Are you planning a trip to Victoria BC? If you have done some research on the best activities, you may have seen that Victoria has lots to offer at all times of the year. So, what really is the best time? Fans of boat rides and whale watching may suggest summertime in BC, while avid skiers may tell you to visit in the middle of winter. Although the “best time” may vary depending on preference, generally the most popular times are March to May and September to November. This is based on the best weather and temperatures and the festival season, which occurs mainly in the summer months. But to help you decide on your best time of year to visit Victoria and the surrounding area, read on.
March-May:
With the beautiful landscape and natural scenery in BC, spring is a great time to take in all that Victoria and Vancouver Island has to offer. Many plants bloom as the sun comes out, and many small animals can be seen coming out of hibernation after a long winter. The average temperature is 50-65 degrees F, and as it gets warmer visitors will be able to enjoy the upcoming festival season. In March, check out Victoria beer week or take a walk in one of the many provincial parks.
June-August:
June marks the start of the busiest time of year for Victoria, and many tourists flock to BC during the summer months. With only a small amount of rain and warmer weather, seeing the great outdoors is easy to enjoy. Visitors can get involved in hiking, biking, whale watching, picnics, and vineyard and garden tours during the summer. Also be sure to check out the many festivals in the area such as the Victoria Film Festival, the TD International JazzFest, the Symphony Splash, and the Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival. Although there is lots to do, this often attracts large crowds, and July has the highest accommodation prices of the year. Be sure to book your room early to ensure availability and a reasonable price. We recommend booking at least three weeks before your arrival.
September-November:
Although temperatures get a little cooler in the autumn months, those willing to throw on a few layers will thoroughly enjoy Vancouver Island. Rainfall amounts increase throughout the fall, so pack an umbrella if you plan on visiting Victoria. Visitors in the fall will see a decrease in summer tourists and a slower paced relaxing vacation. Also, hotel prices decrease as the demand goes down, so you may find some great deals at the best Victoria BC hotels. The Victoria festival season remains in full swing into September and October with the Classic Boat Festival and the Art of the Cocktail Festival.
December-February:
The offseason is a great opportunity to visit Victoria as prices are low and crowds are thin. With that said you can expect big crowds all December long as Butchart Gardens goes all out for Christmas with their amazing displays. Although many people don’t vacation in the winter, British Columbia actually experiences mild winters that most visitors can brave. While you are nearby, don’t forget to check out Whistler village and the great skiing in the mountains. Enjoy the Whiskey Festival in January as a nice way to warm up, or cozy up in a local pub. If you are going to be outside, a word of caution- don’t forget your rain gear if you are visiting the coast!
While in Victoria, be sure to enjoy one of our sightseeing tours.