Calgary experiences a humid continental climate, with warm summers and icy winters that can often see temperatures dropping well below freezing. The mountains in and around the city create dry conditions, especially in winter, but the summer months (June to August) do bring some rainfall, keeping things a bit more balanced.

Winters (December to February) are long and cold, but occasionally, you’ll get relief from the chill thanks to warm winds called Chinooks. These Chinooks can melt snow quickly and bring a welcome break from the icy conditions. On average, daily temperatures in Calgary reach around 62°F (17°C) in summer and 20°F (-7°C) in winter. The weather here can fluctuate considerably, so it’s always wise to be ready for unexpected changes.

 

What do expats say about Calgary's climate and weather?

"The biggest adjustments here involved the drastically different climate. Coming from sunny South Africa to snowy Canada can be quite a shock to the system. Winters are very cold and with the snow you need lots of layers, jackets, mittens and boots, and this was a huge adjustment for our kids, who were used to running around barefoot most of the year. It’s also quite a challenge to learn to drive safely in the winter conditions."

Learn more about South African expat Catherine's experiences adjusting to life in Calgary. 

Further reading

►Our Lifestyle in Calgary page provides an overview of great annual events in the area

Are you an expat living in Calgary?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Calgary. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.