Nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s Coast Mountains, Whistler is a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Just a scenic 90-minute drive from the city along the breathtaking Sea-to-Sky Highway, it offers world-class skiing in winter and endless hiking, biking, and lake adventures in summer. Its charming alpine village is alive with après-ski hotspots, gourmet restaurants, and boutique shopping. Combining Whistler with a city stay in Vancouver creates the perfect balance of urban exploration and mountain adventure, making for an unforgettable British Columbia getaway.
What you’ll love most about Whistler
Hit the slopes at Whistler Blackcomb, North America’s largest ski resort, where world-class runs, powdery snow, and breathtaking alpine views create a skier’s paradise
Explore Whistler Village, a lively hub of shops, restaurants, and après-ski spots, perfect for unwinding after an adventurous day on the mountai
Hike or bike through stunning trails in summer, from the scenic Valley Trail to the rugged beauty of Garibaldi Provincial Park’s alpine lakes and glaciers
Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for jaw-dropping views of towering peaks, lush forests, and the vast expanse of Whistler’s stunning landscape
Go wildlife spotting in the surrounding wilderness, where black bears, bald eagles, and other native wildlife roam the breathtaking Canadian terrain
Indulge in Whistler’s vibrant food scene, from mountain lodges and farm-to-table dining to lively bars serving craft cocktails and local brews
Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.
1℃
3℃
7℃
11℃
18℃
20℃
25℃
25℃
19℃
11℃
4℃
0℃
14
10
12
9
6
8
4
4
8
12
16
14
Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.
Rainfall
When to Visit
Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.
January
Whistler starts the year with prime skiing conditions. Fresh snow falls regularly, creating excellent powder for skiers and snowboarders. Temperatures hover around -5°C to -10°C, but the crisp air and scenic views make for a memorable experience. Off the slopes, enjoy après-ski spots in the village or ice skating at Olympic Plaza. It’s also the start of winter events like the Whistler Film Festival.
February
This month is perfect for those who crave snow. With highs around -3°C, the ski season is in full swing. The Winter Pride Festival, celebrating LGBTQ+ winter sports and culture, adds to the lively atmosphere. For a change of pace, explore snowshoeing trails or take a snowmobile tour for an exhilarating way to experience the winter wonderland.
March
Spring skiing kicks off in March with milder temperatures ranging from 0°C to 5°C, though the snowpack is still deep. With longer days, there’s time for both skiing and outdoor activities like ziplining through the snowy forests or a scenic gondola ride up to the Peak for panoramic views. The Whistler Half Marathon also happens this month, attracting runners to the beautiful alpine landscape.
April
Temperatures rise slightly to around 5°C, but the snow still holds up on the slopes. Spring skiing and snowboarding are some of the best, with fewer crowds and sunny skies. It’s a great time to enjoy après-ski on the terrace, soaking up the sun. If you’re not into skiing, April is also the start of mountain biking season, with bike parks opening for those eager to hit the trails.
May
By May, the weather warms up to 10°C, and the snow begins to melt in the village. The skiing is winding down, but there’s still some action up on the higher slopes. Many visitors shift their focus to hiking, as trails like Garibaldi Lake open up with breathtaking views. The village comes alive with early summer events, including the Whistler Farmers Market, where you can taste local produce and artisan goods.
June
Temperatures reach around 15°C, and Whistler begins its transition into summer. With skiing mostly behind, mountain biking takes centre stage as the Whistler Mountain Bike Park opens for the season. Hiking becomes even more popular with trails like the High Note Trail offering stunning mountain vistas. The Whistler Jazz Festival adds some cultural flair to the month, and visitors can enjoy music under the sun.
July
Summer is in full swing, with daytime highs around 20°C. The trails are bustling with hikers and bikers, and outdoor festivals are in abundance. The Whistler Arts Festival celebrates local talent, while the Peak 2 Peak Gondola gives visitors a chance to take in the views at high elevations. This is an ideal time to try out the alpine hikes or relax at the Lost Lake beach.
August
Warm weather continues, with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 25°C. Hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor adventure activities dominate the scene. Whistler’s lakes are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding, and the village buzzes with summer tourists. The Whistler Village Beer Festival and outdoor concerts give an extra dose of fun to this lively month.
September
The early autumn months bring cooler temperatures around 15°C, but the sunny weather still makes for a perfect time to explore the outdoors. Hiking season is in full swing, and the fall foliage along the Lost Lake or Whistler Mountain trails creates a picturesque setting. September is also when the Canadian National Mountain Bike Championship takes place, showcasing top riders from across the country.
October
Autumn settles in with crisp mornings and mild afternoons, with temperatures hovering around 10°C. While skiing hasn’t yet started, Whistler offers plenty of fall activities. Go on a scenic drive through the forested areas to catch the fall colours, or take advantage of the quieter season to explore Whistler’s extensive network of mountain biking trails before the first snowfall.
November
November is a transition month with temperatures around 0°C to 5°C, and snow begins to cover the peaks. Early ski season gets underway, with some lifts opening for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. It’s also the time for Whistler’s annual opening celebration. If you're not skiing, enjoy winter hiking or visit the Whistler Museum to learn more about the area’s history.
December
Whistler is a winter paradise come December, with snow levels reaching ideal depths for skiing and snowboarding. Temperatures range from -5°C to -10°C. The village is decked out in festive lights, and there’s plenty of après-ski fun to be had. The Whistler Holiday Experience is in full swing, with events like tree lightings, ice skating, and holiday markets. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola is also a must-do for panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains.
Our Ratings
Most Recommended
Recommended
Highly Recommended
Not Recommended
Where to book
Canadian Sky offers luxury tailor-made tours and holidays specialising in providing expert travel advice and exceptional unhurried customer service. With a wealth of experience we will find the perfect trip for you.
eShores specialises in tailor-made multi-centre holidays, seamlessly blending multiple destinations into one trip. Explore the beauty of Thailand, island-hop the Greek islands, or embark on an epic American road trip – anything is possible. With consultants averaging 15 years’ experience, your dream holiday is in expert hands, so you can relax and enjoy the adventure!
At Freedom Destinations, we take the trouble out of travel. We offer everything you need in one place; a great range of hotels, tours and activities, coupled with first-class service from dedicated specialists who work with you to create your perfect itinerary. With FREEDOM you can….
For over 30 years Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the globe, creating positive change through the joy of travel. That’s over 30 years of adventures, of changing the way people see the world, on small group tours with like-minded Intrepid people.
With over 50 years experience, creating quality holidays across the whole of the USA and Canada, with North America Travel Service your holiday couldn’t be in safer hands. From fly drives, escorted tours, motorhome holidays, guided motorbike tours and cruising, to beach stays, city breaks, adventure packages and ranching, they have a huge programme of exciting holiday options.
Purely Canada offers bespoke tailor made packages to all areas of Canada. They can put together any itinerary to include flights, hotels and car hire to suit your exact requirements – or select from a variety of self drive and escorted tours. They are an independent company with a highly personal service. ATOL bonded for your full financial protection.
Riviera Travel is the UK’s leading luxury river cruise & tour company with over 38 years’ experience in crafting worldwide tours, luxury river cruises, rail holidays and UK tours. Their commitment to quality & thoughtfulness has earned them a coveted Which? recommendation.
The Internet Traveller are tailor-made holiday experts, crafting unforgettable multi-centre and long-haul getaways. With ATOL & ABTA bonding and first-hand destination knowledge, they take the stress out of planning and add the magic back into travel – all with industry leading service and unbeatable value.
With over 40 years of making travel simple. Travelbag are ATOL protected so you are covered. Book with confidence. Find great prices on tailor made luxury holidays, flights, hotels and tours worldwide! Secure payments. Expert advice. UK based shops. Worldwide destinations.
For more than 60 years, Travelsphere has been crafting amazing itineraries to destinations around the world. They take care of all the details so you don’t have to. From flights, hotels, the services of an expert Holiday Director, and a range of incredible experiences, each tour is designed to immerse you in local culture, cuisine and take you to explore all the very best sights.
We’ve hand-picked a range of enticing offers to incredible destinations. If you want value for money on your next trip, start by reviewing our dedicated Top Holiday Offers page.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OKCookie Policy
Most Recommended
Recommended
Highly Recommended
Not Recommended