Climate

Like so many other aspects of Canada, climate shows huge contrasts. Taking the average temperature across the whole country, the value is -5.6°C making Canada the coldest country in the world. More than 40% of the whole area is covered by permafrost, a term meaning that the ground is permanently frozen. Strangely, although this area is snow covered for most or all of the year, actual snowfall amounts are lower here than anywhere else in Canada.

The Pacific Coast, which is warmed by winds blowing off the warm ocean, has the mildest winters and the most precipitation - this includes both rain and snow. The Western Cordillera is high enough to stop the moist winds blowing inland so the Rocky Mountains and Prairies are generally very dry.

In the Prairies there is usually less than 400mm of precipitation each year and winters are very cold while summers are dry, extremely hot and windy. The Canadian Shield and the Great Lakes and St Lawrence Lowlands which are also far from the mild Pacific Ocean also have what is known as a continental (as distinct from maritime) climate.

Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Copyright Phillip Greenspun

Climate

A continental climate has a high range of temperature caused by the area being a great distance from the sea. The effects of being near the sea (a maritime climate) are that winters are warmer, because winds from the sea generally heat up the land while summers are relatively cool, again because of the effects of the winds. The sea temperatures are similar throughout the year.

The Atlantic coast has some of the worst weather experienced anywhere in the country. It is regularly affected by storms blowing in off the ocean which bring heavy snow and freezing rain. St John's, the largest town in Newfoundland holds the records for the most snow, fog, wind, rain and cloud of any settlement in the country!

Canada is the coldest country in the world, but good for skiing!

Useful facts - Climate

• Canada's climate, like so many other aspects of its geography, is full of contrasts.

• The highest temperature ever recorded was 44.4°C in the Prairies in 1936.

• This heat wave lasted 10 days and caused the deaths of almost 800 people.

• The lowest temperature ever recorded was -63°C in the Yukon in 1947.

• Almost one third of all precipitation that falls on Canada is snow.

• Montreal with 240cm annually has more snow than any other city in the world.

Map showing average temperatures in the major cities across Canada. Click map to see larger version.