Weather in Canada

Due to the large size of its landmass, weather in Canada is highly variable depending on the location. The country itself stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean and extends across six time zones.

That said, most expats living in Canada will find themselves residing within a few hundred miles of the United States border and within a more temperate climate, comparatively speaking (with the exception of those living in Calgary and Edmonton). Only a small percentage of the population chooses to withstand the harsh conditions associated with life in the northern territories, just south of the Arctic Circle.

Though the extremes of weather in Canada are fairly fluid from region to region, the four distinct seasons are the same. Winters tend to be long and cold; and surprisingly, expats should expect hot but short summers.

Weather in Canada's west coast of British Columbia and its east coast of Newfoundland is milder, a direct result of maritime influence, but these areas also experience more rainfall.

The interior of the country is generally flat and, for this reason, absorbs the cold currents and sweeping winds coming from the Canadian Arctic. The prairies in Canada are also known to experience drastic climate changes from season to season. Both some of the hottest and coldest temperatures in the country occur here.