Warm summers, cold winters and relatively pleasant shoulder seasons make spring to fall the most appealing time, weather wise, to visit the East Coast of Canada.
Novia Scotia and nearby areas, collectively known as the Atlantic Maritime ecozone, typically have the warmest temperatures in Atlantic Canada. Rain is common throughout the year and winters are often snowy and icy.
Using Halifax as an example, by April, you can expect a high of 48 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 32 degrees, with an average daytime temperature of 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is frequent, with around 15 days of the month seeing precipitation, although there are clear sunny days too.
In May, the average daytime temperature is around 66 degrees Fahrenheit. Days are brighter and sunnier, and there’s a high chance of clear blue skies. While rain showers are still common, the spring flowers start to bloom and many national parks become more accessible.
June is the first month of summer, and temperatures can reach up to 75 degrees. There are 8 hours of sunshine, on average, each day, and June sees some of the longest daylight hours in Halifax.
July’s temperatures can reach 78 degrees Fahrenheit. With almost 9 hours of sunlight and the least rainfall, July can be a great month for enjoying the great outdoors.
August has the most sunshine, with an average of 9.4 hours each day. August is the hottest month in Halifax; temperatures are typically between 61 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. August also has the warmest seawater temperatures. August is the best time to visit the east coast of Canada if you are looking to spend a lot of time outdoors.
As the first month of fall, September sees a slight drop in the temperature, with a daily average of 68 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s a combination of sunny and rainy days. Not only will you get to experience the beautiful fall foliage, but the month of September is also considered the peak of the salmon run. This peak time attracts large numbers of bears, which increases your chances of spotting one in the wild.
In short:
- July and August are the warmest months
- July has the least rainfall
- June and July have the longest hours of daylight
