Best Time to Visit Banff: Monthly Guide

Banff is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Canada because of how diverse the area is. It is equal parts natural beauty, luxurious resorts, and charming, small-town vibes. So, what is the best time to visit Banff?

Late summer is the best time to visit Banff because it gets up to 73 degrees during July and August. September and October offer cheaper hotel rates and flight prices with minimal crowds in Banff. Winter is the worst time to visit Banff because temperatures drop down to 5-7 degrees and you can’t enjoy the local trails and wildlife.

Visit Banff during October if you want to see the world-famous Northern Lights in person. There is no wrong time to visit Banff, but it’s hard to justify the extreme cold during the winter unless you plan to ski. Follow along as we explore the best time to visit Banff and highlight the best events throughout the year.

Worst Time to Visit Banff

Winter is the worst time to visit Banff because of the cold temperatures and snow. However, you may enjoy a winter vacation to Banff if you want to ski. Otherwise, you won’t be able to experience all of the fun things that Banff is known for when you visit during the winter.

Banff is known for the beautiful wildlife and greenery that attracts countless tourists each year. None of that is visible during the winter whether it snows or not. With that said, it always snows during the winter in Banff so you will possibly have a hard time getting around the area.

It can easily snow more than 10 inches each month of the winter in Banff. The snow may look beautiful, but it will always eliminate so many of the fun activities that you could otherwise experience. It gets as cold as 5-7 degrees between December and February in Banff, so exercise caution if you make the trip.

Cheapest Time to Visit Banff

The cheapest time to visit Banff is between September and October. Hotel rates and flights become more affordable after the summer tourism crowd gets out of Banff. The crowds pick back up again during November and the winter as skiers come to hit the slopes.

That isn’t something that you have to worry about during the early fall in Banff. Not only is it a cheap time to visit Banff, but it’s also beautiful and free of large crowds. There aren’t as many special events and the weather isn’t as nice, but the savings are worth it.

You can fly to Banff from the United States for $450 or less during the early fall depending on where you depart from. However, you can save the most money if you plan your vacation far in advance to avoid markups. Book your hotel room and flight 3-4 months before you visit Banff during the fall to save the most money.

What Time of the Year is the Best Weather at Banff?

January: Best Time to Visit in Winter

The biggest attraction at Banff National Park in Alberta is the annual Snow Days Festival. This attraction draws crowds from all over Alberta and it dates back 90 years. Other fun events include the Banff Pork Seminar where you improve your barbeque skills and learn a thing or two.

You can also take the opportunity to see near Banff national park during January when it’s still cold enough. There are currently 3 ski resorts in the area that are worth checking out each January around Banff. The Winter Writers Retreat is a chance to focus on your writing skills while surrounded by natural beauty.

January is one of the coldest months of the year in Alberta, Canada, and certainly at Banff National Park. Temperatures can drop as low as 5 degrees at night and on cold days during January at Banff. The average high temperature for Banff in January is 25 degrees so make sure to pack a coat.

• Snow Days Festival
• Banff Pork Seminar
• Winter Writers Retreat
• Skiing

February: Best Time for Winter Sightseeing

You can expect cold weather when you visit Banff in February, but it’s not as bad as in January and December.

There is still a possibility of snow during February around Banff and accumulations can total 8 inches or more. Temperatures fluctuate between 11 and 33 degrees throughout February in and around Banff.

Luckily, the cold weather won’t stop you from having a great time on your vacation. There aren’t many special events during February, but it’s a great time for outdoor activities. Banff is known for sleigh rides, sledding, and skiing which are all popular throughout the month.

February is the perfect time for a guided tour around Banff. Winter sports, hot chocolate tours, and sightseeing are your top priorities when you visit Banff in February.

• Sledding
• Sleigh Rides
• Skiing
• Guided Tour

March: Best Time for Hockey

Temperatures slowly increase during March in and around Banff, especially towards the end of the month. You can expect temperatures between 18 and 39 degrees when you visit Banff in march. It can still snow during March in Banff so make sure to bring appropriate clothes for your vacation.

If there is one thing that Canada is known for, it’s hockey. Banff and the surrounding areas are central hubs for hockey and March is a time to celebrate the sport. The Banff Cup is a fun event for spectators each March in Banff and few sporting events are surrounded by such beauty.

Check out the Mountain Travel Symposium & Trade Show while you’re in the area in March. It’s a great chance to get insights from world-renowned mountain travelers.

• Banff Cup
• Rocky Mountain Couples Retreat
• Mountain Travel Symposium & Trade Show

Related Read: Best Time to Visit San Juan Islands

April: Best Time for Trade Shows

April is when the temperatures finally become more comfortable around Banff. Rain is still common during April, but you won’t have to worry about snow nearly as much. Temperatures fluctuate between 27 and 49 degrees on average during April in and around Banff.

There aren’t many special events throughout the month aside from various trade shows. The most interesting trade show for tourists is definitely the Mountain Travel Symposium & Trade Show. This event will open your eyes to the skills and innovations that constantly evolve in the world of mountain travel.

It makes sense that such an event is held in Banff considering the natural surroundings. Otherwise, April is simply a great time to explore the park and charming towns around it.

• Mountain Travel Symposium & Trade Show
• International Conference on Paste
• International Conference on Wear of Materials

May: Best Time for Horseback Riding

May isn’t about special events in and around Banff. Instead, May is a great time to focus on the rare opportunities that you can only take advantage of in such a beautiful place. The warm weather that May brings is a chance to get out and go horseback riding in one of Canada’s most unique destinations.

The steady increase in temperature is enough to make anyone want to go outside. You can expect temperatures between 35 and 59 degrees when you visit Banff in May. It isn’t hot during May in Banff by any means, but it’s a nice break from the cold weather.

Celebrate the start of spring with a nice boat ride, hike, or picnic under the clear sky. It can still snow during May in Banff, but it’s rare and accumulations won’t exceed 6 inches.

• Horseback Riding
• Hiking
• Boating

June: Best Time to Hike

The annual Banff Marathon is a chance to get some strenuous exercise at one of the most unique national parks in Canada.

Check out Alpine Artistry if you want to participate in a more leisurely event during your June vacation to Banff. The beautiful weather throughout June means that you don’t need to attend special events to have a good time.

Temperatures fluctuate between 41 and 65 degrees during June in and around Banff National Park. It may not be warm enough to swim, but it’s surely warm enough to enjoy a day outside. Make sure to pay attention to local forecasts when you visit Banff in June.

It can still rain for up to 9 days each June in Banff. Otherwise, June is a great time to visit Banff between the comfortably cool spring and hot summer late-summer weather.

• Banff Marathon
• Alpine Artistry
• Western Association of Broadcasters Conference
• Hiking

July: Best Time to Visit Banff

July is the best time to visit Banff in the eyes of the average tourist. No other month offers the perfect balance of clear skies, warm weather, and vibrant wildlife. Banff can get quite crowded during July because of how picturesque the area is, but it’s still a great time to visit.

July is the warmest month of the year in Banff but it never gets uncomfortably hot. Temperatures fluctuate between 45 and 73 degrees throughout July in Banff. It’s the perfect weather to explore the park or go on a walk through the surrounding towns.

Canada Day is in July and you will definitely feel the holiday’s presence in and around Banff. Otherwise, July is the best time to be outside and hike or float on the water.

• Canada Day
• Hiking
• Floating

August: Best Time for Music

The hot summer weather continues throughout August at Banff. You get the best of both worlds when you visit Banff in August with both hot and cool temperatures. It can get as low as 44 degrees and as hot as 72 degrees during August in Banff.

Check out the Banff International String Quartet Competition at the end of August if you appreciate classical music. You can also hear some unique music at the Indigenous Classical Music Gathering and learn about the local history and culture. August is the perfect time to visit the Banff Farmer’s Market because you will have a wide selection of local produce and goods.

The Banff Gondola Sunset Festival is one of the most exciting events of the year. Attendees will listen to some relaxing music on a mountain and watch the sunset in a way that few people get to. Both the views and music performances are unforgettable.

• Banff International String Quartet Competition
• Banff Gondola Sunset Festival
• Indigenous Classical Music Gathering
• Banff Farmer’s Market

September: Best Time to Visit in Fall

Also known as Orange Shirt Day, the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is a big deal in Canada. Canadians celebrate this holiday on September 30th each year and you will feel its presence around Banff.

Don’t be surprised when you see many locals wearing orange shirts in and around Banff at the end of September.

Families will appreciate Melissa’s Road Race which is a fun and healthy event for all ages. This event will give you and your family a full appreciation of Banff National Park and the gorgeous area that surrounds it. Visit the Canmore Festival of Art and Creativity which isn’t far from Banff if you don’t mind a short drive.

September is when the warmer summer temperatures begin to fade away. The pleasant 36-62 degree temperature span makes it a great time to be outside in Banff and the rest of Alberta, Canada.

• Melissa’s Road Race
• Banff Pride
• National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
• Canmore Festival of Art and Creativity

October: Best Time to see the Northern Lights

As if Banff wasn’t interesting enough, it’s one of the best places to see the Northern lights. October is a perfect time to see the Northern Lights because the sky is generally dark and clear. That is the perfect recipe for an unforgettable glimpse at the world-renowned aurora borealis.

Curious vacationers will enjoy Banff at Night where you can experience the surrounding area from a different perspective. This event is your best chance to get a perfect glimpse of the aurora borealis. You can also find relaxing yoga retreats through Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise during October.

Otherwise, it’s simply a great time to get outside and experience the comfortable autumn weather in Banff. Bring some warm clothes on your trip because it can get down to 29 degrees on some October nights. Temperatures will rise to the lower 50s during the day when you can enjoy some fresh air and natural beauty.

• Banff at Night
• Yoga Retreat

November: Best Time for a Quiet Trip

Temperatures fluctuate between 18 and 33 degrees throughout November at Banff. It can also rain for 5 days or more each November around Banff National Park, and snow is common. The area can even get up to 12 inches of snow or more during November, and it is a great time to ski.

Banff is a family-friendly vacation destination that is highlighted by events like Families Summit of Minds. This event offers some food for thought when it comes to family life. Otherwise, the special events are few and far between when you visit Banff in November.

Cyber Summit is one of the rare special events that Banff hosts during November. Luckily, November is a great time to get reinvested in hockey and attend the Banff Cup.

• Families Summit of Minds
• Cyber Summit
• Banff Cup
• Banff Gondola Nightrise

Related Read: Do You Need A Passport To Go To Alaska?

December: Best Time to Celebrate the Holidays

Temperatures continue to decline towards the end of November leading into December in and around Banff.

You can expect temperatures between 7 and 23 degrees when you visit Banff in December. It can snow up to 10 inches or more in some cases so pack accordingly for your winter Canadian vacation.

Banff is one of the best areas to be around during the Christmas season in Canada. Look no further than the Banff Christmas Market for why it’s such a festive area. You will find fun Christmas light displays there and in the surrounding area where it’s beautiful at night.

There are also several fun New Year’s Eve celebrations in the area at bars, resorts, and restaurants. Otherwise, December is a fairly quiet time around Banff aside from the handful of tourists that are there to ski.

• Banff Christmas Market
• New Year’s Eve

Best Time to Visit Banff With Family

Late summer is the best time to visit Banff with family because of the weather. Banff is typically only warm during the summer so you have a small window of higher temperatures. Most tourists visit Banff to explore and appreciate the beautiful and distinct wildlife in the area.

You won’t be limited as far as outdoor activities go if you visit Banff with family in July. Even a spring vacation to Banff can be cold which may restrict how much time you spend outside. That isn’t something that you have to worry about when you visit Banff with family between July and August.

Temperatures won’t drop below 44 degrees during July and August in Banff. Luckily, daytime high temperatures are generally 71-74 degrees during the late summer. This will give you and your family equal opportunities to swim, hike, boat, and explore the area.

Related Read: Best Time To Visit Lake Louise

Best Time to go to Banff to Avoid Crowds

The best time to go to Banff to avoid crowds is between September and October. You can also avoid large crowds in Banff during May and early June but it gets more crowded during the end of the month. Early fall is a great time to visit Banff because the crowds thin out towards the end of August.

The combination of cooler temperatures and less vibrant wildlife during the fall keeps many tourists away. You will still cross paths with other vacationers, but you won’t encounter huge crowds like you would in July and August. May and early June are great times to go to Banff to avoid crowds because it’s before tourism picks back up.

It is still fairly cold throughout May and June in Banff which keeps some tourists away. Banff doesn’t get warmer than 65 degrees between May and June in Banff, but it can get as cold as 34 degrees. Either of these periods is your best bet to avoid crowds in Banff and enjoy the natural beauty undisturbed.

How Many Days do You Need to See Banff?

You need 3-5 days to see Banff so that you can explore the national park, resorts, and town. This will give you enough time to hike, float, boat, and even enjoy a spa day. There are enough restaurants and shops that you can take one day for leisure after all of the hiking on your trip.

Winter is just as popular as summer in Banff for fans of winter sports. You would still need at least 3 days during the winter despite the lack of access to the park during heavy snow. At least 3 days is enough to ski and snowboard as much as you want during the winter.

A long trip to Banff is ideal during the summer because there is much more to do. You can spend just as much time at the park as you could indoors at a resort or a spa.

What Time of Year Can You See the Northern Lights in Banff?

The Northern Lights are visible all year in Banff, but October is the best time to see them. October and November offer enough darkness at night that the lights are particularly visible. The darkness begins to lift once you get into April in Banff.

Even still, you can see the Northern Lights year-round as long as the sky is clear and dark at night. Fall and winter are the best times to see them, however, because it gets dark early and the nights are long. The lights only look as good as the moon does, so pay attention to its cycle.

For example, you have a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights if you are in Banff during a new moon. The moon is less full during a new moon which keeps the sky dark enough to make the lights more pronounced.