As a photographer based in Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, I often get asked, “When is the best time to book a photoshoot?” The truth is, every month has its own charm, and Vancouver and the Lower Mainland’s temperate climate offers unique opportunities year-round. Whether you’re looking for vibrant summer colours, cozy winter vibes, or dramatic rainy-day shots, this guide will help you decide the perfect time for your session.
Below, I’ve included detailed weather patterns—rainfall, sunshine hours, sunset times, and temperatures—for each month to help you plan your photoshoot.
January: Winter’s Moody Charm
- High/Low Temperature: 7°C / 2°C
- Rainfall: 162 mm (18 rainy days)
- Sunshine Hours: 60 hours
- Sunset Time: Around 4:30 PM
January is perfect for capturing moody portraits with soft winter light. Overcast skies act as a natural softbox, creating flattering lighting for portraits. Occasional snow adds a magical touch to landscapes. If you’re not a fan of the cold, indoor sessions by a fireplace can create cozy and intimate moments. See some winter venues.
February: Hints of Spring
- High/Low Temperature: 7°C / 1°C
- Rainfall: 84 mm (14 rainy days)
- Sunshine Hours: 91 hours
- Sunset Time: Around 5:15 PM
February brings early signs of spring with slightly longer days. Cherry blossoms may begin to bloom in sheltered areas, offering delicate pops of colour. Rainy days with snow in the mountains are common but provide opportunities for creative umbrella shots or snowy mountain photos.
March: Spring Awakens
- High/Low Temperature: 10°C / 4°C
- Rainfall: 104 mm (17 rainy days)
- Sunshine Hours: 134 hours
- Sunset Time: Around 6:30 PM
March is when nature starts to wake up. With vibrant greens emerging and occasional sunny days, it’s ideal for outdoor shoots in parks like Golden Ears Park. Foggy mornings are frequent and add an ethereal quality to photos.
April: Blossoms Everywhere
- High/Low Temperature: 13°C / 6°C
- Rainfall: 85 mm (15 rainy days)
- Sunshine Hours: 185 hours
- Sunset Time: Around 7:45 PM
April bursts with cherry blossoms and magnolias (see a full breakdown of cherry blossom locations), making it one of the most picturesque months. The longer daylight hours allow flexibility in scheduling sessions. Even rainy days enhance the vibrancy of blooming flowers and create dramatic contrasts.
May: Peak Spring Beauty
- High/Low Temperature: 17°C / 9°C
- Rainfall: 59 mm (12 rainy days)
- Sunshine Hours: 222 hours
- Sunset Time: Around 8:30 PM
May offers lush greenery and wildflowers in full bloom. With minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures, this month is perfect for weddings, family sessions or elopements in lush gardens like VanDusen.
June: Long Days and Golden Light
- High/Low Temperature: 20°C / 12°C
- Rainfall: 51 mm (8 rainy days)
- Sunshine Hours: 227 hours
- Sunset Time: Around 9:20 PM
June’s long daylight hours provide extended golden hour opportunities—ideal for capturing warm, glowing portraits. As summer begins, locations like Harrison Lake offer stunning backdrops with fewer crowds compared to July and August.
July: Summer Brilliance
- High/Low Temperature: 23°C / 14°C
- Rainfall: 34 mm (4 rainy days)
- Sunshine Hours: 289 hours
- Sunset Time: Around 9:19 PM
July is Vancouver’s driest month and perfect for outdoor sessions at beaches or parks. The warm temperatures make it comfortable for everyone. Vibrant sunsets create breathtaking backdrops for evening shoots. See how we photograph with so many sunshine hours.
August: Late Summer Glow
- High/Low Temperature: 23°C / 14°C
- Rainfall: 36 mm (5 rainy days)
- Sunshine Hours: 277 hours
- Sunset Time: Around 8:45 PM
August continues July’s dry streak but adds slightly softer light as summer begins to slow down. Golden fields and ripened landscapes provide warm textures that are perfect for weddings, elopements or family portraits.
September: Photographer’s Favorite
- High/Low Temperature: 19°C / 12°C
- Rainfall: 52 mm (6 rainy days)
- Sunshine Hours: 212 hours
- Sunset Time: Around 7:00 PM
September combines summer’s warmth with fall’s early colors. The light softens, creating flattering conditions for portraits. Locations like Stanley Park (1) shine during this transitional period with fewer crowds and vibrant scenery.
October: Fall’s Canvas
- High/Low Temperature: 14°C / 7°C
- Rainfall: 123 mm (15 rainy days)
- Sunshine Hours: 121 hours
- Sunset Time: Around 6:00 PM
October delivers dramatic fall colors with golden leaves and crisp air. Rainy days add depth to photos by saturating colours and creating reflective surfaces. Cozy sweaters and scarves make family sessions feel authentic to the season.
November: Rainy Elegance
- High/Low Temperature: 9°C / 3°C
- Rainfall: 171 mm (19 rainy days)
- Sunshine Hours: 60 hours
- Sunset Time: Around 4:00 PM
November’s rain creates unique opportunities for artistic shots under umbrellas or by wet streets reflecting city lights. Overcast skies provide even lighting that’s ideal for portraiture without harsh shadows.
December: Festive Magic
- High/Low Temperature: 6°C / 1°C
- Rainfall: 172 mm (19 rainy days)
- Sunshine Hours: 55 hours
- Sunset Time: Around 4:15 PM
December brings a festive charm to Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. While rain is frequent, it enhances the cozy, reflective feel of the season. Holiday lights and decorations provide unique, colorful backdrops for family or couple sessions. Occasionally, we’re gifted with snow, transforming familiar locations into winter wonderlands. The short daylight hours mean golden hour arrives early, making it easier to capture that warm, glowing light before dinner.
Wildfire Season: A Unique Challenge and Opportunity
Wildfire smoke in British Columbia is most common during July and August, with activity sometimes starting in late June and tapering off by September. While the haze creates dramatic, moody lighting perfect for artistic photos, it also poses challenges. Monitoring air quality and prioritizing safety are essential for outdoor sessions during this time.
Best Time to Capture Snow in the Mountains Around Vancouver
If you’re looking to capture snow-covered landscapes near Vancouver, the best time is between December and March. During these months, the snow line typically hovers around 1,000 to 1,200 meters, making popular spots like Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain, and Mount Seymour, Sasquatch Mountain, Whistler and Manning Park ideal for snowy photoshoots. Higher elevations, such as Whistler, often see consistent snow from November through April, offering extended opportunities. Snow at these altitudes creates breathtaking backdrops perfect for winter photography.
Chasing the Perfect Conditions: Photography and Adventure
As professional photographers, we’ve become experts at reading weather patterns—not just for capturing stunning photoshoots, but also for our favorite outdoor adventures. Whether it’s tracking fresh powder for skiing, watching wind forecasts for kiteboarding, or waiting for just the right moisture in the dirt for mountain biking, we live for those perfect moments (check out my personal Instagram). This passion for the outdoors sharpens our ability to plan photoshoots with precision, ensuring every session is timed to perfection—whether it’s golden hour light or dramatic stormy skies.
Top Weather Sources for Photography
Here are some of the best weather tools and apps used by photographers to plan photoshoots:
- Windy – A powerful app for visualizing wind, temperature, and cloud cover.
- AccuWeather – Trusted for general weather forecasts worldwide.
- Clear Outside – Excellent for predicting fog, dew points, and cloud cover percentages.
- Weather Underground – Great for detailed radar and precipitation tracking.
- Ventusky – Ideal for visualizing weather patterns like wind gusts and precipitation.
- Photo Ephemeris – Perfect for planning sunrise, sunset, and light angles.
These tools help photographers anticipate ideal conditions and adapt to changing weather patterns for stunning results.
Embracing Vancouver’s Weather Year-Round
Vancouver and the Fraser Valley’s weather may seem unpredictable, but as an experienced photographer in Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, I see it as an opportunity to create art in every condition. Rainy days bring drama and reflection, fog adds mystery, snow creates magic, and sunny days offer warmth and vibrancy. Each month has its own personality, and I love working with my clients to find the best time to tell their unique story.
If you’re ready to book your session or have questions about what time of year would suit your vision best, let’s chat! With my expertise in lighting and location selection, I’ll make sure your photos are stunning no matter the season. Don’t wait too long—prime dates fill up fast!