Prince Rupert's Climate

Thanks to Prince Rupert's reputation as one of the wettest cities in Canada, the Tsimshian First Nations have always had plenty of red cedar from which to make tools, canoe skins and longhouses similar to the ones on display at the Museum of Northern BC. Most recent data from Environment Canada’s Canadian Climate Normals 1971-2000 database indicate that Prince Rupert receives an average of 2468.5 mm of rainfall per year, with about 15 per cent of that falling in the month of October. Not surprisingly, it rained on Prince Rupert's first annual Seafest celebration. The Prince Rupert Port can transport cruise ship passengers and freight containers year-round due the slowness with which harbour waters cool in the Winter. Prince Rupert’s average daily temperature is approximately 7.1 °C and a warm 2 °C on average in the Winter. Ski-hills near Prince Rupert get tons of powder during the ski season, however, on a given day, the city itself receives an average of about 3-4 cm in the months of January and February. Milder temperatures and lots of rain are two reasons why Prince Rupert has such an abundance of wildlife and nature tour attractions.

Fall Rainfall

It's a wise idea to bring an umbrella, raincoat as well as water-proof boots and shoes because, chances are, the weather forecast is calling for lots of rain in Prince Rupert. Below are several types of raincoats that may be appropriate to bring when visiting Prince Rupert in the Fall:

• Burberry
• Macintosh
• Poncho
• Rain Cape
• Siphonia
• Slicker