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Weather in Jasper
Wild Rockies and dark sky sanctuary
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About Jasper
Jasper National Park sprawls across 10,878 square kilometers where grizzly bears roam and mountain streams cascade. The tiny mountain village offers quiet alternative to Banff. The Icefields Parkway approaching from the south counts as a scenic drive.
Best months to visit
Year-round
Things to do in Jasper
Hike the Skyline Trail with panoramic mountain vistas
Explore Maligne Lake via boat tour or kayak
Soak in Miette Hot Springs
Drive the Icefields Parkway as a scenic journey
Stargaze under dark skies at night
Look for grizzlies, wolves, and mountain goats on wildlife drives
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
-5C
Cold, with some rainy days.
February
-4C
Cold, with some rainy days.
March
2C
Cold, with some rainy days.
April
7C
Cold, with some rainy days.
May
14C
Cool, with some rainy days.
June
19C
Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.
July
22C
Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.
August
22C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
September
15C
Cool, with some rainy days.
October
8C
Cold, with some rainy days.
November
-1C
Cold, with some rainy days.
December
-7C
Cold, with some rainy days.
Jasper National Park is the wilder, less crowded sibling to Banff, with glaciers you can walk on at the Columbia Icefield, the dramatic Maligne Canyon, and some of the darkest skies in North America for stargazing. It's a place where wildlife sightings — elk, bears, bighorn sheep — feel like a regular part of the drive rather than a rare event.
Best areas to stay in Jasper
Jasper Town
The small main hub with hotels, restaurants and the train station, surrounded by mountains on all sides.
Maligne Lake area
Home to the famous Spirit Island viewpoint, reached by boat tour, and excellent hiking and canoeing.
Icefields Parkway lodges
Scattered accommodations along the highway toward Banff, useful for breaking up the scenic drive.
Pyramid Lake area
A short drive from town, with cabins and lake views popular for a quieter stay.
Getting to Jasper
✈
Flights
Fly into Edmonton International Airport (YEG) or Calgary International Airport (YYC), then drive.
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From London
About 4 hours by car from Edmonton, or 3-4 hours from Banff via the Icefields Parkway.
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Getting around
A car is essential for the Icefields Parkway and most viewpoints; Jasper town itself is walkable.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Jasper?
June to September has the best access to hiking and the Icefields Parkway, while winter offers dark-sky stargazing and a quieter, snowier atmosphere.
How far is Jasper from Banff?
The Icefields Parkway connects them, a roughly 3-4 hour scenic drive that's considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Can you walk on the Athabasca Glacier?
Yes — guided Ice Explorer tours and walking tours on the glacier operate from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre along the Icefields Parkway.
Is Jasper less busy than Banff?
Generally yes — Jasper sees fewer visitors, making it a good choice for those wanting similar scenery with smaller crowds.
What's special about Jasper's night skies?
Jasper is one of the world's largest Dark Sky Preserves, hosting an annual Dark Sky Festival with stargazing events.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
The drive from Banff along the Icefields Parkway was unforgettable — glaciers, waterfalls, and almost no traffic compared to Banff itself.
Liam D. · July 2024
★★★★★
Went for the Dark Sky Festival and the stars were incredible, completely different from anything I'd seen near a city.
Anya K. · October 2023
★★★★☆
Quieter than Banff with similarly stunning scenery. The boat trip to Spirit Island was the highlight.
Pete M. · September 2024
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