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Best time to visit Calgary: month by month
Short answer
June to September is best, with highs of about 21–25°C, open mountain trails and the Stampede in July, when hotel prices double. September has gold larches; winter is cold (lows around -10 to -13°C) but brings skiing and chinook warm spells.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0°C | -10°C | 4 | low |
| Feb | -2°C | -13°C | 6 | low |
| Mar | 6°C | -8°C | 6 | low |
| Apr | 11°C | -3°C | 7 | low |
| May | 18°C | 4°C | 9 | medium |
| Jun | 23°C | 9°C | 13 | high |
| Jul | 25°C | 12°C | 10 | very high |
| Aug | 25°C | 11°C | 8 | high |
| Sep | 21°C | 7°C | 5 | medium |
| Oct | 13°C | 1°C | 6 | low |
| Nov | 3°C | -6°C | 6 | low |
| Dec | -4°C | -13°C | 7 | medium |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Unsettled: about 6°C highs in March rising to 18°C in May, with late snow possible; mountain trails stay snowy until June.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Warm, about 23–25°C highs, with thunderstorms and occasional wildfire smoke; the Stampede fills the city in early to mid-July.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September (about 21°C) is lovely with golden larches; October cools to about 13°C and November is near freezing.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cold, highs around -4 to 0°C and lows near -13°C, sunny and dry; chinooks can raise temperatures sharply. Ski resorts open from November.
Events worth planning around
- Calgary Stampede, rodeo and fair (10 days in early to mid-July)
- Calgary Folk Music Festival on Prince's Island (late July)
- Larch season in the Rockies (mid to late September)
When to avoid
Avoid Stampede week if you want cheap rooms, and the depth of winter if you dislike cold; mountain hiking is poor from November to May.
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Common questions
What is the best time to visit Calgary?
June to September, for warm weather and open mountain trails.
When is the Calgary Stampede?
Ten days in early to mid-July each year.
Is Calgary worth visiting in winter?
Yes for skiing in the Rockies, but expect cold temperatures and short days.