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Weather in Victoria
British charm on the Pacific garden coast
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About Victoria
Victoria's Inner Harbour sparkles with sailboats and seaplanes, backed by the Fairmont Empress Hotel and Parliament Buildings. The city retains British colonial charm. Surrounding BC wilderness contrasts with urban refinement.
Best months to visit
June, July, August
Things to do in Victoria
Explore the Inner Harbour waterfront and gardens
Tour the Parliament Buildings and provincial museum
Attend afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress
Whale watch for orcas and gray whales
Hike trails on nearby Saturna or Hornby Islands
Visit the Butchart Gardens in spring to fall
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
7C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
February
7C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
March
10C
Cool, with some rainy days.
April
12C
Cool, with some rainy days.
May
17C
Cool, with occasional showers.
Recommended
June
20C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
July
23C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
August
23C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
September
19C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
October
14C
Cool, with some rainy days.
November
9C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
December
7C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
Victoria, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, has a distinctly British feel with its grand Parliament Buildings, afternoon tea traditions and the famous Butchart Gardens just outside town. Its compact, walkable harbourfront and milder climate make it a relaxed counterpoint to mainland Vancouver, reachable by a scenic ferry across the Strait of Georgia.
Best areas to stay in Victoria
Inner Harbour
The picturesque waterfront with the Parliament Buildings, Fairmont Empress and Royal BC Museum, the city's main hub.
Old Town / Chinatown
Victorian-era buildings and Canada's oldest Chinatown, with antique shops, galleries and cafes.
Fisherman's Wharf
A floating community of colourful houseboats and seafood stalls, a short walk along the harbour from downtown.
Oak Bay
A quieter, leafy residential area with a British-village feel, good for a relaxed walk or afternoon tea.
Getting to Victoria
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Flights
Fly into Victoria International Airport (YYJ), or arrive via ferry from Vancouver.
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From London
About 1.5 hours by ferry from Tsawwassen, or a 25-minute flight from Vancouver.
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Getting around
Downtown Victoria is highly walkable; local buses connect to Butchart Gardens and outlying areas.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Victoria?
May to September offers the warmest, driest weather, ideal for the gardens and harbour. Victoria has Canada's mildest winters, so it's also a reasonable off-season choice.
How do you get to Victoria from Vancouver?
BC Ferries run between Tsawwassen (near Vancouver) and Swartz Bay (near Victoria), about a 1.5-hour crossing, or seaplanes/helicopters offer a faster direct option.
Is Butchart Gardens worth the trip?
Yes — these world-famous gardens, about 20 minutes from downtown, are particularly stunning in spring and summer bloom, and host evening illuminations in summer.
Is Victoria walkable?
Very much so — the Inner Harbour, Parliament Buildings, Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf are all within easy walking distance of each other.
What's a classic Victoria experience?
Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel is a long-standing local tradition, alongside whale-watching tours departing from the harbour.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Butchart Gardens were in full bloom and absolutely worth the short trip out of town. The harbour area is gorgeous too.
Pamela S. · May 2024
★★★★☆
Lovely, walkable city with a really relaxed pace compared to Vancouver. Afternoon tea at the Empress was a fun splurge.
Iain B. · August 2023
★★★★★
Took the ferry over for the day and saw whales on the crossing — a great bonus before even reaching Victoria.
Renee C. · October 2024
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