Panorama view of West Quesnel with golden fall colours

Weather & Climate

With over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually and four distinct seasons, Quesnel is a great place to stop and stay a while. Located in the Cariboo region where nature lends itself to endless outdoor exploration, we’re surrounded by rivers, lakes, rolling hills and wildlife.

Current weather conditions

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Father and son fishing in a canoe with a fish on the line

Spring

March to May 
Cold winter temperatures can continue into March with snow extending into April. Heavy morning frost can be present well into May with daytime temperatures worthy of your favourite t-shirt. Dress in layers and be ready for changing temperatures and rain or snowfall.

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Young boy carrying his paddleboard down a dock surrounded by vibrant green reeds

Summer

June to mid-September
Summer is a mix of warm and hot daytime temperatures. We typically see a 1-2-week period of temperatures upwards of 30 degrees Celsius but they’re followed by cool evenings giving you a bit of relief from the heat. Thunderstorms and strong winds come and go throughout the summer. Summer wear is ideal but pack a warmer layer and raincoat for the unexpected.

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Two young girls walking their dog down a trail surrounded by fall colours

Fall

Mid-September to November
The leaves can begin to change in late August, early September. Temperatures begin to get cooler as October approaches and the odd snowfall can occur but we see many beautiful warm and sunny fall days. Below freezing temperatures are common in November. Dress in layers and pack warm winter clothing.

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Woman cross-country skiing through fresh powder on Dragon Lake

Winter

December to February
Winter in December can be a mix of warmer snowy days and cold sunny days. It’s common for the snow to melt and freeze; packing ice and snow grips for footwear is recommended if you plan to use our trails. In January and February we can see heavy snowfall and temperatures can drop well below -30 degrees (Celsius). Dress warm from head to toe and always pack appropriate snow gear no matter what activities are on your itinerary.