How Cold Does it Get in Edmonton?
Most people who live outside of countries like Canada can't possibly imagine the depths of winter that Canadians have to endure… especially for those who live in Edmonton.
Edmonton, the capital city of Alberta, Canada, is renowned for many things - its vibrant and fun cultural scene, the sheer number of outdoor recreational opportunities, and, of course, its characteristic, inescapable winter cold. But exactly how cold does it get? Chilly gloves and scarf weather - or something a tad more extreme?
Well, in this article, we are going to take a look at the unique climate of Edmonton and look at just how cold it does get during the winter months, along with the various factors that contribute to its chilly reputation.
Edmonton's Winter Climate
Edmonton is a region of Canada that experiences a subarctic climate - which is characterised by excessively cold winters and warm summers. The peak winter season generally typically spans from November to March, with December, January, and February being the coldest of all months, make sure you have this on your calendar if you plan a trip there. During this time, the residents and visitors of Edmonton brace themselves for a winter landscape blanketed in snow and a crisp chill in the air.
Some may choose to embrace the cold and test themselves, whilst others may sit with a cup of cocoa and head online to the Royal Panda Casino in Ontario to see if they can win enough money for a trip to the Caribbean for a month or two. However, one thing’s for sure… if you are there in winter, you’ll definitely need a strategy to deal with it!
Average Winter Temperatures
Like most countries, during the winter months, the temperatures in Edmonton can vary massively. However, these temperatures vary from freezing to even more freezing rather than mild to cold to freezing.
On average, the daytime temperatures can range from a balmy -8°C to a frosty -15°C (18°F to 5°F), while nighttime temperatures often drop to a very inhospitable -18°C to -25°C (-0.4°F to -13°F). However, it's not uncommon for temperatures to drop even further - where they occasionally reach below -30°C (-22°F) or more, particularly during cold snaps. It’s definitely hot water bottle weather!
The Different Factors That Influence Edmonton's Cold Weather
There are several factors that contribute to Edmonton's reputation for freezing cold winters:
1. Latitude and Geographical Location
Obviously, the main reason is its location on the globe. Edmonton's northern location and its proximity to the Rocky Mountains play a huge role in its finger-numbingly cold winter climate. The city sits at a latitude where it receives very limited sunlight during the winter months, and this lack of sun contributes even more to the colder temperatures.
2. Arctic Outflows
Edmonton is also a place that is susceptible to Arctic outflows - wherein cold air from the Arctic regions flows southward, which can have a big impact on the city's temperatures. These outflows can result in sudden drops in temperature and intensify that winter chill even more.
3. Snowfall
Unsurprisingly, winters in Edmonton bring with them a significant amount of snowfall. The accumulated snow not only contributes to the beautiful winter wonderland aesthetic - but also acts as an insulator, and it keeps the ground and air temperatures colder.
4. Wind Chill Factor
No matter where you live, wind chill is a major factor that makes everything seem even colder. It can make the air feel several degrees colder than it actually is. The presence of strong winds - which is certainly not uncommon in Edmonton during winter, can make the air feel a lot colder than the actual temperature.
5. Ice and Frozen Rivers
What’s more, Edmonton is situated along the North Saskatchewan River, which will often freeze during the winter. The frozen river and other nearby bodies of water can also massively contribute to the city's cold climate - with the ice cover enhancing the overall wintry experience.
Coping with the Cold
So, how is it actually possible to deal with this weather - apart from channelling your inner bear and hibernating until spring? Well, despite the ice-cold temperatures, Edmontonians have learned to embrace the winter season with all sorts of winter outdoor activities. It’s actually quite a fun time once you learn to live with it - with winter festivals, ice skating, skiing, and snowshoeing, which are all popular pastimes. These can help turn the cold months into a time of fun and adventure.
Winter Readiness
That being said, to venture outside, you would certainly need to be prepared for the weather. As such, residents are usually well-prepared for the cold, wrapped in layers of warm clothing, insulated jackets, and thermal accessories.
Moreover, Edmonton's infrastructure has been designed to cope with winter weather. Snow removal services are always ready to keep roads and sidewalks clear. What’s more, buildings and homes are well-equipped with heating systems to keep everyone comfortable.
It may not sound fun to outsiders, but Edmonton’s weather is really a part of its charm - and you can either sit indoors and appreciate the beauty from the comfort of your heated house - or wrap up warm, head out - and embrace a real winter wonderland.
