When is the BEST Time to Visit Banff? Locals Reveal All
The best time to visit Banff is between June and early October for reliable weather and between December and April for winter activities. However, due to its stunning vistas, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Canadian Rockies. If you have plans to visit outside of those months, don’t panic—we’ll break down everything you can expect.
Banff is a dream destination whether you like skiing and snowboarding, hiking through alpine meadows, or camping under the starry nights. The Canadian Rockies, with their steep forested valleys, glacier-capped peaks, abundant wildlife, and blue lakes, are one of the most dramatic mountain ranges in the world.
We fell in love with it so much the first time we visited that we never left. If you are wondering when the best time to visit Banff is, you need to wonder no more. This post covers everything from temperatures and snowfall amounts to things to do and the best events and festivals Banff offers each month. We have years of experience and can tell you what you can expect monthly with photos as an example.
The Best Time to Visit Banff – Quick Sheet
Weather in Banff in January
Average Temps: -11°C to -6°C Crowds: Low Prices: Mid Range
January in Banff is cold, and there’s plenty of snow. However, the frequent snowfalls during the month make peaks like Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain stunning, draped in sheets of white. It’s also the perfect time to visit the ski resorts of Lake Louise, Mt. Norquay, and Banff Sunshine. Yup, Banff National Park has three ski resorts, all with free shuttles from the town center.
It’s a great time if you hope to go skiing in Banff. Outside the few days around the New Year celebrations, the ski resorts are quiet. You’ll see some weekend crowds from Calgary. We love skiing this time of year, even though it can be bitterly cold. It’s not just the skiing you can enjoy in January but other popular activities include cross-country skiing (nordic), ice skating, snowshoeing, ice-climbing, sightseeing, and tubing.
January is not our first choice for many visitors, but the scenery is exceptional this time of year. Many summer highlights, such as the Banff Gondola, Banff Upper Hot Springs, Lake Louise (frozen), and Johnston Canyon, are still running and open.
Average daytime temperatures are -5°C, and the nights drop to around -10°C or colder. Despite the cold, there’s plenty of sunshine and not a lot of wind. Crisp, cool conditions for winter sports, we’d say. That said, we receive chinooks in the winter, where temperatures fluctuate between mild and extreme temperatures below -30C. Pack warm clothing!
What To Consider Around Visiting
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Winter activities! | It’s chilly – bundle up! |
| SnowDays Festival | Short days |
| Ski season | Winter hiking only |
| Potential ice skating on lakes | Winter driving conditions |
| Affordable & Low Crowds (after New Years) | The Christmas season is over 🙁 |
Banff Weather in February
Average Temps: -7°C to -2°C Crowds: Manageable Prices: Mid Range
Things are getting warmer for Banff in February. We’re kidding, as the average temperature is between -1°C and -7°C. It’s definitely one of the coldest times to visit Banff and still a great time for winter sports. You can enjoy all the great winter activities the Canadian Rockies offer. You must dress warm and come prepared for cold temperatures.
Most travelers choose this month for their winter adventures, and you may find higher winter prices. The two busiest times are American President’s Day Weekend and Canadian Family Week, which fall around the middle of the month. Expect lift lines at the ski resort, busier hotels, and higher prices. However, it’s nothing compared to the crowds around peak summer.
Nights are still cold, hovering at -10°C or even lower. The weather makes it the perfect time to sit by a cozy fireside in a cabin. While February is considered the most reliable winter month elsewhere in the world, it’s not necessarily true in Banff. To avoid the crowds during the peak season, you can easily find the same weather in January or March.
Snowfall is always a little unpredictable in the Rockies. Some winters have epic powder days, while other Februarys have little snowfall. Granted, conditions are always more reliable regarding coverage and snow quality than anywhere else in the world we’ve skied.
What To Consider Around Visiting
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| SnowDays Festival | It’s cold – bundle up! |
| Ski season | Winter activities and hiking only |
| Ice skating on Lake Louise | Ski season crowds |
| Days are getting longer | Winter driving conditions |
Weather in Banff in March
Average Temps: -10 to -4°C Crowds: Low/Manageable Prices: Mid-Range
While March is spring elsewhere in the world, it’s still winter in the Canadian Rockies or at least our version of “spring.” March is still a good time of year to do any of the popular winter activities such as dog-sledding, ice-skating (not wild),
The average high in town creeps above freezing (finally) up to around 4°C. Days are warmer, longer, and sunnier than in mid-winter. That said, it’s still common to see cold temperatures and blizzards. With long days, the sun melts much of the snow in town and areas with thin coverage.
Skiing is great this time of year and maybe even more ideal now that the truly frigid days are over. There’s usually much less snowfall, but we’ve still seen plenty of powder days in March.
Our biggest tip would be to expect the weather to swing back and forth around mild winter weather. You’ll want to pack plenty of layers to deal with the changing weather.
What To Consider Around Visiting
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low crowds | Unpredictable weather |
| Great skiing! | It’s cold |
| Decent deals on accommodations | Busy on Family Weekend |
| Winter activities | Winter hiking only |
| Winter driving conditions |
Weather in Banff in April
Average Temps: -2C° to 10°C Crowds: Low Prices: Low
Around April, you can officially call it spring in Banff, but it’s not likely what most people consider spring. Those cold winter temperatures are almost gone, with the average temperature around 11°C. Amazing. However, cold snaps are still pretty common, and nights are below freezing. So it’s not exactly warm, but it is time to swap out the parkas for a packable down jacket. With the longer days, it feels like spring is here day after day.
It’s a good time to visit Banff if you like snowboarding and skiing since there’s still a lot of snow around. We even get the occasional powder day! Lake Louise and Banff Sunshine have some of the longest seasons in North America and don’t close until at least May. April is pretty popular this time of year for backcountry skiing, as the spring brings stability to the snowpack.
Low-elevation hikes in the front range become available, but it’s still far too early for reliable hiking. You’re more likely to hop on a pair of cross-country skis. Travelers in April should prepare for warm winter weather with various things to do. While we’d never plan a trip around the Northern Lights, it is a good time to catch them if you’re lucky.
What To Consider Around Visiting
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long winter | It’s still cold and still winter |
| Cheapest prices of the year | Unpredictable weather |
| Ski Season | Many summer attractions are not open yet |
| Low crowds | Lakes are still frozen |
| Beautiful snow-capped peaks. | |
| Some sunny spring weather |
Weather in Banff in May
Average Temps: 2° to 15°C Crowds: Low Prices: Mid Range
Things really start to get pretty lovely in Banff during May. The average temperatures reach the mid-teens, and the sun doesn’t set till after 8 pm. Mountain tops remain snowy, the valley bottoms begin to dry out, and lakes start to thaw. We love May, but keep in mind it is not summer! Lake Louise thaws towards the end of the month, and the road to the iconic Moraine Lake remains closed.
If you’re coming to Banff hoping to see the amazing blue lakes, you should wait another month. However, you can still strap on a pair of skis! Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise Ski Resort chairlifts keep spinning until mid-May for some spring skiing. We even see the odd dusting of snow towards the beginning of the month. As the ski resorts shut, all the summer tours begin. Visitors can hop on a cruise around Lake Minnewanka or visit the Icefields Discovery Center.
It’s a great time to spot wildlife, such as bears, as they wake up from their winter slumber. While it’s snowy on mountain tops, there are some great low-elevation hikes, and the towns enjoy dry trails. We always recommend checking the trail reports for up-to-date trail conditions. Mud and even ice are common throughout the month on the trail. The drying of trails also marks the start of bike season, one of our favorite sports.
May is your last chance to see many sights without the summer crowds. It’s also a great time to catch a deal on accommodation, although it’s never cheap. Campgrounds remain quiet, and some remain closed as it’s still the shoulder season. However, some Banff campsites are open and ready to accept visitors; just bring a sleeping bag rated for freezing temperatures.
What To Consider Around Visiting
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower Prices and crowds | Variable Weather |
| Some sunny, warm, and pleasant days. | Cool Weather |
| Biking season! | Limited Access To Popular Sights |
| Beautiful snow-capped peaks. | Summer attractions don’t open until the middle of the month. |
Weather in Banff in June
Average Temps: 6C° to 20°C Crowds: Creeping Up Prices: High
June is the official mark of summer in Banff. Most summer offerings are in full swing, and the famous lakes are thawed. They don’t reach their peak brilliant blue color until the end of the month, but it no longer feels like winter. It’s a great time to cruise along Maligne Lake, play a round of golf, go whitewater rafting, or walk up a glacier!
There’s a ton to do in June, but travelers should pack a good shell jacket. As the temperatures warm up, we often see rain showers. Many of the park’s most popular trails are in good condition and see plenty of hikers. This includes trails like the Lake Agnes Teahouse, Johnston Canyon, The Beehives, and Tunnel Mountain. Hikes that are higher in elevation, such as Healy Pass, Iceline, Plain of Six Glaciers, Stanley Glacier, Bow Glacier Falls, and Parker Ridge, take a little longer to be snow-free.
Even though day temperatures are pretty high (we’re talking highs of 21°C), once the sun goes down, it’s still cold, hovering just above 2°C. Packing a jacket for a trip to the Canadian Rockies is always a good idea, which remains true in June.
While all this good weather is welcome news, the crowds will begin to arrive in June. By mid-June, parking at the main sites will become an issue, and campsites in Banff will require reservations. Prices in Banff creep up, up, and up, but it’s still not as bad as July.
What To Consider Around Visiting
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Moraine Lake Rd is open | Infrequent showers |
| Lakes are thawed | Cold evening and nights |
| Less crowds than July and August | Summer prices |
| Longest days of the year | Increasing crowds |
| Hiking Season |
Weather in Banff in July
Average Temps: 15° to 25°C Crowds: High Prices: High
July is one of the best times to visit Banff. The lakes reach their peak brilliance, many hiking trails are in wonderful condition, and the weather can be perfect. It’s common to have long sunny days in the mid-20s with cool evenings. Camping, sightseeing, hiking, climbing, canoeing, and everything else is on offer. It’s really tough to beat a great Canadian summer day.
All that sunshine and melting snow transform the mountainsides into a lush carpet of greenery, and by mid-July, the wildflowers are in full bloom. Most of the trails are completely snow-free and in great condition. However, if you want to climb the tallest peaks, you may have to wait another month, depending on the snowpack.
Historically, it is a wonderful time of year to visit Banff and the town and the national park fill with visitors. You’ll need reservations for the popular campsites, and hotel rates are at their highest. Crowds are the largest negative and at times it can be overwhelming at pinch points.
Parking is extremely limited at the most popular sites and parking at Lake Louise becomes almost impossible from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. Due to this and the fact that Moraine Lake does not allow private vehicle access we recommend visitors combine a visit to the lakes and utilize a shuttle service.
Don’t stress, though. Crowds are largely confined to a limited number of places, and with a bit of work, it’s very easy to escape them. We spend a lot of time in the park, largely by ourselves. We never have an issue capturing many of the idealistic scenes you’ll find on this website. It’s not a crafted narrative but a reality.
All of this does come with a caveat; July marks a notable chance for wildfire risk and smoke. This past July, nearly 30% of Jasper was lost in a once-in-a-century wildfire. Even if there are no wildfires in the area, smoke from the U.S. or elsewhere in Canada can easily blow in and affect visibility. There’s no way to predict if or when this will happen in advance. Checking smoke forecasts on Firesmoke.ca is the best you’ll get.
What To Consider Around Visiting
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fantastic summer weather | Busy, busy, busy! |
| Lakes thaw and shine bright blue | Expensive |
| Enjoy any summer activity | Chance of wildfire smoke |
| Hiking trails are snow free with plenty of wildflowers | Hiking trails are snow-free with plenty of wildflowers |
| Canada Day celebrations |
Weather in Banff in August
Average Temps: 15C° to 25°C Crowds: High Prices: High
August is known for the best weather of the year in Banff—that’s if you prefer hiking over skiing. Almost every trail, mountain peak, and climbing route is in season, and the days are long. It’s a great time to soak up everything the mountains can offer. It’s very similar to July, except we find it a little cooler, especially by the month’s end. That’s a good thing. As with any month of the year, we recommend packing a jacket.
Crowds and prices remain the same as in July, and we can’t say there is too much of a difference between the two months. We’d suggest travelers book whichever month works best for them. Reservations are required to secure good accommodation and campsites, so you should know where you want to stay in Banff and have booked your hotels and campsites well in advance.
For most, July and August are the best months for enjoying all of the summer activities one hopes for. If you’re an experienced hiker and would like to achieve some of the bigger objectives and climb a few mountains in Banff, it’s definitely the best time of year to plan a trip, followed by early September.
Early summer tends to present wildfire and smoke risk from Canada. In late summer and early fall, the risk comes from the U.S., notably Oregon and California. The Oregon and California fires of 2020 and 2021 had the Canadian Rockies hazy and orangish for over a week, not to mention the exceptionally poor air quality, making it hard to go on adventures outside.
What To Consider Around Visiting
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fantastic summer weather | Highest prices |
| Hiking and scramble season | Crowds |
| Bright blue glacier lakes | Chance of wildfire smoke |
| Summer activities | Reservations recommended |
| Patio weather |
Weather in Banff in September
Average Temps: 10C° to 18°C Crowds: Mid Range to High Prices: High
Things begin to cool off in September, but it’s still warm, with the average temperature around 18°C. It’s our favorite time of year and offers the best hiking conditions; no one likes hiking in the heat. Most notable is that children return to school, so crowds begin to ease, and fall colors arrive around the end of the month. Weather can be variable, with cooler temperatures, rain, and even snowfall, but the majority of days are very enjoyable.
After Labor Day marks the start of the shoulder season, and hotel rates start to drop. Granted, every year, the high season seems to creep further and further in September. We guess the secret is that it is the best month to travel. We’d still recommend booking accommodation well in advance, but we wouldn’t stress much about plans for tours and sites like Moraine Lake.
The few weeks at the end of September and start of October is what we consider fall. You know what that means – the town and the park start changing colors to a golden palette, making it a beautiful time of year to visit and photograph. If you want to see famed larches, deciduous pine trees that turn gold, it’s best to plan your visit for the last weeks of September. We have a post for the best larch hikes! The season so popular with locals that it’s often referred to as the “Larch March.”
It’s a good idea to pack boots, pants, and down jackets for hiking. We often deal with light snowfall on hiking trails at higher elevations. However, you can still enjoy all of the same summer activities, just at cooler temperatures, as snow is unlikely to stick until October. This is why most tour operators and summer attractions shut down around mid-October.
What To Consider Around Visiting
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Larches! Come late September, the park will turn beautiful colors | It’s not as busy as August, but it’s busy |
| Fewer crowds than in August | It’s getting colder day by day |
| Fall cozy vibes | Days are getting shorter – but still plenty long enough. |
| But also, summer vibes are still at the beginning of the month | Larch Madness crowds |
| Nearly all popular sights are still accessible | Sometimes it’s summer, and sometimes fall (or even winter!) |
Weather in Banff in October
Average Temps: 3C° to 12°C Crowds: Manageable Prices: Mid-Range
The Canadian Rockies receive its first substantial snowfall in October, sometimes to the valley bottom. Summer weather is gone by October, and many sites close down around the middle of the month. Most notable is the closure of the road to Moraine Lake and the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center. Summer crowds are long gone by October, one of the quietest times of the year.
October starts with mild fall weather, which is wonderful for hiking and the last biking of the season. The famous larch trees may remain, and visitors can still hop on a cruise around Lake Minnewanka. We typically have our last big hike or scramble of the season around the start of the month. After that, we transition to lower-elevation hikes due to snowfall.
Many locals find it the time to relax after a summer of challenging outdoor adventures. Which is exactly what many travelers will see in October, relaxing. It’s a good season for hot chocolate, mild outdoor adventures, enjoying the stunning scenery, and a cozy fire. As snowboarders, we may biased, but we think the mountains look their most majestic after a fresh snowfall.
By the month’s end, there will be lots of snowfall on the mountain summits, especially around Lake Louise and up the Icefields Parkway. Though October starts like fall, it ends feeling like winter, with more snow and fog. In 2020, Lake Louise Ski Resort even opened before Halloween!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No crowds | It’s getting colder day by day. |
| Lower prices | Snow is on the way |
| Hiking still good | Variable weather |
| Fall weather at start of month |
Weather in Banff in November
Average Temps: -8C° to 5°C Crowds: Low Prices: Low
There is no bad month to visit Banff, and visitors will find a lot to do no matter the time of year. However, if there is a “worst” time to visit Banff, we can confidently say it’s November. However, we still spend every November in Banff as we’re itching to snowboard once the snow starts to fall, and it’s the best chance for wild ice skating.
It’s a variable month with a mix of sunshine and snow, but generally, the temperatures are much cooler than they have been. These plummet to an average of 3°C and, at nighttime, even -10°C. It’s definitely no longer fall in November.
This is a shoulder season month with very few visitors. Locals enjoy the quiet atmosphere in the towns. This means it’s a great time to score a deal on Banff accommodation; even the Banff restaurants have specials throughout the month.
November marks the official start of the ski season in Banff, and you’ll find SkiBig3 resorts open, but the runs will likely only be visited by locals. Few tourists are here in November, meaning no crowds and low prices.
However, if you want to see the beautiful blue lakes in their splendor, you’ll be disappointed, and you should expect winter conditions almost everywhere in Banff. The lakes are all pretty much frozen now. Rent some ice skates, as November is the best time to wild skate on the natural lakes before the snow covers them.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheapest prices of the entire year | Variable weather |
| Low crowds, more local feel | Cold weather, bundle up! |
| Winter cheer & fresh snow | Fall is definitely over |
| Ski Resorts open | Lakes are freezing |
| Potential ice skating on lakes | Short days |
| Not as cold as mid-winter | Limited hiking opportunities |
| Summer attractions are closed |
Weather in Banff in December
Average Temps: -14C° to -5°C Crowds: Manageable Prices: Mid Range to High
December is decidedly cold in Banff. In fact, some of the coldest weather of the year is in December. If you were wondering, the average temperature is about -4°C, so it’s frigid. After dark, it plummets to -10°C, some days temps are as low as -15 to -20°C.
Expect snow and fog and only a few hours of sunshine a day; it’s pretty cloudy. One upside to the gloomy weather is that skiing and snowboarding is now in full swing, which becomes much more popular over Christmas and New Year. The sun sets around 4:30 pm this time of year, which means less time outside and more time by the fire, sipping coffee, and enjoying the holidays in a picturesque mountain town.
Being the holidays, it’s a popular time to visit Banff. Visitors flock here to spend their Christmas in a winter wonderland. Still, it’s not too busy compared to summer, and the Christmas cheer is in the air. It’s a wonderful time to visit Banff, as you are almost guaranteed a white Christmas! (If it isn’t, then we have a serious problem.)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It’s Christmas time and there are plenty of holiday festivities | Unpredictable weather. |
| Ski Resorts open, but still pretty quiet | It’s pretty cold! |
| Almost guaranteed snow | Shortest days of the year |
| Potential ice skating on lakes | Winter driving conditions |
| Epic winter sunsets | |
| Affordable prices at the beginning of the month |
Festivals in Banff
Winter Festivals in Banff
December is awash with festivals in Banff. Obviously, there’s Christmas and town puts on various activities for nearly the whole month of December. Then there’s the run-up to the New Year, and the general holiday season fun, but there are also some cool events to check out too.
New Year in Banff is super fun. New Year’s Eve means fun events at Centennial Park in Canmore as well as sleigh rides and events spread around the town; Banff Avenue is packed with food stalls and live music.
As the new year starts, January means the Ice Magic Festival. Super-skilled people somehow create some amazing ice sculptures that can be found on the shores of Lake Louise. There’s also SnowDays. Towards the end of the month (roughly the same time as Ice Magic), the 12-day-long SnowDays sees a load of snow sculptures take to the streets of Banff for a winter wonderland kind of feel. Both festivals attract many people to see the sculptures.
Spring Festivals in Banff
The Arc’Teryx Canmore Ice Climbing Festival at the beginning of March kicks off the spring with a variety of clambering for climbers of various levels. March also sees the Lake Louise Junior Big Mountain Challenge, where young free skiers compete against each other, pulling out all the stops to impress judges.
May means it’s time for the Slush Cup. This happens at Banff Sunshine and is when skiers and snowboarders head down the hill only to jump into slushy water. The event has happened since 1928 and celebrates winter’s last bits when these daring skiers and snowboarders try to stick a landing and ski in the water. If you like running, you might want to be in Banff in June for the Banff Marathon. It’s a grueling task, but being a fundraising event, it’s for a good cause. Want more running? The Banff Jasper Relay Race is also in June, and takes place over 260km.
Summer Festivals in Banff
Summer kicks off in Banff with more active fun. It may not be snowy anymore, but the warmer weather means more outdoor sports.
On July 1, it’s Canada Day. This is celebrated with processions, fireworks, and concerts. If you like your festivities to be less wild and more of a weekly thing, then you’ll like Banff Farmers Market and the Canmore Mountain Market. These farmers markets happen every Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, throughout the summer (from late May to early October, actually) and is the place to go for fresh produce, crafts, and ceramics – as well as food trucks if you get hungry.
Like music? Then head to the funky Canmore Folk Music Festival in August. This is a long weekend of music and mayhem that’s been going on since 1978. Also in August is Doors Open Banff, a time when monuments and historical monuments are open for visitors to enjoy.
Although it’s not in Banff, the Calgary Stampede is a great event to time with your visit to Banff. The world’s largest stampede takes place every year in Calgary, and you’re sure to have a good time and live out your cowboy dreams.
Fall Festivals in Banff
September is a great time to visit Banff. Not only are beautiful colors adorning the mountainside, but there’s some Scottish heritage to be peeped at the Canmore Highland Games. People wear kilts and throw massive logs, among other things.
Foodies, listen up; Banff Springs Food and Wine Festival, held in October, sees a delicious array of food (and wine) from around the local area offered up, show up, and consumed. For beer, wait till November for the Banff Craft Beer Festival.
November is cold, and the town is getting the town into the holiday spirit, with a Santa Claus parade, illuminations, and tasty food galore. The Banff Christmas Market also starts in November and is a perfect place for some Xmas gifts and decorations (complete with caroling).
When is the Best Season to Visit Banff National Park?
High season (June-September, December-February)
Banff National Park has a high season for winter enthusiasts and those after that perfect North American summer getaway. The first is much quieter than its summer counterpart, but around the holidays, the prices rise, and crowds flock to Banff. Those after a ski vacation and who visit Banff in February will see the ski runs become busier. During these two winter times, you’ll find higher accommodation prices.
However, that’s nothing compared to summertime in Banff. Numbers balloon between June and August, and while I would love to say that because of this, it’s not a good time to visit, however I would be lying. July and August bring about the best weather in the park. Long days and sunshine await you during the summer.
The wildflowers are in full bloom, and it’s a great time for anyone looking for a summer adventure. It’s my favorite time to be in the Bow Valley – there is truly nothing like a Canadian Rockies summer. However, the crowds can be a bit insane at Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, and Lake Moraine – you’ll have to work and think harder to get away from crowds in the summer.
Shoulder Season (May, October)
The shoulder season months are still a wonderful time to visit Banff National Park. As mentioned, May can still be pretty wintery, and there is still snow on the ground. The glacier lakes will be frozen, but the summer crowds have not appeared, making it a great time to visit Banff.
If chasing the fall and seeing the yellow larches are the thing you’ll want to visit in late September and October. After Labor Day, the crowds start to fizzle out as the kiddies go back to school and summer vacations are over.
However, when the larches come out in late September, there will be more visitors to the park, and camping reservations will still be difficult. Hiking is still great, as the winter gods haven’t dumped snow yet in September and early October. As the snow piles up in the mountains, options dwindle, and the lakes begin to freeze.
Low Season (November, Late March, April)
These are generally cold, cloudy, and what some may call “meh” months. Unless you like the winter, snowboarding and skiing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and all that other fun snow stuff.
If you’re a winter person, this is a great time to visit Banff. Low numbers of tourists, low prices, and plenty of snow in March and April! The snowpack in November, though, is generally low and not perfect for winter sports. That being said, we have skied here in October, but I would never plan a trip around it! The good news is that if you are a Northern Lights chaser, it is possible to see them during these months!
Is Banff Crowded in the Summer?
In short, yes, Banff is crowded in the summer, particularly between June and September. If you’re after a true crowd-free experience, it’s best to visit Banff in the winter or shoulder seasons.
Does it Rain A Lot in Banff?
I suppose rain isn’t the right word. Let’s call it precipitation. It snows a lot in Banff, particularly in the winter. Thankfully it doesn’t rain that much in Banff, but your highest chances for rain are in the shoulder season months.
You can expect a little rain in late April, May, early June and October. Come prepared with warm weather clothes and a good rain jacket. All that being said, a little rain is not a bad thing! It’s very dry in the Rockies, so much that there can be wildfires, and rain helps alleviate that problem.
When is Best For Good Weather?
It depends. If good weather for you is a winter wonderland, then the best time to visit Banff is between December and March. If good weather means sunshine and long days, then July and August are the best months to visit Banff.
I Want to Ski and Snowboard
The ski season in Banff is in full swing between Late November and Late April. The best powder is between December and March, but spring skiing is quite good in late March and April. I particularly like skiing in Banff the best in December before the holidays and crowds arrive.
When is the Best Time to Visit Lake Louise and Lake Moraine?
This also depends. I think Lake Louise is magical in the winter. It’s covered in snow, there are ice sculptures at the Chateau Lake Louise. You can walk on the lake or take a sleigh ride around Lake Louise. However, there is pretty much no hiking during this time. Also, Lake Louise is frigid in the winter.
If you want to see the baby blue Lake Louise, you’ll need to visit between June and September. If you’re lucky, you may be able to see Lake Louise in early October covered in snow, but still thawed.
Moraine Lake is only accessible when they clear the access road to it in early June. Parks Canada closes the Moraine Lake Rd by mid-October, so unless you want to cross-country ski or snowshoe in 12km (only recommended to those with avalanche knowledge), you’re only time to see Moraine Lake is between these times.
Parking at these locations between June and early September is absolutely bonkers. There are few spots and plenty of people that want to visit. If you want a parking spot at Lake Louise, you’ll need to get there well before 7 a.m. However, new parking restrictions are in place, so brush up on the rules here.
What Time of Year Can You See the Northern Lights in Banff?
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Banff is in the winter. Northern Lights viewing is best between December and March. See our guide to viewing the aurora in Banff here. However, truth be told we’d never recommend planing a trip to the Canadian Rockies with a plan to see the Northern Lights. You’re far better heading further north like Alaska, Yukon, Iceland, or Finland.
When is Best for Hiking?
Hiking season starts around Banff and Canmore in mid-April. Most peaks at elevation will still have snow on them, so spikes and hiking poles are recommended. Grassi Lakes, Grotto Canyon, and Johnston Canyon are all nice low elevation hikes that are great year-round. Sulphur Mountain is also an excellent year-round hike.
Although you can hike in April and May, hiking season doesn’t really ramp up until June. Some of the more serious peaks should be saved until late June, maybe even July depending on the year. You can bet anything above 10,000 ft will have snow on it until mid/late July. These should only be attempted by people with proper hiking and scrambling experience.
Mount Temple, the only 11,000er in the Canadian Rockies that doesn’t require mountaineering experience to the summit, has a short climbing window, and is typically best attempted in August.
When is Best for Wildlife?
There’s wildlife all year in the Canadian Rockies. In the winter, you’ll likely see a lot of elk and goats. If you’re lucky, you might come across a moose or a coyote. Maybe even a wolf (though unlikely).
Summertime means bear season. Come mid-April, the bears start to wake up, and bear spray should be carried on any hike. Look out for the black bears and grizzlies, but do so safely. Do not approach wildlife in Banff. View them quickly from the safety of your car, and then move on. Don’t create a traffic jam by taking photos of a bear for twenty minutes. All year, you’ll also have a chance to see foxes, owls, and plenty of birds.
When is the Cheapest Time to Visit Banff?
The cheapest time to visit Banff is during the low season months. This is November, March, April, and early May. Banff is not a cheap destination, so if you’re looking for a deal on accommodation, these months are your best months, though I would never say rates are rock bottom. Another budget alternative is to get a group of people together for a campervan trip. See our best tips on saving money in Banff here.
How Many Days Do You Need to See Banff?
This is a tough question to answer. We have lived here for years, and our list gets longer every day. However, I think the average visitor needs at least fivedays, but preferably a week, to get the most out of a trip to Banff. Check out our weeklong Banff itinerary!
When is Best for Larches?
Every year is different in the Canadian Rockies, and the time the larch needles change from green to yellow depends on several factors.
That being said, you can typically count on frolicking through a sea of golden goodness by the third week of September every year. By the second week of October, most larch needles have dropped, and winter is approaching fast. If you are basing a whole trip around seeing the golden larches, I suggest planning a trip between September 20th and October 5th – give or take a few days.
Our Favorite Tours and Excursions in Banff
- Banff Gondola: Get up on top on Sulphur Mountain!
- Banff Hop on Hop Off: Explore the park at your own pace.
- Lake Minnewanka Cruise: Enjoy a guided tour on the largest lake in Banff.
- Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks: Because when else can you walk on a glacier?
- From Banff: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Sightseeing Tour
- Radventures Earlybird Explorer: Sunrise at Moraine Lake with treats!
- Moraine Lake Bus Company: An alternative option to the Parks Canada shuttle, this tour provides early access to Moraine Lake with shuttles starting as early as 4am.
- Mt Norquay Via Ferrata: Conquer your fear of heights
Hopefully, this helped you determine the best time to go to Banff. If you have any other questions leave a comment or see our Canadian Rockies travel guide for more articles about photography spots, lakes, hikes, and everything else.
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Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies
- Recommended Experiences: There are many things to do in the Rockies, but our top recommendations include the Banff Gondola and a cruise on Lake Minnewanka (here’s a combo tour with both!). If you want a stress-free way to get to Moraine Lake, we highly recommend looking into Moraine Lake Bus Company. For a full day tour, we can’t recommend Radventures Best of Banff Tour enough! Only operating until October, this Ice Walk tour is a fantastic way to experience Athabasca Glacier along the Icefields Parkway!
- Get to Moraine Lake with Via Via until October 14th. Use “LARCH15” for 15% off!
- Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
- Get Hiking: If hiking, we highly recommend you download offline maps with AllTrails+ to always know your location, preview trails to plan ahead and find trails that fit your schedule. Get wrong-turn alerts and advanced trail conditions to enjoy your hike with less stress and more preparation.
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com. For a campervan trip, you can check prices and compare on Outdoorsy.
thank you. this was extremely helpful. is a private tour a good way to experience Banff, lake Louise?
Extremely detailed and informative for (hopefully) a soon-to-be visit (’24-’25). It’s a loooong way from Texas to Canada. Would suggest you include pet friendly info and recommended camping/rv spots, private as well as official Canadian sites.
Keep up the good work. God bless!!
Hi John,
There are over 400 pages of information on this site. Including pet friendly information and camping spots. Here’s some info on camping: https://thebanffblog.com/category/lodging/camp/