When to Visit
Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.
January
Manitoba greets the year with intense cold and astonishing beauty. Snow blankets the ground, and skies are often clear — perfect conditions for spotting the northern lights in places like Churchill or Riding Mountain National Park. Winnipeg embraces winter with outdoor skating trails, especially the scenic route along the frozen Red and Assiniboine Rivers. Temperatures regularly drop below -20°C, so serious cold-weather gear is a must.
February
Still gripped by winter, February is one of the coldest months, with highs often no warmer than -12°C. But the province is alive with seasonal spirit. The Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg celebrates French-Canadian culture with music, food, snow sculptures, and heritage events in a frosty wonderland. Ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing continue to draw locals and travellers alike.
March
Though winter lingers, the light changes. Longer days hint at spring, and in northern skies, the aurora borealis can be spectacular. Snow remains deep, but warmer daytime temperatures - often hovering around -5 to 0°C - make it more comfortable to explore outdoors. This is also a good time for dog-sledding adventures and late-season winter sports.
April
April marks a dramatic shift. The snow melts, rivers swell, and muddy landscapes begin to stir with life. While it can still snow early in the month, prairie grasses re-emerge and migratory birds return in large numbers - particularly to wetlands like Oak Hammock Marsh. Winnipeg warms up, with temperatures gradually reaching 8-10°C, and patio culture begins to stir again.
May
Spring arrives fully. Trees leaf out, flowers bloom, and trails reopen across parks and conservation areas. The Interlake region comes to life with birdwatchers, and bison can be spotted at FortWhyte Alive. Highs reach 16-20°C, and the weather is comfortably warm for outdoor adventures. It’s also the beginning of black bear viewing in the province’s eastern forests.
June
Long days and lush growth define early summer. Prairie landscapes hum with colour, and outdoor festivals return to Winnipeg. Churchill’s beluga whales begin arriving in Hudson Bay, while hiking and camping are in full swing in Whiteshell and Riding Mountain. Highs often range from 22 to 25°C, with lingering daylight late into the evening.
July
The height of summer brings warmth, wildlife, and water-based fun. Canoeing, fishing, and lakeside holidays dominate - particularly around Lake Winnipeg and Clear Lake. Churchill offers both beluga watching and polar bear spotting inland. With highs regularly reaching the mid- to upper-20s°C, July is ideal for festivals like the Winnipeg Folk Festival or days spent paddling calm rivers.
August
Still sunny and hot, August offers prime conditions for exploring Manitoba’s varied landscapes. The province’s many lakes provide welcome relief on hot days, while the wilderness around Flin Flon and The Pas is a dream for backcountry travellers. Wild blueberries ripen, and migratory birds begin staging in preparation for autumn. The weather stays warm, though cooler evenings start to return.
September
Autumn begins with golden splendour. The boreal forest and aspen parkland light up with colour, and wildlife viewing remains excellent. Churchill hosts peak beluga sightings, and polar bears begin to edge closer to the coast. Harvest events and cultural festivals return to communities across the province. Highs remain in the 17-20°C range early in the month, then begin to dip.
October
Crisp air and bright foliage make October a magical time for nature walks and photography. Polar bear season ramps up in Churchill, drawing wildlife lovers from around the world. Winnipeg grows quieter, with indoor attractions like the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and local theatres coming to the fore. Temperatures vary widely, from 10°C early in the month to near freezing by the end.
November
A quieter, colder month. Snow begins to settle, and the land feels still and remote. In Churchill, polar bear season peaks, with unforgettable viewing opportunities from tundra vehicles or remote lodges. Winnipeg transitions into winter, with frosty mornings and festive lights beginning to appear. Highs often hover around -3 to -6°C, and darker evenings set the stage for northern lights viewing again.
December
Winter returns with full force, especially in the north. Snow covers the prairies, and festive cheer spreads through Manitoba’s cities and towns. Winnipeg’s skating trails and Christmas markets come to life, and outdoor lovers embrace snowmobiling, fat biking, and ice fishing. Expect average highs of around -10°C, and colder temperatures deep in rural and northern areas.
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