banff April events
BANFF IN MAY
Banff weather in May
Spring is finally taking over in Banff National Park! The average temperatures in May range from about 15°C (59°F) to 1°C (33°F) between the day and night which means first lakes are starting to thaw and the weather can feel really pleasant on some days. But to be honest, nothing is guaranteed in Rockies. Will there be still snow in Banff in May? Yes, higher elevations will still be covered in snow, but it is typically a month of the season’s last snowfall (which will most likely be rain in lower elevations). Skiing is still possible and hiking becomes accessible (but muddy) in lower elevations at the same time. Although it’s not the best month to visit for either skiing or hiking, the fact that you can do both in one place within the same month is pretty unreal! The wildlife is active again and the spring thaw brings amazing conditions for whitewater rafting. Plus you can take the advantage of beating the crowds!
Things to do in Banff in May
» Skiing/snowboarding with end of season conditions
» Hiking in lower elevations
» Biking
» Wildlife tours
» Whitewater rafting
» Horseback riding
» Early season camping
» Rock climbing
Banff May events
BANFF IN JUNE
Banff weather in June
June in Banff unfolds the beauty of the spring that often quickly blends into summer within the same month. The average temperatures in June range from about 19°C (66°F) to 5°C (41°F) between the day and night. Even the high elevation blue glacier lakes are now thawed, so if seeing Lake Louise or Moraine Lake is the main reason of your visit, this is finally a time to go! Besides that, most of the high elevation hikes become doable again, though you might still have to deal with snow at some trails. You should definitely pack your rain jacket as June is typically the rainiest and wettest month of a year, which is so important for prevention of wildfires! If you’re ready to embrace the rain, June is a beautiful time to visit Banff. While things are starting to get busy again as we approach the summer, you can still take the advantage of lower crowds and off-peak rates.
Things to do in Banff in June
» Hiking
» Biking
» Driving the Icefields Parkway
» Wildlife tours
» Kayaking, canoeing and SUP
» Whitewater rafting
» Horseback riding
» Picnics and bonfires
» Camping
» Via Ferrata Mt. Norquay
» Rock climbing
Banff June events
BANFF IN JULY
Banff weather in July
July is the warmest month in Banff and the weather is simply fantastic. The days are incredibly long, warm and full of sunshine. With average temperatures of 23°C (73°F) to 7°C (44°F) between the day and night, it is a wonderful time for hiking, camping, seeing all the beautiful lakes and other outdoor activities. The snow is typically melted even on the higher elevation trails, though there is always a chance you can find some in Canadian Rockies and temperatures can definitely still be cooler up in the mountains! You should always pack some layers when going to Banff and don’t forget the repellent – mosquitos can be pretty bad in July. That being said, it is the peak season month which means things get really busy. Expect crowds at popular spots and make sure to do all necessary bookings ahead of time. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada, after all. Is it worth it with all the crowds? We personally think everyone should experience summer in Rockies at least once in a lifetime. For those who love summer activities, July might just be the best time to visit Banff. And if crowds aren’t your jam, you can just avoid the popular spots. There is still plenty of other places to find tranquility even in the peak season. One last thing we want to mention is that summer in Banff can be certainly affected by wildfires. Even if there isn’t a wildfire nearby, the wind can bring hazy days from other fires around Canada or US and this is something to consider when planning the time of your trip.
Things to do in Banff in July
» Hiking
» Biking
» Driving the Icefields Parkway
» Wildlife tours
» Kayaking, canoeing and SUP
» Whitewater rafting
» Horseback riding
» Picnics and bonfires
» Camping
» Via Ferrata Mt. Norquay
» Rock climbing
Banff July events
BANFF IN AUGUST
Banff weather in August
Similar to July, August is a peak summer month that offers amazing weather full of long and sunny days. The temperatures are just about the same too with the average of 22°C (71°F) to 6°C (42°F) between the day and nights. It is a wonderful time for all outdoor activities and the trails are typically finally completely dry, so this is a time to cross the big summits off your bucketlist! Early August is usually also the peak time for wildflowers. It can’t get much better than that! However as the summer and warm weather continues, the chances that Banff will be affected by wildfires are increasing. Unfortunately, smoky days are part of Banff’s summer and it is something that’s hard to predict. We will personally always prefer the warmer months over the cold ones, but if you don’t want to risk having smoky days on your holidays, summer might not be the best time to visit Banff for you. Just like in July, planning ahead is necessary as this is the busiest time of a year in Banff. Pack some layers anyways (cause you never know here) and a mosquito repellent/bug spray.
Things to do in Banff in August
» Hiking
» Biking
» Driving the Icefields Parkway
» Wildlife tours
» Kayaking, canoeing and SUP
» Whitewater rafting
» Wildflowers
» Horseback riding
» Picnics and bonfires
» Camping
» Via Ferrata Mt. Norquay
» Rock climbing
Banff August events
BANFF IN SEPTEMBER
Banff weather in September
Lot of people consider September the most beautiful time of a year in Rockies and we couldn’t agree more! The days are still fairly warm (though that can change quickly by the end of the month), the mosquitos are gone, but most of all – the larches turn yellow and it’s the most beautiful show! The average temperatures in September range from about 17°C (62°F) to 2°C (35°F) between the day and night which is just perfect for hiking, but you’ll definitely want to pack some layers as the weather becomes more unpredictable again. If you hoped we’re not going to mention snow in this month – we have to disappoint you. We did experience snowfall in Banff in September in the past, though it typically doesn’t stick around this time of a year. While September used to be considered off-season month in the past, we’d say it is now a peak season too due to the increasing popularity of larch hiking. Trails with larch trees get even busier than in the summer, but can you blame anyone? September really might be the best time to visit Banff if hiking is the main thing you want to do.
Things to do in Banff in September
» Larch season hiking
» Biking
» Driving the Icefields Parkway
» Wildlife tours – prime elk rutting season
» Kayaking, canoeing and SUP
» Horseback riding
» Picnics and bonfires
» Camping
» Via Ferrata Mt. Norquay
» Rock climbing
Banff September events
BANFF IN OCTOBER
Banff weather in October
As the weather starts to cool down in Banff, the summer craziness is over. October is a shoulder season month with average temperatures that range from about 10°C (50°F) to -2°C (28°F) between the day and night, so if you prefer Banff with fewer crowds and more relaxed atmosphere, this might be the best time to visit for you! You can typically still catch yellow larches and fall colors at the beginning of the month, but note that fall doesn’t stick around for too long in Canadian Rockies and the weather can start to be really unpredictable during October. The second half of the month typically brings the first significant snowfall, which sticks around at higher elevations. This is also the last month to catch shuttle to Moraine Lake before it closes for the season, though you can still enjoy the blue color of Lake Louise for the whole month.
Things to do in Banff in October
» Larch season hiking (early October)
» Biking
» Driving the Icefields Parkway
» Wildlife tours
» Horseback riding
» Caving
» Hot springs
Banff October events
BANFF IN NOVEMEBER
Banff weather in November
We feel like November in Banff doesn’t have a great reputation and it is the least favourite month for many, but there are two things that always makes us really excited for this month! Number one is a combination of snow with lakes that aren’t frozen yet (sooo pretty!), number two is when the lakes actually freeze for the first time and you can experience skating on wild ice! The average temperatures range from about 1°C (33°F) to -8°C (17°F) between the day and night, so the winter is really taking over. In fact, ski resorts open again in the second half of the month starting one of the longest skiing seasons in North America. November in Banff is as quiet as it can get here and while it might not be the best time to visit for many (unless wild ice skating is your bucketlist experience), there are still things to do and lots of fun events to attend.
Things to do in Banff in November
» Visiting lakes before they freeze
» Skating on frozen lakes & observing frozen bubbles
» Hot springs
» Wildlife tours
Read our blog post with 20+ best things to do in Banff in winter to see detailed recommendations to these winter activities!
Banff November events
BANFF IN DECEMBER
Banff weather in December
December in Banff is all about snow-capped mountains, crispy temperatures and holiday atmosphere. It is a winter lovers paradise once again and you can be sure that Christmas in Banff will be white! The average temperatures range from -5°C (23°F) to -15°C (5°F) between the day and night and it snows a lot, so skiing/snowboarding conditions are generally fantastic. It is also the month with shortest daylight which is less than 8 hours around the winter solstice. Luckily, there is lots of fun events and holiday festivities to keep you entertained during the long evenings. December could easily be the best time to visit Banff in the winter!
Things to do in Banff in December
» Skiing & snowboarding
» Cross-country skiing
» Winter hiking, snowshoeing & icewalks
» Exploring frozen waterfalls
» Skating on frozen lakes & observing frozen bubbles
» Ice climbing
» Hot springs
Read our blog post with 20+ best things to do in Banff in winter to see detailed recommendations to these winter activities!
Banff December events
WHERE TO STAY IN BANFF
There is plenty of hotels, lodges or chalets that you can choose from when visiting Banff.
If we’re honest with you, staying in Banff can get pretty expensive. Unless you want to come in off season months (November or April), you’ll have to be ready to pay big bucks. It is simply the centre of all activities in Banff NP, so there is a price that comes with it. You can try Canmore, which is just outside of national park and tends to be more affordable. Keep in mind that Banff gets busy during both summer and winter months, so make sure to book in advance if coming in these months.
Vrbo could be a great option if you’re coming in a bigger group of people and prefer more home-like experience. Planning a couple getaway and looking for romantic places to stay in Banff? You can read about best places to stay in Banff for couples here. Lastly, we have a blog post about unique places to stay in Canadian Rockies where we feature some of our favourite stays in the area!
Now let’s have a look on some popular options that you can consider for your next trip to Banff:
Located right on Banff Avenue, just a short walk from downtown, Fox Hotel & Suites is a great property with both hotel rooms and suites of different sizes, perfect for those who want to be close to all downtown fun.
Moose Hotel is undoubtedly one of the nicest places to stay in downtown Banff, with comfortable rooms and rooftop hot tubs with amazing views of Cascade Mountain.
There is truly no other place in Banff as iconic as the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. It’s a “Castle in the Rockies”, after all, so you’ll be guaranteed with a romantic stay like from a fairytale! Note, that this hotel is located outside of downtown, but still within a walkable distance.
FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT BEST TIME TO VISIT BANFF
Whether you’re a hiking lover or avid skier, Banff is an amazing year-round destination offering a diverse range of activities and experiences in each season. We hope this little guide helped you to find the best time to visit Banff based on your personal preferences! Are there questions we haven’t answered? Leave us a comment below and we’ll do our best to help!
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