Prince Rupert (BC) Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Prince Rupert.
Climate overview of Prince Rupert
Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada, sees big temperature differences between seasons, with August peaking at 17°C (63°F) and January dropping to 5°C (41°F).
With around 3019 mm (119 in) of annual rain/snowfall, Prince Rupert has a notably wet climate. However, this rain/snowfall is not evenly distributed — the city has mild summers and cold winters. The wettest month is October. The most sunshine falls in May, with an average of 5.8 hours of daily sunshine.
Prince Rupert Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Prince Rupert - and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Prince Rupert
Visitors to Prince Rupert can expect significant temperature changes throughout the year. Average daytime temperatures reach a moderate 17°C (63°F) in August. In January, the coolest month of the year, temperatures drop to a chilly 5°C (41°F).
At night, temperatures range from around 12°C (54°F) in August to 0°C (32°F) in January.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Prince Rupert
Prince Rupert is known for its substantial rain/snowfall, with annual precipitation reaching 3019 mm (119 in). Prince Rupert can be quite wet during October, receiving approximately 386 mm (15 in) of precipitation over 25 rainy days.
In contrast, during the driest month (July), you will experience much drier conditions, with 126 mm (5 in) of precipitation spread across 17 rainy days. For more details, please visit our Prince Rupert Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Prince Rupert
Prince Rupert can be enjoyed more throughout the sunniest month of May under a blue sky, with approximately 5.8 hours of sunshine daily. In contrast, the city experiences much darker days in December, with only 1.1 hours of sunlight per day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Water Temperature in Prince Rupert
The mean water temperature over the year ranges from 7°C (45°F) in January to 14°C (57°F) in August.
Water temperature over the year
Humidity in Prince Rupert by Month
The city experiences its highest humidity in December, reaching 87%. In April, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 74%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Wind Speed in Prince Rupert
The mean wind speed varies between 2 m/s (4 knots) and 4 m/s (8 knots) throughout the year. It is lowest in July and August and highest during January, February, March, April, October, November and December. What does this mean?
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
Best Time to Visit Prince Rupert
Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.
- Best overall: June and July
- Warmest weather: July and August
- Most sunshine: May
- Seasonal pattern: Mild summers and cold winters
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Prince Rupert
What is the best time to visit Prince Rupert?
June and July typically offer the most optimal weather in Prince Rupert. In contrast, January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Prince Rupert has mild summers and cold winters.
What temperatures can I expect in Prince Rupert?
Daytime highs range from 5°C (41°F) in January to 17°C (63°F) in August. Nighttime lows range from 0°C (32°F) to 12°C (54°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Prince Rupert get?
Annual rainfall is around 3019 mm (119 in). October is the wettest month with 386 mm (15 in), while July is the driest with 126 mm (5 in).
How sunny is Prince Rupert?
Prince Rupert receives around 1,214 hours of sunshine per year. May is the sunniest month with 175 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 34 hours.
Prince Rupert 3-Day Forecast
Prince Rupert (BC) 3-Day Forecast
Prince Rupert on the map
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