Best time to visit · Whistler · Canada
The best time to visit Whistler
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
For skiing, the best time to visit Whistler is January to March, when the snowpack is deepest, with December holidays and February long weekends the busiest and most expensive. For summer activities, July to September brings warm, dry weather for biking, hiking and lakes. May, October and November are quiet shoulder seasons, when some lifts and businesses are closed.
Key facts
- Best months
- January–March and July–September
- Shoulder season
- April–June and December
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 26°C (79°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 0°C (32°F))
- Rainiest month
- November (~19 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- May and October
Seasons
Whistler has a mountain climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers. The village at about 675 metres often sees rain or mixed snow in winter while the alpine above gets heavy snowfall, and summer days in the valley can be hot.
March–May
Spring
Sunny spring skiing into April, then a quiet shoulder season in May as the valley greens and the Bike Park opens.
June–August
Summer
Warm, mostly dry days for the Bike Park, alpine sightseeing, lakes and festivals; as busy as winter in July and August.
September–November
Autumn
Golden September hiking and biking, then a wet, quiet shoulder season with closures until the lifts reopen for skiing in late November.
December–February
Winter
Ski season at its peak, with heavy alpine snowfall, holiday crowds and the highest prices of the year.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0°C | -6°C | 18 | 8.5 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| February | 3°C | -5°C | 15 | 10 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| March | 7°C | -3°C | 17 | 11.7 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| April | 12°C | 0°C | 14 | 13.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 17°C | 4°C | 13 | 15.4 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| June | 21°C | 8°C | 12 | 16.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 26°C | 10°C | 8 | 16 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| August | 25°C | 10°C | 8 | 14.5 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| September | 20°C | 6°C | 9 | 12.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 11°C | 2°C | 15 | 10.6 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| November | 4°C | -2°C | 19 | 8.9 h | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 0°C | -6°C | 18 | 8.1 h | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Whistler Pride and Ski Festival (usually late January) |
| February | Family Day and Presidents' Day long weekends bring peak crowds (February) |
| March | Spring break season on the mountains (March) |
| April | Closing weekend celebrations on the mountains (usually April) |
| May | Whistler Mountain Bike Park opening (usually mid-May) |
| July | Canada Day parade (1 July); Crankworx mountain-bike festival (usually July) |
| August | Free summer concerts at Olympic Plaza (usually July–August) |
| October | Whistler Mountain Bike Park closes for the season (usually October) |
| November | Cornucopia food and drink festival (usually November); Ski season opening day (usually late November) |
| December | Whistler Film Festival (usually early December); Christmas and New Year celebrations in the village (late December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in May and October, and the sights are quietest in May and October–November. Many visitors avoid October–November.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Whistler?
For skiing, the best time to visit Whistler is January to March, when the snowpack is deepest, with December holidays and February long weekends the busiest and most expensive. For summer activities, July to September brings warm, dry weather for biking, hiking and lakes. May, October and November are quiet shoulder seasons, when some lifts and businesses are closed.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Whistler?
Usually in May and October. A quiet shoulder month; the valley turns green, the Bike Park usually opens mid-month and alpine trails are still snowbound.
+What is the rainiest month in Whistler?
November, with about 19 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Whistler get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 26°C (79°F) and lows of 10°C (50°F).