Climate and Weather

A most notable factor in any northern climate is the incredible length of summer days and the brief glimmer of daylight during winter days. To put the longest and shortest days listed in the tables below into perspective, consider this: On the summer solstice (June 21) Los Angeles and Seattle have 15.4 hours and 17.2 hours of daylight respectively. On the winter solstice (December 21) these two cities see 10.8 and 9.6 hours of daylight. Up north, it’s a lot different.

If the aurora borealis (the northern lights) are your thing, there are some good links at the bottom of this page where you can access information on everything from where and when to see them, to how to get great photographs.

Stewart/Hyder

Located at the head of Portland Canal, Stewart and Hyder experience a coastal climate zone with warm winters, cool summers and heavy precipitation.

Average summer temperatures range from 5ºC (41ºF) to 13.8ºC (57ºF) with a record high of 31.4ºC (89ºF).

Winters range between -3.9ºC (25ºF) to _ºC (43ºF) with a record recorded low of -27.5ºC (-18ºF).

Annual rainfall averages about 1,981 mm (78”), and the annual mean snowfall is around 411.5 cm (162”).

The longest day (June 20) is 19.7 hours, and the shortest day (Dec. 21) is 8.8 hours.

Dease Lake

Dease Lake is located of the Stewart-Cassiar Highway 488 kilometres (303 miles) north of Yellowhead Highway 16. At an elevation of 816 metres (2,677 feet) and well away from the effects of the Pacific Ocean, Dease Lake enjoys an interior plateau climate with relatively dry summers and long cold winters. In an average year there are about 156 days of measurable precipitation— 82 days with rain and 85 days with snow.

Dease Lake weather records:

Dease Lake Weather

Terrace

Terrace is located on the Yellowhead Highway 16 southwest of the Stewart-Cassiar Highway 37 at the junction of Highway 16S to Kitimat and the headwaters of the Portland Canal, which is about 30 miles to the south. The climate is a mix of coastal and interior. On average, there are 198 days a year with measurable precipitation—157 days with rain and 68 days with snow. The average year also includes about 46 days of fog and 4 thunderstorms.

Terrace weather records:

Terrace Weather and Climate