A Familiar Winter Ahead for British Columbia

Every winter, the first drop in temperature brings back a familiar sense of anticipation across British Columbia. Students glance out classroom windows hoping to see falling snow and skiers wait for the mountains to turn white. From snow days to quiet, snow-covered streets, these moments shape how we remember the season. One question seems to come up every year: will it snow, and if so, how much? While weather forecasts are almost never perfectly accurate, meteorologists use climate patterns and historical data to make informed predictions. Based on current outlooks, winter 2025–2026 is shaping up to be a fairly usual winter for BC.

Unlike daily weather forecasts, seasonal predictions focus on patterns rather than exact dates. One of the biggest influences on this year’s weather patterns is La Niña, a Pacific climate linked to cooler ocean temperatures. Historically, La Niña has brought cooler air and more frequent storms to parts of Western Canada. For British Columbia, this can mean increased snowfall in inland and mountainous regions, typically between December and February.

Image 1.1 - "A cold air mass sits over central-east Canada, bringing chillier temperatures, while the southwest and northwest regions stay relatively warm."

Image 1.2 - "Central-west Canada is experiencing a cold air mass, while the eastern provinces see warmer-than-usual temperatures."

That said, snowfall in BC varies dramatically depending on location. In Interior and mountain communities, including areas around major ski resorts, forecasts suggest a strong chance of consistent snowfall throughout the winter. These regions are more likely to see snow accumulation early and often, which could lead to an extended ski season and deeper snowpacks.

For coastal cities such as Vancouver and Victoria, however, the situation is different. These areas tend to sit right on the temperature boundary between rain and snow. As a result, much of the winter precipitation may fall as rain, with snow appearing only during colder stretches. Light snowfall events are possible, especially in late December to February, but prolonged snow on the ground is less likely than in higher elevations.

Image 2.1 - "Central Canada experiences the coldest temperatures, surrounded by warmer edges, with a moderate zone in between."

Additionally, it’s important to remember that long-range forecasts come with uncertainty. Weather systems can shift quickly, and a single cold front can make all the difference between rain and snow. Meteorologists rely on probability, not certainty, which is why forecasts are often more accurate the closer they are to the actual event.

Overall, winter 2025–2026 in British Columbia is expected to bring regular winter conditions, with snow playing a major role in the Interior and mountains and making occasional appearances along the coast. While it may not be a record-breaking winter, one thing is certain: snow will very much be part of the picture.