Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ

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Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ has four unique seasons that are stunning in their own ways. Our seasons feature everything from magical powder-filled winters to warm and carefree summers.

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ's seasons at a glance

No matter what season we’re in, life in Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ guarantees bright sunshine, with 333 days of sunshine a year, making us Canada’s sunniest major city. We enjoy life here with a variety of activities that take advantage of every possible temperature.

Summers of sunshine, festivals and patios

Here comes the sun.

In the summer months, you can expect Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµâ€™s streets to be filled with live music and concerts, patio hopping, markets and more. Not to mention the world-famous Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Stampede and other festivals like the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Folk Music Festival which keep our streets buzzing all summer long!

What is winter really like in Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ?

We’re not going to lie, it’s colder here during our winter months (November - March) compared to other parts of Canada but if you dress the part, you can embrace the winter months with ease. Unique to Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ, Chinook Winds provide a warm reprieve throughout the winter season, which provides a break from colder winter temperatures (explore more on this below).

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ locals use the winter months to explore the city, take in shows and partake in outdoor adventures. Whether you are looking to cozy up in one of Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµâ€™s many coffee shops, or you are heading out for an activity-filled cross-country ski or day on the slopes, there is winter magic for everyone.

Outdoor favourites for locals include a skate through Bowness Park or the University District’s Central Commons Park. Winter is also a great time to explore Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµâ€™s downtown core, Chinatown or historic Inglewood. The season brings annual winter festivals like Chinook Blast and Blockheater, the winter Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Folk Music Festival.

Winter flies by in Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ with many activities to keep you busy.

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What is a ‘Chinook Wind’?

Talk to any Calgarian and they’ll share a well-known fact to Southern Albertans: the Chinook Wind (known as ‘Chinooks’) – is nature’s gift to Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ. A distinctive characteristic of Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ winters, Chinooks are warm winds that raise temperatures by as much as 15 degrees in a few hours.

As the westerly winds travel over the Canadian Rocky Mountains, a Chinook arch forms, typically visible from anywhere in the city. The winds occur year-round but are most prominent between November and May, giving Calgarians a blissful break from winter’s colder temperatures and melting the snow away.

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How to prepare for Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµâ€™s weather

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ is a city where you can experience all four seasons in just one day.

Temperatures can soar to the high 30 degrees Celsius in the summer, while the average temperature sits at -4.6 degrees Celsius in the winter. Compared to other cities, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ has a dry climate – not a humid one – so summer heat is comfortable, and winter lows won’t chill you to the bone.

 

Curious about life in Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ?

Explore what life is like in a city ranked among the best places to live in the world and North America.

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Experience living in Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ

Discover an affordable, vibrant, and family-friendly lifestyle in a city ranked among the best places to live in the world and in North America.