St. John's (NL) Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit St. John's.

Climate overview of St. John's

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, sees big temperature differences between seasons, with August peaking at 20°C (68°F) and February dropping to 1°C (34°F).

Rain/snowfall is high, totalling around 1268 mm (50 in) per year. December is the wettest month and June the driest. The city also experiences pleasant summers and very cold winters. The most sunshine falls in July, with an average of 7.2 hours of daily sunshine.

St. John's Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in St. John's - and find the best time to visit.

Monthly Temperature in St. John's

Visitors to St. John's can expect significant temperature changes throughout the year. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a pleasant 20°C (68°F) in August, the warmest time of the year, to a very cold 1°C (34°F) during cooler months like February.

At night, you can expect temperatures ranging from 13°C (55°F) in August to around -7°C (19°F) during February.

Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.

Temperature ranges by month

Rainfall in St. John's

St. John's is known for its substantial rain/snowfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1268 mm (50 in). While snow/rainfall varies throughout the year, each season offers its own charm. December brings wetter days averaging 136 mm (5.4 in) of precipitation, spread over 19 snowy/rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month June experiences a drier climate, with about 77 mm (3 in) of rainfall spread across 13 rainy days. For more details, please visit our St. John's Precipitation page.

The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow

Sunshine Hours in St. John's

Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in St. John's. While July receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 7.2 hours, December marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce with only 2.1 hours of sunlight per day.

Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Daily hours of sunshine

Best Time to Visit St. John's

For comfortable weather, consider visiting St. John's in August. Conditions are usually least favourable in January, February, March, April, May, October, November and December.

Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.

  • Best overall: August
  • Warmest weather: July and August
  • Most sunshine: July and August
  • Seasonal pattern: Pleasant summers and very cold winters
  • Coldest conditions: February, with freezing nights around -7°C (19°F).

Frequently asked questions about the climate in St. John's

What is the best time to visit St. John's?

August typically offers the most optimal weather in St. John's. In contrast, January, February, March, April, May, October, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions. St. John's has pleasant summers and very cold winters.

What temperatures can I expect in St. John's?

Daytime highs range from 1°C (34°F) in February to 20°C (68°F) in August. Nighttime lows range from -7°C (19°F) to 13°C (55°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.

How much rain does St. John's get?

Annual rainfall is around 1268 mm (50 in). December is the wettest month with 136 mm (5.4 in), while June is the driest with 77 mm (3 in). In the coldest months, precipitation may fall as snow/rain.

How sunny is St. John's?

St. John's receives around 1,630 hours of sunshine per year. July is the sunniest month with 216 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 62 hours.

St. John's 3-Day Forecast

St. John's on the map

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