British Columbia - basics - Travel Guide

Time: GMT -8 (Some areas near the Alberta border are GMT -7). Daylight saving is observed between the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.

Climate: BC's climate is very varied due to its diverse topography. The coastal region has a very mild winter climate with lots of rainfall. November and February tend to be the wettest months, while May and September are probably the best times to visit the coast. Vancouver enjoys a maritime climate, with mild winters and warm summers. Although winters can be notoriously rainy, there are often long periods of continuous sunshine in the summertime, when visitors come to explore the region's natural beauty. Snowfall is rare in the city, but is more than adequate for the ski slopes on the Coast Mountains to the north. The interior to the east of the Coast Mountains has a much drier climate with warm summers and cool winters. The Rockies enjoy a warm to hot summer from May to September, with heavy snowfalls during winter. The northern part of the province has generally much colder winters and cooler summers than the rest of BC.
Cities & Regions: Vancouver | Vancouver Island | Ski Resorts