What Is The Warmest City in Canada? Top Canadian Hot-Spots

Despite the harsh long winters, Canada has a diverse weather system which also nurtures beautiful summers and pleasant temperatures all year round.  

Although you might think the warmest city in Canada is still a bit cold, you might be surprised to find out that our country can harbour some sweltering temps. To give you a detailed overview, I’ll guide you through the places with the best weather overall. 

Keep reading to find out what activities you can do during the winter and summer months, and weigh the pros and cons of each warm city! 

The Warmest Places to Live in Canada

Despite the bone-chilling winters, the temperature in Canada can be surprisingly hot. Who would’ve thought?

Well, Lytton did break the record for highest temperatures in Canada in 2021 with a scorching 49.6°C, after all!

As you can see, we’re in for some heat, so here’s a list of the 14 hottest cities in Canada! 

1. West Kelowna, BC 

 

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• Population: 38,311
• Top Industries: manufacturing, tourism, aviation, agriculture, wineries and health care.

West Kelowna is a British Columbia city situated in the Okanagan Valley. The city is best known for its large vineyards and has over 13 established wineries producing world-class wine. 

The climate in West Kelowna is usually warm with hot summer days, and it mostly rains during the winter months. It has an average temperature of 7.5°C.

Residents and visitors can enjoy many outdoor activities during the long summer days. There is something for everyone, from swimming and boating to festivals and wine tasting at some of Kelowna’s best wineries. 

But with winter right around the corner, it’s nice to know that you can also go skiing outside or indoors or play some hockey.

Pros: 

• Warm climate
• Tons of vineyards 

Cons: 

• Prone to snowstorms
• Limited employment options

2. Penticton, BC

 

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• Population: 33,250
• Top Industries: Service industries and trade, forestry, agriculture, mining, manufacturing

Penticton sits in the southern part of British Columbia, between Okanagan and Skaha lakes and is a city with the best climate in Canada. The winters are moderate and pretty mild, while the summers are warm and dry. Due to its perfect weather, Penticone appeals to many elders who decide to spend the rest of their retirement days there. 

The average temperature during the summer is 21°C or 8.2 °C throughout the rest of the months. But during certain days of the winter, the temperature can drop to -10° to -15°, although this only lasts for up to a week. 

Long walks by the lakeside during the summer, hiking or golfing, are some of the most common summer activities. But for a relatively small town, there is no shortage of activities during the winter. You can go rock climbing indoors, go wine tasting, or do cross-country and skate skiing. 

Pros: 

• Moderate winters
• Hot summers

Cons: 

• Crime rates tend to be higher

3. Toronto, ON

 

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• Population: 2.7 million
• Top Industries: Tourism, fashion, advertising industry, financial services, real estate, retail industry, technology 

Toronto, as the Capital of Ontario, is located on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. Ontario stays the warmest place in Canada all year round when compared to other places in Eastern Canada. This is due to its proximity to Lake Ontario and the fact that part of the city lies on the Pacific ocean. Ontario has a mainly continental climate, the weather is warm and humid, and the average temperature is 8.4 °C.

Being the largest city in Canada, staying active during the summer and winter in Toronto is certainly not an issue. During the summer, you can visit the Toronto islands, go hiking, boating, attend outdoor festivals, and the list goes on, really. During the winter, you can join ice skating, hit the Bentway skating trail, go to indoor festivals, or maybe hit the theatres. 

Pros: 

• High employment rate
• Low crime rates

Cons: 

• Winters are colder than what you might be used to
• An expensive city to live in

4. Windsor, ON

 

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• Population: 340,000
• Top Industries: Manufacturing, agriculture, information technologies, transportation and logistics

Windsor is nestled in the southwestern part of Ontario, Canada. Due to its moderately cold winters and really hot summers, Windsor has claimed its spot as one of the warmest places in Canada, alongside Toronto. Despite the average yearly temperature being 10 °C, during the winter, the temperature can occasionally drop to -4.6°C, but it usually rains most of the time. 

If you decide to visit Windsor during the summer months, there are many outdoor festivals to go to or stroll around to visit some fairs and outdoor markets. The spectacular Waterfront Trail is one of the most popular activities during the summer, but so is the national park camping. For winter lovers, there is winter hiking, ice skating and even ice fishing. 

Pros: 

• Warm summers
• Variety of entertainment options

Cons:

• Prone to tornados
• Cold winters

5. Halifax, NS

 

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• Population: 417,000
• Top Industries: Port, agriculture, fishing, mining, forestry

Halifax lies on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and is the capital of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. It has marked its name as one of the best harbours in the world. Because it’s positioned right next to the Atlantic Ocean, the area is prone to extreme storms, mostly during fall. 

Summers in Halifax are generally warm and long with a moderate temperature, but winters can be quite cold and snowy. Despite this, the average yearly temperature is around 7.5 °C and usually reaches its peak of 25.7 °C in August. 

Citizens can enjoy different activities during the winter, such as ice fishing, sledging, ice skating or snowshoeing. In the warmer months, you can take the ferry to Dartmouth, hop on a tour to watch the whales, or go surfing in the ocean. 

Pros: 

• One of the safest cities
• Mild climate

Cons: 

• Prone to storms
• The city lacks job opportunities

6. Victoria, BC

 

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• Population: 393,812
• Top Industries: Tourism, education, construction, marine use, retail, agriculture, IT technology

Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, is located on the southern part of Vancouver Island, just 107 kilometres southwest of Vancouver. Victoria is the warmest place in Canada, with an average annual temperature of 9.9°C. Winters are pretty mild, and summers never get too hot. Perfect combo? I think so!

With temperatures being so pleasant, there are plenty of activities to do all year round. Plus, Victoria offers some of the most beautiful sights. 

Visiting numerous historical sights, castles and museums, having tea at the empress and shopping in outdoor markets are some of the things you could do during summer. In wintertime, you can join some of the many walking or garden tours and experience horse-drawn trolley rides. 

Pros: 

• Many fun things to do
• Good weather

Cons: 

• High living standards
• Too many tourists

7. Kamloops, BC

 

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• Population: 104,810
• Top Industries: Manufacturing, forestry, technology, bioenergy, mining, retail, agriculture 

Situated in the Thompson valley, Kamloops is the second largest city in British Columbia. In general, summers here can be very hot and long, which isn’t conducive to the average annual temperature of around 7.4°C. But, Kamloops has lots of sunny days, even during the winter peak, which make it the hottest place in BC and the warmest place in Canada in summer. 

Winters are perfect for taking up downhill skiing, snowmobiling, or cross-country skiing. To cool off during the hottest months, you can hit the beach, dip into the many glistening rivers, or go boating. 

Pros: 

• Warm summers
• Wide range of activities in any season

Cons:

• Dry climate
• Cold winter days

8. St. Catharines, ON

 

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• Population: 421,000 
• Top Industries: Agriculture, food and beverage, shipbuilding, manufacturing, tourism

St. Catharines Catharines is lodged in southern Ontario and is the largest city in the Niagara region. Winters are cold and temperate with very little snowfall, while the temperatures can drop to -3.3°C. Conversely, summers can be quite hot, even though the average annual temperature is 9.7°C.

As in many other places, during the winter there are the usual activities like outdoor skating, snowshoeing and sledging. St Catharines is perfect for camping, mountain biking, and hiking during the summer. But once you’re there, don’t miss out on visiting the spectacular Niagara Falls. 

Pros: 

• Hot summers
• Very little snowfall

Cons: 

• Cold winters
• No nightlife

9. Vancouver, BC

 

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• Population: 2,632,000
• Top Industries: Manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, forestry, technology

Vancouver lies in the Lower Mainland region of BC. Due to its ideal climate, BC can definitely qualify as the warmest province in Canada. Winters in Vancouver are warm and less snowy than in other cities, but it also rains most of the time. The average temperature is 9.5°C. 

Vancouver has beautiful nature, and there is a lot of greenery due to its humid climate. But if you don’t mind the rain, there is always something to do outside. You can go biking even during the winter months or go downhill skiing. Beaches are an excellent destination during the summer, and there are many festivals and outdoor theatre events. 

Pros: 

• Good employment options
• Warm winters  

Cons: 

• The living costs are a bit steep
• Heavy rainfalls

10. Osoyoos, BC

 

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• Population: 5,556
• Top Industries: Tourism, agri-tourism, retail, warehousing 

Osoyoos sits in South Okanagan, more specifically in the Thompson Okanagan region of BC and claims the title of the driest city in Canada due to its semi-arid climate. Here, the average yearly temperature hovers at around 8.7°C.

Osoyoos lake is also the warmest lake in Canada, which means you’re likely to enjoy a pleasant swim in July and August, when the temperature is 24°C.  

It’s a beautiful destination for the summer with so many outdoor activities, so whether you love hiking, biking, or going to the beach, you’ll in for a boatload of fun. In the winter, you can walk the trails or visit the beautiful Baldy Mountain Resort. 

Pros: 

• Moderate winters
• One of Canada’s friendliest cities

Cons: 

• Very dry climate
• Might feel too small if you’re used to living in a big city

11. Oshawa, ON

 

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• Population: 406,000
• Top Industries: Manufacturing railway maintenance equipment, mining equipment, rubber products and steel fabrication 

Oshawa is positioned in Southern Ontario and sits on Lake Ontario, only 60 kilometres from Toronto. The climate is cold and temperate, and it rains a lot, with the average temperature being 8.5°C. But the good thing is that there are so many sports events and various entertainment events to go to during bad weather days, so you probably won’t be bored.

Oshawa is a wonderful city with spectacular botanical gardens and a beautiful lake to cool off during the summer days. You can also go camping, hiking and horseback riding. During the winter you can go walking and skiing.

Pros: 

• Warm summers
• Breathtaking natural sights

Cons: 

• Increasing crime rate
• Real estate prices are over the roof 

12. London, ON 

 

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• Population: 515,000
• Top Industries: Agri-food, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, finance

London sits just west of Toronto, tightly nestled between 2 lakes, Huron and Erie. It has a continental climate with hot and humid summers but cold and wet winters. However, winters are less cold compared to Ontario. During the summer, the temperature goes as high as 31°C, and in the winter as low as -9°C.  

It’s a large city with plenty to offer. In the winter, residents can go skiing at Boler Mountain, ice skating, or hike the trails by the Thames River. Walking by the riverside, visiting historical monuments, adventure parks, the zoo, and many more things to do during the summer.  

Pros: 

• Warm summers
• Super close to the US border if you like roadtrips

Cons: 

• Winters can be quite cold
• You would be spending too much money on rent

13. Hamilton, ON

 

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• Population: 776,000
• Top Industries: Health services, agriculture, manufacturing, transportation

Hamilton occupies a a nice place on the western part of lake Ontario and is another Canadian port city. The city’s climate is very similar to Ontario, but with much warmer winters, although the temperature can drop to -20°C. But usually, on most winter days, it sits at 0°C or above, which is why the average annual temperature is 8.4°C. 

Winter is perfect for ice climbing and snowshoeing, and you can even go toboggan riding. But if you ever have the opportunity to visit this bustling metropolis during the summer, you must visit the Hamilton waterfront, go to some of the festivals, and join the farm feasts. It truly is a delight for people with all sorts of diverging tastes. 

Pros: 

• Quite affordable
• Top-notch healthcare system

Cons: 

• Cold winters
• High unemployment rates

14. Lytton, BC

 

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• Population: 250
• Top Industries: Agriculture, forestry

Lytton is a small village located in southern BC that claimed to fame as being Canada’s hot-spot. Literally. In summer of 2021, Lytton saw record-breaking temperatures of 49.6°C, which placed it at the top as the hottest place in Canada. Due to the extreme heatwave, there were devastating raging wildfires, which propelled evacuation of the area. Sadly, the village was completely destroyed, but attempts are being made to rebuild it.  

Despite the yearly average temperature being only 3.5°C, it obviously still gets excrutiatingly hot in the summer. Although the village is in ruins, you can visit the surrounding area and go rafting and hiking when the temperatures are mild. Dirt biking enthusiasts also have activities to suit their niche in Lytton. On the other hand, the most common winter activities are cross-country hiking, ice skating, and cross-country skiing.  

Pros: 

• Very affordable
• Low precipitation 

Cons: 

• Very small city
• Summers might be a bit too hot

What’s the Temperature Like in Canada?

Canada has massive land coverage and is the second largest country in the world, right after Russia. 

Consequently, there are distinctive differences in the climate between regions, and temperatures vary from one area to another. Winters are usually cold and snowy, while summers can be warm and humid. 

Let’s discuss the Canadian climate a bit more.

Weather Types in Canada

The climate of Canada is quite diverse, and there are big differences in weather from one part of the country to another. The Ocean currents have a significant impact on the climate as well. For example, the northern and central regions have a subarctic continental climate.

Basically, the climate in the northernmost part is very similar to that of Scandinavia. The winters are frigid cold, while the summers are short with cool temperatures. 

The southern part of central Canada has a continental climate with very cold winters and hot summers. The summers in the southern parts of Ontario and Quebec are hot and humid, while the winters are cold and snowy. 

There are seven main types of climates in Canada:

• Pacific Maritime Climate Region
• Cordilleran Climate Region
• Prairie Climate Region
• Boreal Climate Region
• Taiga Climate Region
• Arctic Climate Region
• South-Eastern Climate Region
• Atlantic Maritime Climate Region

Except for the northern part of Canada, which has only two seasons, the rest of the country has typically four seasons. 

Average Yearly Temperatures

Canada is known for its harsh winters when the temperatures can drop to as low as -40°C. But this is typically for the northern part of the country. Otherwise, this area’s average temperatures during the freezing winter months are near -15°C. 

The population of Canada’s east and west coasts can enjoy moderate summer temperatures of an average of 20°C. The regions between the coasts have an average summer temperature of 25 to 30°C with some extreme heat waves exceeding 40°C. 

Victoria, British Columbia, is the warmest place in Canada during the winter months, with an average temperature of 9°C. The night temperatures drop only to 4°C. 

Winters in Canada

The coldest regions in Canada experience chilli winds and heavy snowfalls. In the northern part of the country, the snow can even last up to 6 months. Although the winters can be quite harsh and freezing cold, that doesn’t stop people from going on with their everyday life. The citizens are well prepared for extreme weather conditions and resort to various winter activities to make the most of the winter. 

Snowfall

The majority of the snowfall is usually between December and March, but it can start as early as September or November. During these months, the temperatures fall substantially. 

On average, Victoria, British Columbia, receives the least amount of snow per year, with only 33.4 centimetres (13.1 inches). The second place goes to Vancouver with only 44.6 centimetres (17.5 inches), followed by Abbotsford, British Columbia, with an average snowfall of 55.2 centimetres (21.7 inches). 

Mt Fidelity, Glacier National Park, BC, is the snowiest place in Canada, with an annual snowfall of 1388.0 centimetres (546.4 inches). The rest of the places with the highest snowfall in Canada is as follows:

• Unuk River, Eskay Creek Mine, BC
• Tahtsa Lake West, BC
• Grouse Mountain, North Van., BC
• Rogers Pass, British Columbia

Lowest and Highest Temperatures

The northern and eastern parts of Canada typically have the lowest temperatures in winter. During the winter of 1947, Snag, Yukon, recorded the lowest temperature in Canada at −63 °C.

The highest temperature in Canada ever recorded was last summer in Lytton, BC, with a staggering 49.6°C. Thus, Lyton claimed the title of the hottest place in Canada.

With the rapid climate change happening around the globe, we’re definitely witnessing a significant impact on the weather conditions, and Canada makes no exception.

Finishing Thoughts

Having extreme weather conditions during winter doesn’t actually set the norm for the Great White North.. In fact, many parts of Canada boast high temperatures and sunny days and have relatively moderate winters. 

But what classifies as the best weather, truly depends on what you like. Do you prefer to live in the hottest city in Canada, or do you rather find joy in winter activities?