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Nanaimo (BC) Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Nanaimo.
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Climate overview of Nanaimo
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, experiences significant temperature variation throughout the year. Summers bring daytime highs of 22°C (72°F) in August, while winters cool to 7°C (45°F) in December.
Rain/snowfall is high, totalling around 1744 mm (69 in) per year. November is the wettest month and July the driest. The city also experiences a distinct rainy season from November to January, with warm summers and cold winters. The most sunshine falls in July, with an average of 9.6 hours of daily sunshine.
Nanaimo Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Nanaimo - and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Nanaimo
Depending on the time of the year, temperatures range from comfortable to chilly in Nanaimo. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 22°C (72°F) in August, the warmest time of the year, to a chilly 7°C (45°F) during cooler months like December.
At night, you can expect temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) in August to around 2°C (36°F) during December.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Nanaimo
Nanaimo has a relatively rain/snowy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1744 mm (69 in) of rain/snowfall annually. Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. In the wettest month, November it receives heavy rainfall, averaging 254 mm (10 in) of precipitation, recorded across 19 rainy days. In contrast, the driest month July brings less rainfall, with 47 mm (1.9 in) over 7 rainy days. For more details, please visit our Nanaimo 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 Nanaimo
Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in Nanaimo. While July receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 9.6 hours, December marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce with only 1.9 hours of sunlight per day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Data from: Vancouver, Canada (60 KM, 37 Miles).
Daily hours of sunshine
Data from: Vancouver, Canada (60 KM, 37 Miles).
Daily percentage of sunshine
Data from: Vancouver, Canada (60 KM, 37 Miles).
Humidity in Nanaimo by Month
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Nanaimo.
The city experiences its highest humidity in January, reaching 81%. In July, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 61%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Data from: Vancouver, Canada (60 KM, 37 Miles).
Best Time to Visit Nanaimo
The most comfortable overall weather for exploring Nanaimo 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
very wet
Feb
wet
Mar
wet
Apr
wet
May
good
Jun
very good
Jul
excellent
Aug
excellent
Sep
very good
Oct
mixed
Nov
very wet
Dec
very wet
- Best overall: July and August
- Warmest weather: July and August
- Most sunshine: July and August
- Fewest rainy days: July and August
- Seasonal pattern: A distinct rainy season from November to January, with warm summers and cold winters
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Nanaimo
What is the best time to visit Nanaimo?
July and August typically offer the most optimal weather in Nanaimo. In contrast, January, February, March, April, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Nanaimo has a distinct rainy season from November to January, with warm summers and cold winters.
What temperatures can I expect in Nanaimo?
Daytime highs range from 7°C (45°F) in December to 22°C (72°F) in August. Nighttime lows range from 2°C (36°F) to 15°C (59°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Nanaimo get?
Annual rainfall is around 1744 mm (69 in). November is the wettest month with 254 mm (10 in), while July is the driest with 47 mm (1.9 in).
How sunny is Nanaimo?
Nanaimo receives around 1,932 hours of sunshine per year. July is the sunniest month with 289 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 56 hours.
Nanaimo 3-Day Forecast
Nanaimo on the map
Nanaimo 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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