Current weather in Banfff
Jul 18th, 2007, 12:09 PM
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Current weather in Banfff
My family will be in Banff/Lake Louise July 21st thru 29th. From the weather sites, it looks to be quite warm there (well into the 80's many days). As a flatlander, am I deluding myself that I will be wearing shorts most days? Suitcase space is at a premium and I want to be realistic. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Jul 18th, 2007, 02:09 PM
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Yes, you are deluding yourself if you think that Banff’s weather forecast has ANY meaning. The weather forecast for tomorrow is not worth the paper it’s written on, much less the forecast for a few days out.
If I had my way, weather forecasts for Banff would be abolished. The fact that they exist creates the illusion that the weather in the mountains can be predicted.
We have noticed that the overall trend has been getting warmer during the last few years. Please note that I said the overall trend, not the weather on a given day or at a given hour. Even with climate change, the mountains still have the capacity to take you by surprise.
Average day time highs in the summer are 70 deg F and average night time lows are 45 deg F. However, you can encounter temperatures anywhere from the 90 deg F range down to the freezing mark.
If you happen to have trousers with zip-on / zip-off legs, you’ll find that they’re very versatile. You also can make your clothes do double duty. For example, what you had intended to wear as a T-shirt if the weather was hot becomes "underwear" when you pile on a long sleeved turtleneck top, a fleece jacket and a hooded, waterproof outer shell (which you will want to do if the weather gets cool and rainy enough).
It may help you to know that all mountain restaurants are casual at lunch time. That is, it is common to see patrons wearing hiking boots, even in expensive restaurants. Moderately priced mountain restaurants remain casual at dinner time, but upscale mountain restaurants switch to smart casual dress in the evenings.
If I had my way, weather forecasts for Banff would be abolished. The fact that they exist creates the illusion that the weather in the mountains can be predicted.
We have noticed that the overall trend has been getting warmer during the last few years. Please note that I said the overall trend, not the weather on a given day or at a given hour. Even with climate change, the mountains still have the capacity to take you by surprise.
Average day time highs in the summer are 70 deg F and average night time lows are 45 deg F. However, you can encounter temperatures anywhere from the 90 deg F range down to the freezing mark.
If you happen to have trousers with zip-on / zip-off legs, you’ll find that they’re very versatile. You also can make your clothes do double duty. For example, what you had intended to wear as a T-shirt if the weather was hot becomes "underwear" when you pile on a long sleeved turtleneck top, a fleece jacket and a hooded, waterproof outer shell (which you will want to do if the weather gets cool and rainy enough).
It may help you to know that all mountain restaurants are casual at lunch time. That is, it is common to see patrons wearing hiking boots, even in expensive restaurants. Moderately priced mountain restaurants remain casual at dinner time, but upscale mountain restaurants switch to smart casual dress in the evenings.
Jul 20th, 2007, 11:03 AM
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Not quite BAnff, but once uipon a time I stood on my front porch in Calgary -- house was on a bit of a hill -- and looking around, could see 11 different rain storms.
As for Banff -- even if the daytime temperature is high, it will drop a lot in the evening.
BAK
As for Banff -- even if the daytime temperature is high, it will drop a lot in the evening.
BAK
Jul 20th, 2007, 11:12 AM
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>>>>>>what about Jasper in late September/early October - any suggestions as to clothing for two fit seniors?<<<<<<
I used the Trip Planning feature of the Weather Underground website to enquire about temperatures in the following date ranges for Banff over the last seven years:
<b>SEPTEMBER 21 - 30</b>
Average daily high : 58 deg F
Lowest daily high : 34 deg F
Highest daily high : 80 deg F
Average night time low : 34 deg F
Lowest night time low : 18 deg F
Highest night time low : 54 deg F
<b>OCTOBER 1 - 7</b>
Average daily high : 53 deg F
Lowest daily high : 37 deg F
Highest daily high : 74 deg F
Average night time low : 28 deg F
Lowest night time low : 14 deg F
Highest night time low : 41 deg F
Jasper is at a slightly lower elevation than Banff. Often Jasper is about one degree Celsius or two degrees Farenheit warmer than Banff. But, as I said, the temperatures are close enough that you can use Banff's statistics for planning purposes.
This is what I would pack for a fall trip:
* sturdy, supportive sandals
* short-sleeved shirts (to be worn on their own in warm weather or to be used as "underwear" in cool weather)
* socks
* hiking boots (or, at the very least, runners)
* long pants (if you happened to have a pair with zip-on / zip-off legs, they would be useful in the event that you encountered weather at the hot end of the spectrum)
* long-sleeved shirts
* wool sweater
* fleece jacket
* hooded, waterproof jacket
Note: The Lands' End Squall Parka is a hooded jacket with a fleece lining and a water-resistent exterior. As such, it combines the two previously mentioned garments into one. I find it ideal for the mountains in the spring, summer and fall. I like the fact that it is thigh-length. It provides more coverage than a bomber-style jacket that reaches only to the waist.
* daypack in which to carry your jackets when they are not in use and other odds and ends
* sun hat
* sunglasses
* sunscreen
* water bottle (to be refilled from hotel tap, <b>NOT</b> from lakes, rivers and streams)
*camera
* warm hat (my LE Squall parka has a fleece-lined hood, so I don't feel the need for a warm hat)
* gloves
* neck warmer (the kind that downhill skiers wear) or scarf (but if you wear turtleneck tops, as I do, you won't feel the need for one
If you want to dine in upscale restaurants, you'll also want some smart casual clothes for the evening. I wear a pair of smart loafers, a pair of nice wool slacks, a dressy long-sleeved blouse, and an attractive sweater.
I used the Trip Planning feature of the Weather Underground website to enquire about temperatures in the following date ranges for Banff over the last seven years:
<b>SEPTEMBER 21 - 30</b>
Average daily high : 58 deg F
Lowest daily high : 34 deg F
Highest daily high : 80 deg F
Average night time low : 34 deg F
Lowest night time low : 18 deg F
Highest night time low : 54 deg F
<b>OCTOBER 1 - 7</b>
Average daily high : 53 deg F
Lowest daily high : 37 deg F
Highest daily high : 74 deg F
Average night time low : 28 deg F
Lowest night time low : 14 deg F
Highest night time low : 41 deg F
Jasper is at a slightly lower elevation than Banff. Often Jasper is about one degree Celsius or two degrees Farenheit warmer than Banff. But, as I said, the temperatures are close enough that you can use Banff's statistics for planning purposes.
This is what I would pack for a fall trip:
* sturdy, supportive sandals
* short-sleeved shirts (to be worn on their own in warm weather or to be used as "underwear" in cool weather)
* socks
* hiking boots (or, at the very least, runners)
* long pants (if you happened to have a pair with zip-on / zip-off legs, they would be useful in the event that you encountered weather at the hot end of the spectrum)
* long-sleeved shirts
* wool sweater
* fleece jacket
* hooded, waterproof jacket
Note: The Lands' End Squall Parka is a hooded jacket with a fleece lining and a water-resistent exterior. As such, it combines the two previously mentioned garments into one. I find it ideal for the mountains in the spring, summer and fall. I like the fact that it is thigh-length. It provides more coverage than a bomber-style jacket that reaches only to the waist.
* daypack in which to carry your jackets when they are not in use and other odds and ends
* sun hat
* sunglasses
* sunscreen
* water bottle (to be refilled from hotel tap, <b>NOT</b> from lakes, rivers and streams)
*camera
* warm hat (my LE Squall parka has a fleece-lined hood, so I don't feel the need for a warm hat)
* gloves
* neck warmer (the kind that downhill skiers wear) or scarf (but if you wear turtleneck tops, as I do, you won't feel the need for one
If you want to dine in upscale restaurants, you'll also want some smart casual clothes for the evening. I wear a pair of smart loafers, a pair of nice wool slacks, a dressy long-sleeved blouse, and an attractive sweater.
Jul 20th, 2007, 04:31 PM
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The weather in July this year has been much warmer than average; the forecast for the next week (July 21st to 28th) is for a continuation of that hot weather.
What this means is that you will find it hot in the towns (Banff and Jasper) where you'll see most people wearing shorts and T-shirts and sandals, but cooler at higher elevations (such as Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, the Columbia Icefields, the top of the tramway ride - Whistler - in Jasper and the top of the gondola - Sulphur Mtn - in Banff), where you will need at least a warm sweater or light summer jacket and long pants. The Columbia Icefield is especially chilly and can be breezy, even if it is hot in the lower elevation valleys.
By mid-September autumn usually has already arrived in the mountains (and elsewhere in Alberta), so expect cool frosty nights and pleasant days - it's normally long sleeve weather, plus warm jacket (fleece) for evenings are a must.
When it comes to weather, it's usually more useful to look at current trends rather than at long-time averages. The trend for climate lately has been to warming (warmer than average) - hence global warming. So averages tend to be a bit out of whack.
Here in Edmonton where I live (just a 3 hour jaunt to the Rockies which is why I'm there so often
!!) - in winter the daytime highs are near average but the nighttime lows are way above average, and in the summertime both days and nights are much warmer than average and a lot warmer than the 1970's (for example). However, the averages take into account all the weather data ever recorded, including those cooler than normal 1970's, thus lowering the value.
Hope this explanation makes a bit of sense - I'm rushing because my son and daughter-in-law plus my two adorable grandsons are about to drop in - sorry about that!!
What this means is that you will find it hot in the towns (Banff and Jasper) where you'll see most people wearing shorts and T-shirts and sandals, but cooler at higher elevations (such as Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, the Columbia Icefields, the top of the tramway ride - Whistler - in Jasper and the top of the gondola - Sulphur Mtn - in Banff), where you will need at least a warm sweater or light summer jacket and long pants. The Columbia Icefield is especially chilly and can be breezy, even if it is hot in the lower elevation valleys.
By mid-September autumn usually has already arrived in the mountains (and elsewhere in Alberta), so expect cool frosty nights and pleasant days - it's normally long sleeve weather, plus warm jacket (fleece) for evenings are a must.
When it comes to weather, it's usually more useful to look at current trends rather than at long-time averages. The trend for climate lately has been to warming (warmer than average) - hence global warming. So averages tend to be a bit out of whack.
Here in Edmonton where I live (just a 3 hour jaunt to the Rockies which is why I'm there so often
!!) - in winter the daytime highs are near average but the nighttime lows are way above average, and in the summertime both days and nights are much warmer than average and a lot warmer than the 1970's (for example). However, the averages take into account all the weather data ever recorded, including those cooler than normal 1970's, thus lowering the value.Hope this explanation makes a bit of sense - I'm rushing because my son and daughter-in-law plus my two adorable grandsons are about to drop in - sorry about that!!
Jul 20th, 2007, 07:55 PM
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Further to what Borealis said about global warming, the Trip Planner feature of the Weather Underground site is useful because it provides statistics for the last few years rather than going back for 70 years, as the Weather Base website does, for example.
When it comes to Banff, the Weather Underground website goes back seven years.
Another useful feature of the Weather Underground website is that you can get information for an exact date range, say, September 28th - October 3rd.
At the Weather Underground website you can enquire about Banff and Jasper, but not Lake Louise.
Lake Louise is at a higher elevation than Banff and typically a bit cooler than Banff. However, the temperatures are close enough that you can use Banff's statistics for planning purposes.
The Weather Underground website is at:
http://www.wunderground.com/tripplanner/index.asp
You can ask for temperatures in metric or imperial.
When it comes to Banff, the Weather Underground website goes back seven years.
Another useful feature of the Weather Underground website is that you can get information for an exact date range, say, September 28th - October 3rd.
At the Weather Underground website you can enquire about Banff and Jasper, but not Lake Louise.
Lake Louise is at a higher elevation than Banff and typically a bit cooler than Banff. However, the temperatures are close enough that you can use Banff's statistics for planning purposes.
The Weather Underground website is at:
http://www.wunderground.com/tripplanner/index.asp
You can ask for temperatures in metric or imperial.
