Overall, May, June and September are the best months to visit Banff. These months have warm weather but there are fewer crowds. Hotel prices can also be lower in May and June.
If you're hoping to hit the slopes, March is the best time to visit Banff in winter. March has warmer weather, longer hours of daylight, and good snow conditions.
“September in Banff is gorgeous,” says Shannon Brand, vacation advisor at Canadian Train Vacations. “You can take advantage of all the summer activities but avoid the busiest months.”
If you hate crowds, the peak summer months of July and August could be the worst time to visit Banff. Travellers who dislike the cold should avoid December through March.
The peak months in Banff are between June and August for summer tourism and from December to March for winter visits.
While each month has something to offer, you can enjoy a full range of rail tours during the summer. Many of these tours stop in Banff. Winter also offers memorable train journeys, where you can take in the snowy landscape from the comfort of a cozy sleeper cabin.
Discover the Rockies Rail Winter Wonderland
January
January is the coldest month of the year in Banff. Average lows are around 5°F. It can be a great month for skiing and winter activities, but daylight is limited to fewer than nine hours. Some local roads are typically closed because of hazard risks, which can limit sightseeing.
There are festivities for New Year, but Banff is generally quiet after that, if you prefer relative solitude on vacation.
Major events in January include Ice Magic, where Canadian artists compete to create the most elaborate ice sculptures. There’s also the family friendly SnowDays, with skiing, skating, dog sledding, sleigh rides, tubing and ice art. TRIBUTE Craft Spirits Celebration is an excellent time for food and drink lovers to sample local fare.
February
In February, Banff weather is still very cold. Daytime temperatures hover around 30°F but it gets colder. Days are getting a bit longer, with around 10 hours of daylight by the middle of the month. It's among the best months to enjoy gorgeous snow- and ice-covered landscapes. The cold evenings supply plenty of opportunities to snuggle in front of a cozy fireplace. After January's lull, more visitors start arriving in Banff during February. Popular activities include skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, skating and ice climbing. Cross-country skiers join the completive Kananaskis Ski Marathon, and the third Monday of the month is Family Day.
March
In March, the days are warmer and longer. Average temperatures rise to 29°F. There's less snowfall but the slopes are still covered in powdery snow. You can enjoy a full range of winter sports while also enjoying spells of sunshine and catching the odd glimpses of spring.
“March is a good time to indulge in Banff’s apres-ski culture,” Brand says. “There are lots of options from cozy pubs and breweries to upscale cocktail bars.”
April
In April, the Banff weather is changeable. It can vary from warm sunshine to blizzards. Make sure you pack for all eventualities. Daytime highs reach 54°F with temperatures dropping substantially at night. The ski conditions are still reliable, and wildlife is starting to appear, too. Considered a shoulder month, April brings fewer visitors to Banff. Many tours do not run during this month.
At the end of April, the Rocky Mountaineer starts running again through the Canadian Rockies.
Discover: Canadian Rockies Train Tours
May
By May, Spring is in the air. Ski season is starting to wind down. Daytime highs are above around 57°F. Still part of the shoulder season, May is considered one of the best times to visit Banff, Alberta. There is a wide range of things to do, without the summer crowds. Accommodation costs are typically lower, with more availability. Brave skiers may want to try their luck in the unusual Slush Cup. This local event involves skiing down a slope and straight into cold slushy water!
June
In June, Banff is gearing up for summer, as more tourists start to arrive. The weather is getting warmer, with average highs around 66°F. You will need to book accommodations in advance. Prices will be higher than the winter too. Many people wonder if June is a good time to visit Banff. The pros for visiting in June include fewer crowds than later in the summer. It’s also cheaper than the high season. The major con is that June can be the wettest month in Banff. If you go in June, be sure to pack raingear.
“If you’re visiting Banff between May and October, a perfect activity is a cruise on Minnewanka Lake,” says Fernando Florian, a Vacation Advisor at Canadian Train Vacations. “It’s a beautiful glacier-fed lake and you get an amazing view of the surrounding mountains.”
July
July is a prime tourism month in Banff. Visitors come in droves, keen to explore the region's natural splendor. Hiking and biking are popular activities. It’s a wonderful time to visit Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. Banff's lakes and rivers also offer fun water activities. You can try canoeing, kayaking, rafting, swimming and fishing.
Read about: Five Ways to Immerse Yourself in the Canadian Rockies
July is the hottest month in Banff. The days are long and sunny, with an average daytime temperature of 72°F. It's also the sunniest month, with an average of 255 hours of sunshine. To escape the heat for a while, check out the indoor attractions. Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Buffalo Nations Museum and Banff Park Museum are all in the downtown.
If you're in town at the start of the month, enjoy the lively Canada Day celebrations, complete with concerts, parades, fireworks, food and drink.
August
The warm, sunny weather continues with average highs of 71°F. August is the best time to visit Banff in summer for flower and nature viewing. The lack of cloud coverage makes for impressive views from lookout points along mountain trails. But the combination of hotter days and more people can make wildlife more elusive. It's also an ideal time to visit for historic and cultural attractions. During Doors Open Banff, in August, heritage properties allow free admission.
September
September is still warm with average highs of 63°F. Many family visitors have left, so the area is a little quieter. The leaves start changing colour, creating striking hues of red, russet and gold. September is the best time to visit Banff National Park if you want to see the famous golden larches, the local trees that turn bright yellow. Enjoy world-class hiking with fewer people on the trails. Creatures like deer, elk, mountain goats and bighorn sheep often come out more when the tourists have gone.
Discover: National Park Train Tours
October
By October, temperatures are dropping. Average daytime highs hit 50°F and average lows go to 30°F. Despite the chill, there's plenty of bright sunshine. Snowfall is common at the end of the month. Crowds are minimal and accommodation is reasonably priced.
October's events include Banff Pride and Banff Springs Food and Wine Festival. There’s also a film and book festival.
November
In November, Banff has wintry weather, with average highs of 37°F. November marks the official start of Banff's ski season. The quieter slopes, low tourist numbers and better accommodation deals make November the best time to visit Banff for skiing. The month features several events, including Banff Craft Beer Festival and Lake Louise Audi FIS Ski World Cup.
[ Read: Best Time to visit Lake Louise ]
December
The weather in Banff in December is very wintery. There is snowfall, fog, clouds and ice. Cold temperatures hit lows of 8°F. Despite the cold, December's excellent skiing make this a popular month for winter tourism. Banff's vibrant Christmas markets are perfect for picking up seasonal gifts and souvenirs.
[ Read: Best Time to visit Canada ]
