So, you’re looking at the weather forecast vancouver bc and wondering if you actually need to pack that heavy parka or if a light raincoat will do the trick. Honestly? Vancouver in January is a bit of a psychological game. We just came off a weekend where an atmospheric river literally smashed records—Vancouver International Airport (YVR) hit a staggering 13.8°C on January 13th, 2026. That’s not just "mild" for winter; it’s basically spring trying to cut in line.
But don't let those freak warm spikes fool you. While we are currently sitting in a beautiful stretch of sun, the typical "Wet Coast" reality is always lurking just behind the North Shore mountains.
The Current Vibe: Sunny Days and Frosty Nights
Right now, Vancouver is showing off. As of Thursday, January 15, 2026, the city is basking in mostly sunny skies with a current temperature of 45°F (about 7°C). It feels like 42°F thanks to a gentle 7 mph breeze coming off the water. If you’re heading out for a walk along the Seawall today, it’s arguably the best weather we’ve had all month.
Tomorrow, Friday, looks even better. We’re expecting a high of 50°F (10°C). That’s significantly above the seasonal norm of 6°C.
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But here is the catch: the humidity is sitting at 85%. When the sun goes down, that moisture makes the 39°F (4°C) low feel much sharper. It's that damp, "gets-into-your-bones" cold that locals always complain about. You’ve probably noticed the frost on the windshields lately—that’s the trade-off for these clear, blue-sky days.
What the next few days look like:
- Saturday, Jan 17: Sunny and holding steady at a high of 50°F.
- Sunday, Jan 18: Still sunny, peaking at 51°F.
- Monday, Jan 19: The clouds start creeping back in, though it stays dry during the day with a high of 49°F.
Why the Vancouver Weather Forecast is So Unpredictable
Basically, Vancouver is caught between two bullies: the warm, moist air from the Pacific and the cold, dry Arctic air from the interior. Usually, the Pacific wins. That’s why we get rain instead of snow 90% of the time.
However, meteorologist Bobby Sekhon from Environment Canada recently noted that while we’re in a "weak La Niña" year, we aren't seeing the massive Arctic outbreaks we expected. Instead, we’re getting these "Pineapple Express" systems—atmospheric rivers that dump massive amounts of rain and bring weirdly warm temperatures.
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Just two days ago, flood watches were active across the Fraser Valley because of this. Now? We’re looking at a 0% chance of rain for the next four days. It’s enough to give anyone weather whiplash.
The Mid-January Shift: Is Snow Coming?
If you’re hoping for a "Winter Wonderland" in the city, you might be disappointed. The long-term weather forecast vancouver bc shows a cooling trend starting around Tuesday, January 20.
We’re seeing a slight 10% chance of snow mixed with clouds as temperatures dip. By the end of next week, specifically Sunday, January 25, the daytime high drops to 38°F (3°C) with light rain and potentially some flurries overnight.
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Honestly, in Vancouver, "snow" usually means "slush that disappears in two hours." Unless you’re heading up to Grouse Mountain or Cypress, don’t expect to build any snowmen in Stanley Park this week.
Practical Tips for Surviving January in BC
- Layers are everything. You might start your morning in a heavy coat and find yourself sweating in a t-shirt by 2:00 PM if the sun hits.
- Waterproof everything. Even if the forecast says 5% chance of rain, carry a shell. Vancouver rain starts without warning.
- Check the freezing level. If you're driving the Sea-to-Sky highway to Whistler, "sunny" in Vancouver often means "blizzard" once you hit Squamish.
- Vitamin D. We’re getting sun now, but the "Big Grey" usually returns by late January.
The atmospheric river events of earlier this week were a reminder of how quickly things can turn. We saw rainfall totals between 40mm and 150mm across the region in just a few days. While the flood alerts have been rescinded, the ground is still saturated. If the wind picks up toward the end of next week as predicted, keep an eye on those old trees in your neighborhood.
Actionable Insight: Make the most of this "sunshine tax" window through Sunday. It’s the perfect time to clear your gutters or do that outdoor maintenance you’ve been putting off before the wetter, cooler pattern returns on January 21st.