What Locals Don't Want You to Know...

When most people think of Victoria, they imagine a picturesque city with mild temperatures and a lot of rain. However, the weather in Victoria is not what everyone thinks.

Despite its reputation, this beautiful city on the southern tip of Vancouver Island experiences a unique climate that differs from the rest of British Columbia.  With an average of 2193 hours of sunshine each year, and 1/2 the amount of rainfall as Vancouver, Victoria enjoys a favorable climate that lends itself perfectly to outdoor activities.  It's not uncommon for locals to attempt to keep this weather phenomenon a secret so as to keep the tourist traffic to a minimum...."let's let everyone think it's gloomy and rainy so we won't have to wait at restaurants and keep our downtown (tourism) traffic under control." 

One of the main factors that influences Victoria's weather is the Rainshadow effect. This occurs when mountain ranges block the passage of rain-producing weather systems, causing the area behind the mountains to receive significantly less precipitation. In Victoria's case, the Olympic Mountains in Washington state act as a barrier, shielding the city from the majority of the heavy rainfall that Vancouver and other regions of British Columbia experience.

While Victoria does receive rain, it is considerably less than its neighboring cities. Comparatively, Victoria has a similar annual precipitation average to cities like Los Angeles, California. This drier climate allows residents of Victoria to enjoy more outdoor activities and spend less time worrying about raincoats and umbrellas. Visiting friends are often surprised to see yellow or brown grass in summer months due to the ongoing watering restrictions and months-long reprieve from showers.  Seldom does Victoria receive any measurable precipitation from May through September!

Another benefit of Victoria's weather is its longer growing season. With mild winters and warm summers, Victoria enjoys an extended period of time for plants to flourish. Gardeners and enthusiasts can take advantage of this by growing a wide range of beautiful flowers, fruits, and vegetables. The Mediterranean-like climate in Victoria means that even delicate plants can thrive, making it a haven for green thumbs.  Numerous vineyards have popped up in the neighboring communities of Cobble Hill and Mill Bay...my favorites being  Unsworth Vineyard & Averill Creek

A great road trip from Victoria would involve a 45 minute drive on the picturesque Malahat to Unsworth Vineyards to their patio dining area to enjoy a wonderful, locally sourced menu with perfectly paired wines.  And for those not knowing the difference between a Cab and a Sav, no worries, Unsworth offers a wine pairing for each menu item to take the guess work out of it. No intimidating snobby winery here. Just friendly people offering incredible food with impressive wines. A perfect combination.

The weather in Victoria is not what everyone thinks. Thanks to the rainshadow effect and its unique location, this city on Vancouver Island enjoys a milder climate with less rainfall compared to other areas in British Columbia. Victoria's longer growing season and diverse plant life are just a few of the reasons why this city is a haven for those who appreciate nature and outdoor activities. So, if you're seeking a beautiful coastal city with a favorable climate, Victoria may just be the perfect place for you.

Ready to make the move, I'm always happy to chat! 250 580 6567