Kinda weird, right? You wake up in the middle of January, expecting the usual grey Vancouver "soup," and instead, you’re greeted by actual, blinding sunlight. It’s Friday, January 16, 2026, and the city is basically pulling a fast one on us.
While most of Canada is currently wrestling with snow shovels and freezing wind chills, weather today in Vancouver Canada is looking remarkably clear. Honestly, it’s the kind of day that makes the real estate prices feel almost worth it. Almost.
The numbers you actually care about
Let's talk brass tacks. The high today is hitting 46°F (around 8°C), which feels pretty lush for this time of year. Last night was clear, and it’s staying that way.
Currently, it’s about 43°F, but with a 6 mph breeze coming off the northwest, it "feels like" 39°F. Still, you’ve probably seen people out in Stanley Park wearing shorts. They’re overdoing it, but I get the enthusiasm. The humidity is sitting at 68%, so it’s crisp but not that damp, bone-chilling cold we usually get when the rain sets in.
✨ Don't miss: Green Emerald Day Massage: Why Your Body Actually Needs This Specific Therapy
UV index? Non-existent. It’s a 0. You won't get a tan, but you might actually get some Vitamin D, which has been in short supply lately.
Why this "nice" weather is actually a mess for the mountains
Here is the thing nobody mentions when they’re praising the sunshine: the local ski hills are hurting. Badly.
If you were planning on hitting Cypress or Grouse, you might want to check the webcams first. This unseasonably warm streak has been a disaster for the snowpack. While we’re enjoying 9°C afternoons in the city, the South Coast mountains are seeing mud patches and rock peeking through.
🔗 Read more: The Recipe Marble Pound Cake Secrets Professional Bakers Don't Usually Share
Earlier today, reports came in that some B.C. ski resorts—specifically over on the Island and parts of the Southern Interior—have had to pause operations. When the weather today in Vancouver Canada stays this mild, the freezing level shoots up past the peaks. Instead of fresh powder, the hills are getting "mashed potato" snow or, worse, just plain rain at higher elevations.
What to expect if you're heading out
The visibility was a bit of a nightmare earlier this morning. A yellow advisory for dense fog was hanging over the Lower Mainland, making the morning commute feel like a scene from a horror movie. That has mostly burned off now, leaving behind those clear skies.
If you're out and about, here’s the vibe:
💡 You might also like: Why the Man Black Hair Blue Eyes Combo is So Rare (and the Genetics Behind It)
- The Seawall: Perfect. Light winds at 6 mph won't blow your hat off.
- The Gear: Layers are your best friend. 46°F is warm when you’re walking in the sun, but the moment you hit the shade of a building downtown, it feels like 4°C again.
- The Catch: Don't get used to it. The long-term models are already hinting that this "dry and clear" pattern is a bit of an outlier.
The bigger picture for 2026
We’ve had a weird winter. Back in December, we were smashing records—hitting 15.7°C at YVR when the previous high was only 13°C. This January hasn't been quite that wild, but we’re still hovering about 2 degrees above the historical average.
The lack of rain is the real shocker. Typically, Vancouver sees about 19 days of rain in January. We’re currently in a "cooler, drier" shift, but "cooler" in Vancouver still means well above freezing for most of the day.
Actionable takeaways for your Friday
If you’re lucky enough to be in the city today, stop reading this and go outside. Seriously.
- Skip the mountains for today: Unless you like skiing on slush and rocks, wait for a cold front to bring the snow levels back down.
- Hit the Robson Square ice rink: It’s open, and with the clear skies, it’s the quintessential winter-in-the-city experience without the frostbite.
- Check your tire pressure: These temperature swings from chilly nights (41°F) to sunny afternoons can actually mess with your TPMS sensors.
- Prep for the "Gray" return: Enjoy the 0% chance of rain while it lasts, because the West Coast always collects its dues eventually.
The weather today in Vancouver Canada is a gift, even if it's a slightly concerning one for our climate-change-weary ski industry. Grab a coffee, hit the seawall, and soak up the 46-degree glory.