British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada? If you're planning to go to British Columbia, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to British Columbia
- Important essentials for British Columbia
- Activities for British Columbia
- British Columbia in January: weather and what to pack
- British Columbia in February: weather and what to pack
- British Columbia in March: weather and what to pack
- British Columbia in April: weather and what to pack
- British Columbia in May: weather and what to pack
- British Columbia in June: weather and what to pack
- British Columbia in July: weather and what to pack
- British Columbia in August: weather and what to pack
- British Columbia in September: weather and what to pack
- British Columbia in October: weather and what to pack
- British Columbia in November: weather and what to pack
- British Columbia in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
Based on the climate and weather in British Columbia, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
Here are some general tips on what to wear in British Columbia, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can wear away. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly product.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection available.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in British Columbia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should work in most areas, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in British Columbia can be bitter cold and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C), with a few days below -22 F (30+ below zero C). It snows about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Night cap
It's important to wear a head protector at night in this climate like this
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather mask
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Thick pajamas
-
Heated gloves
-
Thermal undergarments
We love:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to British Columbia, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
British Columbia has some good skiing If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
February in British Columbia is frosty. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C). It snows 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
The best choice: this one
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Pajamas
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Thermal undergarments
We like:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting British Columbia, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
British Columbia has some great skiing If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
March in this region can be brisk. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains sometimes and snows 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Pajamas
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Lip balm
The best choice: this one
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to British Columbia, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
British Columbia has some good skiing If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
April in British Columbia is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this
-
Heavy jacket
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting British Columbia, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
British Columbia has some good ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
May
If you vacation in British Columbia during May, you will probably see that it can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
June
If you vacation in British Columbia during June, you may notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
July
In July, British Columbia is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for British Columbia, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
August
In August, British Columbia is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for British Columbia, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
September
If you go to British Columbia in September, you will notice that it is crisp and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
October
October here is brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to British Columbia, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
British Columbia has some famous ski areas If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
November
In November, British Columbia is freezing and somewhat snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for British Columbia, with a few of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting British Columbia, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
British Columbia has some famous ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
December
December in British Columbia is beyond freezing and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C). It snows about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
The best is: here
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Pajamas
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to British Columbia, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
British Columbia has some good ski areas If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
Check out our guides for these other locations: Cardston, Alberta, Canada, Jiaozi Xueshan, China, Bowness-on-Windermere, England, United Kingdom, Awaji Island, Japan, Chester, Pennsylvania, United States of America, Yajiang, China, Bosa, Italy, Gwadar, Pakistan, Dover, Tennessee, United States of America, Padang Besar, Thailand, and Rocky Gap State Park, West Virginia, United States of America.