What's the Sunniest City in Canada? Where Calgary Ranks

Ever wonder which Canadian city gets the most sunlight? Calgary tops the list with an abundance of sunshine that enhances the city's numerous parks and outdoor spaces, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys a bright, cheerful atmosphere. But how do other major Canadian cities like Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal compare? Learn more about the sunniest cities in Canada!

What Are the Sunniest Cities in Canada?

• Calgary is the sunniest city in Canada with around 333 sunny days a year, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and water sports.
• Edmonton is a close contender, with an average of 2,344 hours of bright sunshine per year.
• Vancouver experiences fewer sunny days than other major Canadian cities like Toronto and Montreal.

How Much Sunshine Does Calgary Get?

Fun fact about Calgary: the city experiences an impressive 333 sunny days annually, with an average of 2,396 hours of bright sunshine each year, making it the sunniest city in Canada. These statistics indicate that almost half of Calgary's daylight hours—52%, to be exact—are filled with sunshine.

This considerable amount of sunlight has a significant impact on the city's climate. Summers are warm, with daytime temperatures often in the 10–25°C range, while winters are cold and dry but occasionally relieved by the warm Chinook winds. The sunshine also enhances the beauty of Calgary's parks and outdoor splash pads, making them ideal for various leisure activities.

Whether you're into outdoor festivals like the Calgary Stampede or prefer trekking through the abundant hiking trails, the sunniest city in Canada provides ample opportunities to soak up the sun. As a resident of Calgary, you can expect to benefit from the mental and physical well-being that comes from living in an environment with such high levels of sunlight.

How Much Sunshine Does Edmonton Get?

Edmonton receives an average of 2,345 hours of bright sunshine annually, making it one of Canada's sunniest cities. On average, Edmonton experiences 325 days of bright sunshine each year. Compared to Calgary, Edmonton is only slightly less sunny per year.

July is typically the city's sunniest month, clocking 307 hours of sunshine. For comparison, December has the lowest figure, with only 84 hours of sunshine.

During long summer days, people can enjoy outdoor activities like cycling, boating on the North Saskatchewan River, or exploring parks. Conversely, the shorter winter days can drive indoor activities like visits to the Art Gallery of Alberta, the Royal Alberta Museum, or the West Edmonton Mall.

Edmonton offers a mix of urban and natural experiences, making it a prime destination for those who appreciate a balance of sunshine and seasonal changes.

How Much Sunshine Does Vancouver Get?

This may come as a surprise, but Vancouver experiences 290 days of sunshine on average.

Despite being known for its wet conditions, Vancouver's climate has plenty of redeeming qualities. For starters, you'll enjoy outstanding year-round temperatures and a surprising lack of summertime humidity. Vancouver also has the coolest summer average high of the major metropolitan areas in Canada, so while winters can feel dreary, the summers here are superb.

The beautiful environment and variety of outdoor activities—such as hiking at Grouse Mountain and visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge—make the city a lovely place to explore.

How Much Sunshine Does Toronto Get?

Compared to other major Canadian cities like Vancouver and Montreal, Toronto fares reasonably well with 305 days of sunshine on average. Around 44% of daylight hours in Toronto are sunny. However, compare Ontario to Alberta, and the difference of bright sunshine per year isn't even close.

During the summer, you can expect the sun to rise around 5:45 a.m. and set around 9 p.m., giving you plenty of daylight hours to enjoy activities like cycling or hiking in Rouge National Urban Park, taking in the sights from a rooftop bar, or jamming out at a music festival.

Even with reduced daylight later in the year, it's still possible to still get out and enjoy the city's many winter attractions. Toronto experiences four distinct seasons, and there's plenty to see and do during all of them.

How Much Sunshine Does Montreal Get?

With an average of 2,051 hours of sunshine per year, Montreal isn't far off from Vancouver and Toronto. When it comes to sunshine in Montreal vs. Calgary, the crown jewel of Quebec doesn't shine quite as brightly. The city has 305 sunny days per year, and it's no stranger to thunderstorms.

Living in Montreal, you can expect significant sunlight during summer mornings, often seeing sunrise around 5:20 a.m. and long days that end in a beautiful sunset around 8:40 p.m.

December is the darkest month, with only a couple hours of sunlight per day. This gradually increases until July, the brightest month, when Montreal can enjoy well over eight hours of sunshine daily.

If you're planning a visit during June, the sun sets close to 9:00 p.m., providing ample daylight for outdoor activities. Don't miss your chance to experience some of the city's many festivals, whether it's a celebration of music, art, culture, or cuisine.

Soak Up the Sun in Calgary

Abundant sunshine is just one of many reasons to love living in Calgary compared to other major Canadian cities like Vancouver and Toronto. Whether you're exploring local parks, enjoying the views from high-rise condos, or admiring rays glimmering off fresh snowfall in the winter, the extra sunlight makes every season more beautiful. Canada's sunniest city could just be your ideal place to live.

If you're interested in Calgary real estate, contact Justin Havre Real Estate Team with eXp Realty with Calgary Homes at (403) 217-0003 to get in touch with a local real estate agent who can help you find your Calgary dream home today.