When to Visit Banff: Month-by-Month Breakdown

If you’re wondering what is the best month to visit Banff or when to visit Banff, I’m pleased to tell you that every month in Banff offers something special. In this post I’ll outline when to visit Banff via a month-by-month breakdown and outline expected weather, general temperatures, and possible activities.

I lived in Banff for years and was fortunate enough to experience each season in Banff multiple times. The one thing learned living there is that temperatures and weather are never guaranteed. You’ll always want to pack an extra layer and you need to be prepared for everything as mountain weather changes on a dime, frequently.

Skip ahead:


As you read this post, please consider clicking the links throughout. These are affiliate links which means when you book a hotel or purchase a product, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you (full disclosure). These commissions fund The Holistic Backpacker and help me write more blog posts.

Thank you for supporting my work!

~ Taylor ♡




Don’t feel like scrolling through blog posts trying to find things to do in Banff?

Get my 600+ Banff recommendations saved to your Google Maps app

Outdoors: hiking trails, campgrounds, ski resorts, waterfalls & lakes

Planning: lodging, restaurants, public washrooms & transit hubs

Things to do: tours, viewpoints & unique activities

I lived in Banff for years and know all the best spots!

See what other travellers are saying about my map





Where to Stay in Banff

From hostels to camping to luxury hotels – Banff has accommodations for everyone. Here are my top recommendations for where to lodge in Banff based on budget.

Where to stay in Banff

I recommend giving this post a read as I’ve listed every Banff hotel worth staying at and organized them by category.


Lodging Options Near Banff

Enjoy that nature and activities of Banff National Park, but lodge away from the busy tourist town centre at any of the following:



When to Visit Banff: Month-by-Month

Banff experiences 4 seasons, however I like to look them as more “early winter,” “winter,” “late winter,” and “5 minutes of summer.” Banff isn’t always cold, but temperatures are definitely on the colder side, minus the 1-2 week heatwave Banff seems to get every summer.

Here’s what you can expect month-by-month in Banff.

Banff Gondola – epic views from the top of Sulphur Mountain.

Banff Hop on Hop off – explore the park at your own pace.

Lake Minnewanka Cruise – take a scenic boat ride down the largest lake in Banff.

Moraine Lake sunrise – chartered bus to see alpenglow on Canada’s most beautiful lake.

Norquay via ferrata – epic beginner friendly climbing route across iron bars on Mt Norquay.

Sunshine Meadows Gondola – find wild alpine flowers and hike around pristine alpine lakes.

Click here for a complete list of the Banff tours I recommend:



Banff Weather in Summer

Although short, summer in Banff is truly paradise. Summer in Banff is the best time to visit for hiking, camping, and any water sports like paddling or swimming.

Here’s my guide to summer in Banff with 50+ activities you can try

Best time to visit Banff - hiking in summer

Banff in June

June is usually the first month in Banff to show consistently warm-er weather and lush vegetation. By early June all the lower elevation lakes should have melted, although some of the alpine lakes can remain partially frozen into late June. Lower elevation hikes are snow-free, but snow still exists in the alpine meaning many summit hikes can be difficult and risky. Tourism begins to pick up in June.

Average Temperature in Banff in June: 19–21°C (66–70°F) daytime highs | 2–8°C (36–46°F) nighttime lows

Average Temperature in Banff’s alpine in June: 9–15°C (48–59°F) daytime highs | -3 to 3°C (26–37°F) nighttime lows

Average Rainfall in Banff in June: 13 days | 80mm (3 inches) – longer rainy days consisting of light to moderate rain


Banff in July

Despite the large volume of tourists, July is the best month to visit Banff. By the end of the month almost all hikes and backcountry routes are accessible with minimal – if any – snow still lingering in the alpine. Wildflowers in the alpine bloom and water activities like paddling and polar dipping in the local lakes begins. The only downfall to Banff in July, aside from how busy it is, is the possibility of wildfire smoke in the area.

Average Temperature in Banff in July: 22°C (72°F) daytime highs | 8°C (46°F) nighttime lows

Average Temperature in Banff’s alpine in July: 12-15°C (54-59°F) daytime highs | 2-4°C (36-39°F) nighttime lows

Average Rainfall in Banff in July: 13-16 days | 60-70 mm (2.4-2.8 inches) – mainly short bursts of light rain and the odd, quick thunderstorm


Banff in August

Like July, August is the best month to visit Banff. August in Banff brings everything that July in Banff brings activity and weather wise. If you have any big peaks or backcountry routes you want to bag, you’ll want to hit them by mid to late August before the weather becomes more unpredictable and colder in the later months. Wildflowers are in full bloom early in August, but the chances of wildfire smoke filling the skies is high.

Average Temperature in Banff in August: 21°C (70°F) daytime highs | 6°C (43°F) nighttime lows

Average Temperature in Banff’s alpine in August: 11-14°C (52-57°F) daytime highs | 1-3°C (34-37°F) nighttime lows

Average Rainfall in Banff in August: 12-14 days | 50-60 mm (2.0-2.4 inches) – mainly short bursts of light rain, but the occasional quick thunderstorm rolls through

Connect via socials:
STAY CONNECTED

Sign up for emails to receive a 25% discount on my travel maps.

Taylor ♡


Banff Weather in Autumn

Autumn in Banff is one of the quieter times of year making it the best time to visit Banff if you’re looking to find shoulder season prices and avoid thousands of tourists. Autumn is also the best time to visit Banff to see the Larch trees turn golden yellow.

Best months to visit Banff - hiking in autumn

Banff in September

September in Banff is when summer fades away and signs of autumn start to creep in. Snow can begin falling in the alpine, usually in small amounts, and the Larch trees turn golden yellow. Their colours typically peak the first-to-second week of October, but on colder years they may begin to peak by late September. September in Banff is still a great time for hiking, although larger summit missions, backcountry hikes, and water activities may have to wait until the following summer.

Average Temperature in Banff in September: 16°C (61°F) daytime highs | 2°C (36°F) nighttime lows

Average Temperature in Banff’s alpine in September: 7-10°C (45-50°F) daytime highs | -2 to 1°C (28-34°F) nighttime lows

Average Precipitation in Banff in September: 9-12 days | 40-50 mm (1.6-2.0 inches) – can be snow at higher elevations


Banff in October

October is the best time of year to visit Banff to see the golden Larch trees. Early in the month is when they’re at their peak. Around mid October winter makes an appearance and you’ll notice a significant temperature drop as well as a significant drop in tourism. Most days in October in Banff bring grey skies and snow in the alpine.

Average Temperature in Banff in October: 10°C (50°F) daytime highs | -2°C (28°F) nighttime lows

Average Temperature in Banff’s alpine in October: 1-5°C (34-41°F) daytime highs | -5 to -8°C (23-17°F) nighttime lows

Average Precipitation in Banff in October: 25-35 mm (1-1.4 inches) – mainly snow by mid month


Banff in November

November in Banff is one of my least favourite months to visit Banff. Ski season typically starts early in November, but the snow isn’t great until usually end of December/early January – this date continues to become later and later as the years progress. On a cold year the lakes may freeze by late November for skating, but most years November in Banff consists of grey skies and snow in the alpine, Most days you likely won’t see many mountain peaks nearby due to cloud coverage.

November is the best time to visit Banff though if you’re hoping to see the blue lakes surrounded by snowy mountains and trees before they freeze over.

Average Temperature in Banff in November: -1°C (30°F) daytime highs | -9°C (16°F) nighttime lows

Average Temperature in Banff’s alpine in November: -6°C (21°F) to -2°C (28°F) daytime highs | -13°C (9°F) to -9°C (16°F) nighttime lows

Average Snow in Banff in November: 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) – amount of snowy days varies greatly year-to-year



Don’t feel like scrolling through blog posts trying to find things to do in Banff?

Get my 600+ Banff recommendations saved to your Google Maps app

Outdoors: hiking trails, campgrounds, ski resorts, waterfalls & lakes

Planning: lodging, restaurants, public washrooms & transit hubs

Things to do: tours, viewpoints & unique activities

I lived in Banff for years and know all the best spots!

See what other travellers are saying about my map



Banff Weather in Winter

Winter is the best time of year to visit Banff if you’re looking to experience all the activities that go along with “winter wonderlands.” Think skiing, ice skating, northern lights, frozen waterfalls, and all the hot chocolate your heart desires.

Here’s my guide to winter in Banff with 30+ activities you can try

Best months to visit Banff - snowshoeing in winter

Due to Banff’s location and consistent cold temperatures, the snow pack is weaker meaning avalanches are prevalent. If you plan to go winter hiking or snowshoeing OR are planning to go ski touring, it’s advised to take an avalanche course.

You can book your courses here: AST 1 (for beginners), and AST 2 (for those who’ve already taken AST 1).


Banff in December

December is the first “real” month of winter in Banff. By this time the alpine as well as the town should have a decent coating of snow. The lakes begin to freeze over meaning you can try your hand at wild ice skating and the holiday festivities are in full swing. Banff is very busy during the Christmas season and the days are short.

Average Temperature in Banff in December: -5°C (23°F) daytime highs | -14°C (7°F) nighttime lows

Average Temperature in Banff’s alpine in December: -10 to -7°C (14-19°F) daytime highs | -15 to -20°C (5 to -4°F) nighttime lows

Average Snow in Banff in December: 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) – many days of snow


Banff in January

January is one of the coldest months in Banff and there’s usually a 1 week cold snap reaching as low as -40. It’s so cold boiling water turns to snow/mist mid air and the ski resorts usually shut down for a few days. January brings epic snow to the rockies and flash freezes any remaining waterfalls still flowing. January is the best month to visit Banff if you want to experience true cold. There’s also a handful of winter events going on during the month of January in Banff.

Average Temperature in Banff in January: -4°C (25°F) daytime highs | -15°C (5°F) nighttime lows

Average Temperature in Banff’s alpine in January: -10 to -7°C (14-19°F) daytime highs | -20 to -25°C (-4 to -13°F) nighttime lows

Average Snow in Banff in January: 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) – substantial snow cover throughout the month


Banff in February

Like January, February is cold, but it’s the best month to visit Banff if you’re hoping to see frozen waterfalls – my advice is to go right after the January cold snap. There’s still consistent snowfall at this time too meaning snowshoeing and skiing are in full swing. Banff is busy during February, especially the second half of the month when holidays are in effect.

Average Temperature in Banff in February: -1°C (30°F) daytime highs | -12°C (10°F) nighttime lows

Average Temperature in Banff’s alpine in February: -8 to -5°C (18-23°F) daytime highs | -18 to -22°C (0 to -8°F) nighttime lows

Average Rainfall in Banff in February: 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) – consistent snow cover throughout the month


Banff Weather in Spring

Best months to visit Banff - hiking in spring

Due to Banff’s location and consistent cold temperatures, the snow pack is weaker meaning avalanches are prevalent. If you plan to go spring hiking or snowshoeing OR are planning to go ski touring, it’s advised to take an avalanche course.

You can book your courses here: AST 1 (for beginners), and AST 2 (for those who’ve already taken AST 1).


Banff in March

March means temperatures are slowly starting to rise in Banff, there are more sunny skies, and the days start to become noticeably longer. The snow is still great for skiing during March in Banff, but the warmer temperatures mean you can enjoy it a bit more without freezing your ass off.

Average Temperature in Banff in March: 0°C (32°F) daytime highs | -7°C (19°F) nighttime lows

Average Temperature in Banff’s alpine in March: -5 to -2°C (23-28°F) daytime highs | -15 to -18°C (5 to -0°F) nighttime lows

Average Precipitation in Banff in March: 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) – frequent snowy days


Banff in April

April is a bit of a mixed bag in Banff. Some years are warm and sunny, others are cold and rainy, but snow usually always starts to melt in the valleys during this time. April is the best time to visit Banff for spring skiing. There are still big dumps of snow during April, but also consistently warmer temperatures and sunny skies. April is one of my favourite months to ski in Banff.

Average Temperature in Banff in April: 6°C (43°F) daytime highs | -3°C (27°F) nighttime lows

Average Temperature in Banff’s alpine in April: -2 to 2°C (28-36°F) daytime highs | -8 to -12°C (17-10°F) nighttime lows

Average Precipitation in Banff in April: 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) – mix of snow and rain. Snow usually doesn’t stick at lower elevations


Banff in May

And finally, May. Like April, May brings all kinds of different weather. Some years there’ll be days warm enough to walk around in a T shirt, other years the majority of days are rainy and grey. Some years there’s still frequent snow falling, but usually there’s a clear divide between winter in the alpine and spring in the valleys. Low elevation hikes will begin to open up, but there’s still enough snow in the alpine to ski, so many low and high elevation activities are affected by snow and avalanche risk.

May is one of the most unpredictable months to visit Banff weather wise.

Average Temperature in Banff in May: 10°C (50°F) daytime highs | 0°C (32°F) nighttime lows

Average Temperature in Banff’s alpine in May: 0°C (32°F) to 5°C (41°F) daytime highs | -5°C (23°F) to -10°C (14°F) nighttime lows

Average Rainfall in Banff in May: 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) – mix of snow and rain. Snow doesn’t stick at lower elevations



When is There Wildfire Smoke in Banff?

When to visit Banff - Wildfire smoke in Banff
What wildfire smoke in Banff looks like

“Wildfire season” greatly affects Canada’s western provinces. Every summer there are major wildfires in both British Columbia and Alberta. The smoke from these fires drifts into Banff National Park and fills the local skies with smoke, making it unwise to partake in any outdoor activities – for the sake of your health.

Unfortunately Jasper National Park fell victim to one of these fires summer 2024 which greatly impacted the town and surrounding nature. Banff is not immune to these fires, but there are safety measures in place to help protect the park. This being said, Banff is commonly affected by smoke.

The fires are usually the most extreme during July and August (hottest months), but in recent years smoke from the fires has affected Banff as early as April and as late as September. Unfortunately there’s no way to predict the arrival or “length of stay” of the smoke. I’ve seen it remain in high quantities for weeks+ at a time. Other times the smoke rolls in the odd day, but Banff is generally unaffected the majority of the time. It all depends on wind patterns and fire locations.



Best Months for Hiking in Banff

You can hike year round in Banff, but the safest and best time to go hiking in Banff is summer.

You can find all my Banff hiking guides and resources here

Best month to visit Banff for hiking

Late May is typically when the lower elevation hikes become snow-free in Banff, although avalanche risk is still very high. June is a toss-up as some years you can hit the higher elevation trails, other years they’re still completely snowbound.

July and August are the best months to hike in Banff as long as wildfire smoke doesn’t fill the skies. By late July most summit hikes and backcountry routes are 100% accessible making Banff one giant playground.

Mid September to early October is also a great time of year to hike in Banff as temperatures are cool and the Larch trees begin to turn golden yellow.

After this point winter hits the Rockies, avalanche risk is prevalent, and trails are covered in waist deep snow until the following spring.



Best Months to go Camping in Banff

Below are the best months to go camping in Banff. Whether you plan to backcountry or front country camp in Banff, reservations must be made well in advance. Parks Canada opens its reservations as early as January for camping and it’s recommended you make your summer reservations then. Front country and backcountry sites will fill up entirely for the summer season within minutes of going live.

You can make reservations for camping in Banff here

Best months to go camping in Banff

The best month to go camping in Banff depends on if you’re front country or backcountry camping.

If front country is your objective, the best time to camp in Banff is from early May to early October, although June to August offers warmer temperatures if you’re camping in a tent. If you’re in an RV there are some sites that stay open year round.

The best months to visit Banff for backcountry camping are July and August, although some trails can be hiked as early as May and as late as October. Winter camping is possible in Banff’s backcountry as some sites remain open year round, however winter temperatures can reach -40 degrees. Previous experience and specialized gear is highly recommended before tackling winter backcountry camping in Banff.

Here’s more information regarding backcountry camping in Banff



Don’t feel like scrolling through blog posts trying to find things to do in Banff?

Get my 600+ Banff recommendations saved to your Google Maps app

Outdoors: hiking trails, campgrounds, ski resorts, waterfalls & lakes

Planning: lodging, restaurants, public washrooms & transit hubs

Things to do: tours, viewpoints & unique activities

I lived in Banff for years and know all the best spots!

See what other travellers are saying about my map



When to See Wildflowers in Banff

When to see wildflowers in Banff

If you’re wondering when to see wildflowers in Banff, the answer varies. Banff’s wildflowers begin to bloom as early as late April at lower elevations, but typically hit their peak in June. You’ll commonly see the flowers first blooming by the side of the highway as it’s warmer there and it receives more sunlight.

Wildflowers bloom in Banff’s alpine between July and August. The peak bloom is typically in early August. Some great spots to see wildflowers in Banff’s alpine are at Healy Pass, Aylmer Pass, and at Sunshine Meadows. Sunshine Meadows is the best place to see wildflowers in Banff as the gondola and chairlift take you into the backcountry without requiring you to hike.

If you’re planning your trip around when to see wildflowers in Banff, I’d recommend paying attention to the amount of rain Banff receives in the spring. More rain = more wildflowers.



Quietest Months to Visit Banff

Banff currently sees more than 4 million tourists annually and that number is steadily rising. If you’re looking for the best time to visit Banff to avoid the crowds, the following months are best.

Quietest time of year to visit banff

The quietest months to visit Banff are the shoulder seasons. In spring from May to early June and in autumn from mid October to early December.

Banff’s tourism season is continually growing longer and longer each year meaning this quiet period in Banff is becoming smaller and smaller.



Cheapest Time of Year to Visit Banff

No matter when you visit, Banff remains an expensive destination. There are however cheaper times of year to visit Banff when hotels and tour operators lower their prices. Many restaurants in town will often offer more happy hours and meal deals during these months too.

When to visit Banff

The cheapest time to visit Banff falls in line with the quietest months to visit Banff: May to early June and mid October to early December.

You can expect to save a few dollars if you visit Banff during these months opposed to peak summer or the holidays.



Best Time of Year to Visit Banff for Wildlife

Luckily, Banff has plenty of wildlife year round and you’re almost guaranteed to see something during your trip. There are however certain months in Banff where wildlife will make itself more obvious.

Where to find wildlife in Banff
Bighorn sheep at Norquay patch

Again, the best time of year to see wildlife in Banff falls in line with the shoulder seasons. spring and autumn, but also winter.

The best time of year to see bears in Banff is during spring and fall. Although you can see bears in summer too, bears hang out next to the highways in spring as that’s where their food sources start blooming first. Highway 1A is a great spot to see bears in Banff.

Deer and elk wander the streets of Banff frequently, but they come in abundance during winter when the town is a bit quieter. September is an especially exciting time to see elk in Banff as it’s their rutting (mating) season. They make impressive calls and hang out in large herds – but don’t get close! Elk are unpredictable and more dangerous during this time.

The best time of year to see bighorn sheep in Banff is spring and early summer. They typically hang out on higher elevation roads where they can lick the salt.

Everything else – coyotes, moose, wolves, cougars (hope you don’t see one of these), etc is by chance. I’ve never seen a moose, wolf, or cougar in Banff and I’ve spent years living in the park.



When to Visit Banff FAQ

when to see Banff's frozen waterfalls
What is the best website to check the weather in Banff?

There are many websites, but my favourite website to check the weather in Banff is spotwx.com. I find it’s usually quite accurate for temperature, but it can sometimes underestimate precipitation quantities.

Visiting Banff in spring: what to expect?

Banff in spring brings variable conditions each year, but typically you can expect longer days, more sunny skies, and warmer temperatures compared to winter. I breakdown what spring in Banff is like month-by-month above.

Is Banff worth visiting in the winter?

Yes! Banff is worth visiting in the winter. If you’re brave enough to handle the winter temperatures, Banff is great for skiing, snowshoeing, frozen waterfalls, northern lights, and so many other things. Here’s my guide to winter in Banff with more information and activity suggestions.

When is Banff the most beautiful?

Banff is beautiful at all times of the year. Summer in Banff is great for snow-free peaks, blue lakes, and wildflowers. Autumn in Banff is great for golden Larch trees. Winter in Banff is great for frozen waterfalls, snowy trees, and northern lights.

Fall foliage in Banff: best time to see it?

The best time to see fall foliage in Banff is between mid September to early October. The Larch trees in the alpine usually peak around the first-second week of October, whereas at lower elevations they’ll turn yellow a bit later.

Summer in Banff: pros and cons?

Summer is Banff Pros: warmer temperatures and sunny skies. Hiking, camping, and water sports are in full swing.

Summer in Banff Cons: higher prices, busy, and crowded attractions. Reservations are required for almost everything and parking can be hard to find.

Best time to visit Banff for warm weather?

July and august are the best time to visit Banff for warm weather.

Does Banff have a rainy season?

July is the wettest month in Banff, but only sees an average of 78 mm (3.1 inches) of rain and the occasional quick thunderstorm. If you factor in snow, winter in Banff has a much higher precipitation rate.

When to visit Banff for festivals?

December and January are the best months to visit Banff for festivals. During this time you’ll find markets, the holiday train, the hot chocolate trail, live performances, ice sculptures, light displays, and foodie-driven events

Best time to photograph Banff lakes?

I love to photograph the Banff lakes during sunrise and sunset at any time of year. The absolute best time to photograph Banff lakes, in my opinion though, is in November. If you can time it right you can see the blue lakes before they freeze surrounded by snow. It’s tricky to get the timing right, but well worth the reward.

When to visit Banff for stargazing?

The “best” time to visit Banff for stargazing doesn’t really exist. You can see stars in Banff’s nighttime sky at all times of the year. Summer is nicer as it’s warmer, but in winter you have a higher chance of seeing the northern lights. Go stargazing closer to the new moon, the sky will be darker opposed to closer to the full moon.

When to see Banff’s frozen waterfalls?

The best time to see Banff’s frozen waterfalls is late January to early February. There’s typically a 1 week cold snap in January that flash freezes all the remaining flowing waterfalls. They’ll be at their biggest size from late January to early February.



Don’t feel like scrolling through blog posts trying to find things to do in Banff?

Get my 600+ Banff recommendations saved to your Google Maps app

Outdoors: hiking trails, campgrounds, ski resorts, waterfalls & lakes

Planning: lodging, restaurants, public washrooms & transit hubs

Things to do: tours, viewpoints & unique activities

I lived in Banff for years and know all the best spots!

See what other travellers are saying about my map



First time visiting Canada? This page outlines all my travel tips for those new to Canada.

When to visit: this post breaks down each month in Banff with average temperatures and corresponding activities.

How to get to Banff: fly into Calgary International Airport. From here, rent a car, RV, or take one of the following shuttles to Banff:

Best Activities in Banff: here are all my recommendations for the best tours, activities, and unique experiences in Banff & beyond.

Moraine Lake or Lake Louise: read my guide for how to get there with the new road closures. If you want to see Moraine Lake at sunrise, you can book a shuttle here.

Lodging & Camping: Here’s my guide for hotels in Banff (Organized by Category). If you’re visiting during peak summer (mid June to early September), make your lodging reservations FAR in advance. Front country and backcountry camping reservations must be made on the Parks Canada reservation system. The system typically opens in January and it’s recommended you make reservations then.

Reservations: for activities and restaurants should be made well in advance during summer. Get Your Guide and Viator are popular tour booking platforms whereas OpenTable is used for restaurants.

Parks Pass: You’ll need a National Park Pass for your vehicle for each day you’re in Banff. Passes can be purchased at the East Parks Gates, the Visitor Centre, or online. If you’ll be in any of Canada’s National Parks for more than 7 days in a 365 day period, an annual Discovery Pass offers a better rate than purchasing individual day passes.

Roam Transit: once you arrive in Banff, use the local transit service as much as possible to avoid parking issues. There are bus lines within town, plus lines to popular spots like Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon. The bus to Lake Louise should be reserved in advance.

Parking: the best spot to park is the free lot next to the train station. More information about parking in town can be found here and parking fees can be paid here. Bylaw is strict, so ensure you’re following parking rules exactly.

Wildlife Safety: 11 ways to stay safe from wildlife, bear safety, & bear basics.



Happy adventuring!

Taylor ♡


Like This Post?

Share with friends or save it for later!


About the Author

HI, I’m Taylor – the voice behind The Holistic Backpacker.

After moving to Banff National Park in 2020 I became an outdoor adventure enthusiast and vowed to never stop exploring.

I now spend my days travelling the world, climbing mountains, and spending nights under the stars in the Canadian Rockies backcountry.

I created The Holistic Backpacker so I could share my adventures and help connect people like you with the same amazing experiences.

GET TO KNOW ME | WORK WITH ME

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

error: Content is protected.