Metro Vancouver Weather: Will La Niña Bring a Snowier, Colder Winter?
This year's winter forecast could be great news for skiers and snowboarders. Alpine enthusiasts in Metro Vancouver may see favorable conditions ahead. The long-term weather outlook is largely influenced by La Niña, a climate pattern linked to increased precipitation and cooler temperatures in the Lower Mainland.
During La Niña years, local ski resorts often receive abundant snowfall, creating ideal conditions with light, fluffy powder. This weather phenomenon happens when parts of the central Pacific Ocean cool by about half a degree Celsius (0.9°F) below average. Its counterpart, El Niño, usually brings drier and milder weather.
Current Conditions and Predictions
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Centre reports that sea surface temperatures across the Pacific Ocean are “mostly below average,” confirming ongoing La Niña conditions. These are expected to continue through December 2025 and into February 2026, with a possible shift to neutral between January and March 2026.
"This is generally good news for the region, to build the groundwater," says Environment Canada meteorologist Brian Proctor.
Proctor explains that November’s forecast looks around average with possibly slightly above-average rainfall. The month starts with a mix of storms, brief sunny periods, and temperatures close to normal.
Summary
- La Niña typically brings wet and cold conditions beneficial for ski areas.
- Current ocean temperatures support continued La Niña through early 2026.
- November’s weather is expected to be close to average with some rain.
Author’s summary: La Niña is likely to bring colder, wetter weather to Metro Vancouver this winter, promising good snow conditions for skiers while November remains near average.
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