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Halifax (NS) Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Halifax.
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Climate overview of Halifax
Temperatures in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, vary greatly throughout the year. August is the hottest month at 23°C (73°F), while January is the coldest at 1°C (34°F).
Rain/snowfall is high, totalling around 1379 mm (54 in) per year. December is the wettest month and May the driest. The city also experiences warm summers and very cold winters. The most sunshine falls in July, with an average of 7.8 hours of daily sunshine.
Halifax Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Halifax - and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Halifax
The climate in Halifax is known for significant temperature differences throughout the year, making the weather dynamic. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 23°C (73°F) in August, the warmest time of the year, to a very cold 1°C (34°F) during cooler months like January.
At night, you can expect temperatures ranging from 16°C (61°F) in August to around -8°C (18°F) during January.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Halifax
Halifax has a notably wet climate with abundant precipitation, recording 1379 mm (54 in) of rain/snowfall per year. Year-round, Halifax has a balanced climate with minimal variation in precipitation. The difference between the wettest month, December, with 144 mm (5.7 in), and the driest month, May, with 92 mm (3.6 in), is minimal. For more details, please visit our Halifax 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 Halifax
Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in Halifax. While July receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 7.8 hours, November marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce with only 3.5 hours of sunlight per day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Humidity in Halifax by Month
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Halifax.
The city experiences its highest humidity in December, reaching 76%. In May, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 62%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Best Time to Visit Halifax
The most comfortable overall weather for exploring Halifax is usually found in July and August. Conditions are generally least comfortable in January, February, March, April, November and December.
Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.
Jan
cold
Feb
cold
Mar
cold
Apr
wet
May
good
Jun
good
Jul
excellent
Aug
excellent
Sep
very good
Oct
mixed
Nov
wet
Dec
wet
- Best overall: July and August
- Warmest weather: July and August
- Most sunshine: July and August
- Seasonal pattern: Warm summers and very cold winters
- Coldest conditions: January, with freezing nights around -8°C (18°F).
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Halifax
What is the best time to visit Halifax?
July and August typically offer the most optimal weather in Halifax. In contrast, January, February, March, April, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Halifax has warm summers and very cold winters.
What temperatures can I expect in Halifax?
Daytime highs range from 1°C (34°F) in January to 23°C (73°F) in August. Nighttime lows range from -8°C (18°F) to 16°C (61°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Halifax get?
Annual rainfall is around 1379 mm (54 in). December is the wettest month with 144 mm (5.7 in), while May is the driest with 92 mm (3.6 in). In the coldest months, precipitation may fall as snow/rain.
How sunny is Halifax?
Halifax receives around 1,965 hours of sunshine per year. July is the sunniest month with 235 hours, while November is the cloudiest with just 106 hours.
Halifax 3-Day Forecast
Halifax on the map
Halifax is highlighted - select any city to see its climate.
Popular in October
Where to go in October - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Toronto
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14°C (57°F) Quebec City12°C (54°F) Calgary
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