Mountain weather plays by its own rules. Here's what you need to know.
Elevation: Banff sits at 1,383m (4,537ft) - expect cooler temps than Calgary
Temperature swing: 15-20°C difference between day and night is normal
Snow season: October through May (yes, it can snow in May)
Warmest month: July (avg high 22°C / 72°F)
Coldest month: January (avg low -15°C / 5°F, can hit -30°C)
The stuff that catches visitors off guard
When: October - May
Mountain weather changes fast. A sunny morning can turn into a blizzard by afternoon. Always check forecasts before heading out, and have a backup plan.
When: November - March
Highway 1 between Calgary and Banff is notorious for black ice. It looks like wet pavement but it's actually ice. Many accidents happen here every winter.
When: December - February
Heavy snow combined with wind creates zero visibility. Roads can close without warning. Getting stranded is a real possibility.
When: June - August
Summer afternoons often bring dramatic thunderstorms. Lightning at elevation is dangerous. Storms usually pass within an hour.
When: January - February
Arctic air masses can push temperatures to -30°C (-22°F) or colder. Exposed skin can get frostbite in minutes.
When: Year-round
Higher elevation = stronger UV. Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays. You can get sunburned even on cloudy days, especially in winter.
What to actually expect
Pack layers - mornings are cool, afternoons warm, evenings cool again.
Bring warm layers AND lighter options. Weather can vary 20°C in a week.
Dress for -20°C even if forecast says warmer. Better safe than frostbitten.
Pack for all four seasons. Seriously. You might experience them all in one day.
Bookmark these before you go
Official forecasts for Banff. Most accurate for planning.
Real-time road conditions and closures. Essential for winter driving.
Avalanche forecasts for backcountry travel. Check before any winter hiking.
Trail conditions, closures, and park alerts.
Time to figure out what to pack