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Vancouver Island Weather
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It is in fact the mildest in Canada, with temperatures above zero, even in January, being the norm. The spring time is mild and damp and the summers reach into the high seventies, low eighties. It is, in fact, a gardeners dream and the reason so many people decide to move there for retirement!
Vancouver island weather, varies depending on your location. Precipitation varies considerably across the island because of the central mountains which create a rain shadow effect. Thus the Pacific west coast is considerably wetter then the east coast. Average annual precipitation ranges from 260 inches (6 650 cms) at Henderson Lake on the west coast [incidentally , this is the wettest place in North America!!] to only 25 inches (635 cms) at the driest recording station in Victoria on the south east coast.
You will get snow on the mountain tops but rarely snow at the lower levels and fall and winter are "damp". One of the central island mountains, Mount Washington has a well used Ski resort on it's slopes, and some of Canadas largest Douglas Firs and Redwoods can be found growing not so many miles away...it must have rained for a hundred years for these to grow so big!
This unusual rainfall pattern leads to a Mediterranean type summer climate...the south and east coast, and some of the Gulf Islands are very dry in summer. This makes parts of Vancouver island a perfect summer vacation spot and the ideal climate for the flower and vegetable gardener...Butchard Gardens will prove that, if you havn't noticed the famous lamp-post hanging baskets in Victoria yet!
Below, is the weather from four places around the coast of Vancouver Island. This selection of Vancouver Island Weather should give you an almost complete picture of the weather pattern for any given day. Personally, I always carry an umbrella and sun-tan lotion...you never know!
Weather Forecast for Victoria, British Columbia.
Below is the weather for the Capital City of Victoria on the southern end of Vancouver Island. This weather recording changes and updates regularly, so check back often.
Weather Forecast for Nanaimo, British Columbia.
Below is the weather forecast for Nanaimo, British Columbia, which is about half way up the east coast of Vancouver Island and is home to one of the two ferry terminals that link with Vancouver. The information changes and updates regularly.
Weather Forecast for Port Hardy, British Columbia.
Below is the forecast for Port Hardy British Columbia, which is on the northern tip of Vancouver Island. The forecast changes and updates regularly.
Weather Forecast for Tofino, British Columbia.
Below is the forecast for Tofino British Columbia which is situated on the west coast of Vancouver Island, on the Pacific Ocean. This forecast also changes and updates regularly.
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