What October feels like in Vancouver
For Vancouver, October is the heart of autumn. Days are on the cool side, the kind of weather that suits brisk sightseeing. There is little difference between day and night: nights are cool, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Vancouver in October
Rain is part of normal life this month, falling on about every other day. Rainy days are intense, averaging about 14.4 mm (0.6 in) — downpours rather than drizzle. Across the year Vancouver averages about 12.1 mm per rainy day, so October is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in October
On 15 October the sun rises at about 7:31 am and sets around 6:25 pm local time, giving 10 h 53 min of daylight. Compared with mid-September, the day has lost 1 h 48 min. The sun is out for roughly 59% of those daylight hours, so sun and cloud share the day.
How October compares to the rest of the year
In Vancouver's temperature order, October sits as the 6th warmest month. Against September, the average high is 5.6°C (10.1°F) lower, with 103 mm more rain. November is cooler again. November averages a high of 8.3°C (46.9°F).
Who October suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Vancouver in October
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Light Jacket
Cool days — a light jacket or sweater for walking around.
Quick questions
How warm is Vancouver in October?
Afternoons average 13.2°C (55.8°F) and nights about 8.2°C (46.8°F) — cool by most people's standards. It is the 6th warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Vancouver in October?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about every other day and totals about 230 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Vancouver in October?
The numbers point to rain protection and a light jacket. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is October or November better for visiting Vancouver?
October, clearly: it ranks #6 of 12 among Vancouver's months, against #11 for the other. November is cooler and has more rainy days.