Weather - Four Seasons

In Canada, there are four seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter. Weather is different in different parts of Canada but this is what you can expect in Durham.

Spring - March to May

This is when snow begins to melt and it gets warmer. There is often a lot of rain at this time of year. Days are warmer and longer but nights are still cool. Plants and grass begin to grow in the spring. Trees start to get leaves again in April or May. You will need a warm coat and possibly a hat, mittens and boots in the spring. An umbrella is also useful.

Summer - June to August / September

Daytime temperatures are usually above 20 degrees Celsius and can reach 30 degrees Celsius or higher in July. It can also be very humid in Durham during the summer. High humidity levels can make it feel much hotter, this temperature is usually called 'the humidex'. Mosquitoes, ticks and flies are common at this time of year. You should wear insect repellent if you are going to be outside. It is also smart to wear a hat and use sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Drinking water is always a good idea in the summer.

Fall - September to November

In the fall, days seem shorter as there are fewer hours of sunlight and the first frosts appear. Leaves turn from green to red, orange, yellow and brown before they fall from the trees. The weather during the fall is usually rainy and you can expect the first snow in November. Temperatures can change quickly from day to day but average around 20 degrees in September to 5 degrees in November. You may need a coat, mittens, hat and boots first thing in the morning but only a light jacket later in the day. It's also a good idea to carry an umbrella in November.

Winter - December to February or later

Winter can seem long but it's also a time of year that can be a lot of fun as long as you dress well to go outdoors. Temperatures are typically around -10 to -15 degrees Celsius during the winter, though it can often feel much colder with the wind. Make sure everyone in your family has a warm hat that covers the ears, warm mittens and boots and a warm, thick coat that buttons or zips closed in the front. Boots with rubber soles are a good idea because they will keep you from slipping on ice and snow.

You should also layer your clothing. For example, you might decide to wear long underwear, also called long johns, or t-shirts and sweaters underneath your coat. This keeps you warmer than if you wear one thick layer. If you don't have a winter coat already, you may want to wait until you get here to buy one, as you will find a large selection of low-temperature coats at good prices at local stores.

You can enjoy many winter sports such as skating, skiing, sledding or building snowmen. It's a good idea to check the weather forecast  before you go outside to make sure you know the temperature and weather conditions for the day. Bright sunny days can often be the coldest.

In very cold weather, when temperatures are below 0 degrees Celsius, do not leave any skin uncovered. Uncovered skin in freezing temperatures can get frostbite. Winds can make temperatures feel even colder. This is known as the wind-chill factor. Find our more about how to protect yourself in extremely cold conditions.