If you’re moving to the Lower Mainland or just planning a weekend trek, you’ve probably heard the rumors. People talk about the weather in Surrey BC like it’s one giant, gray cloud that follows you from the Port Mann Bridge all the way to White Rock. Honestly? It's kinda dramatic. Yes, it rains. A lot. But if you’re expecting a 365-day monsoon, you’re going to be surprised by how much the sun actually shows up here.
Surrey is massive. It’s a sprawl of distinct neighborhoods—from the breezy coastal vibes of South Surrey to the hillier, slightly cooler pockets of Fleetwood and Fraser Heights. Because of this geography, the "Surrey weather" someone experiences in Cloverdale might be totally different from what’s happening at Crescent Beach.
The Reality of Rainfall in the City of Parks
Let’s get the wet stuff out of the way first. You’ve probably seen the stats: Surrey gets roughly 1,400mm of precipitation annually. That sounds like a terrifying amount of water. But here’s the thing—it isn’t evenly spread out.
Most of that water dumps on us between November and March. November is, without a doubt, the soggiest month of the year. We're talking an average of 223mm of rain just in those thirty days. It’s the kind of rain that doesn't just fall; it lingers. It’s a mist. It’s a drizzle. It’s a "guess I’m wearing Gore-Tex today" kind of vibe.
But then comes July.
July in Surrey is basically a different planet. While the rest of Canada might be battling humidity that feels like a wet wool blanket, Surrey stays crisp and dry. In fact, July and August usually see less than 50mm of rain total. It’s rare to see a drop for weeks at a time. This is when the grass turns that signature "West Coast golden" (which is just a polite way of saying it’s dead and dormant) because it simply doesn't rain enough to keep it green.
💡 You might also like: Finding Obituaries in Kalamazoo MI: Where to Look When the News Moves Online
Why the "Rainy" Label is a Bit of a Lie
You'll hear locals complain about the rain, but compared to North Vancouver or even parts of Coquitlam, Surrey is actually on the "drier" side of the Metro Vancouver basin. Why? It's the rain shadow effect. The North Shore mountains catch most of the moisture coming off the Pacific. By the time those clouds drift south over the Fraser River into Surrey, they’ve already dumped their heaviest loads.
Snow in Surrey: The Annual Panic
Snow is a weird subject here. On average, the city only gets about 38cm of snow a year. That’s nothing compared to Toronto or Montreal.
But when it happens? Complete. Chaos.
Because Surrey’s winter temperatures hover right around the 0°C to 3°C mark, our snow is rarely the fluffy, powdery stuff you see in postcards. It’s heavy, wet, and slushy. It’s "heart attack snow." And because we have so many hills—looking at you, Newton and North Surrey—a two-centimeter dusting can turn King George Boulevard into a skating rink.
- January: Usually the coldest, with lows hitting around 1°C.
- The "Surrey Slush": Most snow melts within 48 hours because of the salt air and rising daytime temps.
- Outliers: Every few years, we get an Arctic Outflow. This is when cold air from the interior pushes through the Fraser Valley, and suddenly it’s -10°C and the wind is trying to take your face off.
Summer Heat and the Coastal Breeze
If you’re looking for the best time to experience the weather in Surrey BC, it’s the window between late June and early September.
📖 Related: Finding MAC Cool Toned Lipsticks That Don’t Turn Orange on You
Daytime highs usually sit comfortably around 23°C to 25°C. It’s perfect. It’s "patio at Central City" weather. However, we have been seeing more frequent "Heat Domes" lately. In 2021, and again in smaller bursts in 2024 and 2025, temperatures have spiked into the high 30s.
This is where the geography of the city really matters. If you’re in South Surrey or White Rock, you get that beautiful, natural air conditioning off the Semiahmoo Bay. It can be five degrees cooler by the water than it is in the concrete jungle of City Parkway.
The Humidity Factor
One thing people get wrong is the humidity. We have a "temperate maritime climate." This means our air is moist, but it doesn't usually feel "sticky" like it does in Southern Ontario.
In the winter, that moisture makes the cold feel deeper. A 2°C day in Surrey feels way more biting than a -5°C day in Calgary because the dampness seeps into your bones. In the summer, though, the humidity stays low enough that the heat is actually enjoyable. You can actually breathe.
A Month-by-Month Vibes Check
- January & February: Grey. So grey. You’ll forget what the sun looks like. It’s damp, but rarely freezing. Perfect for puddle jumping at Bear Creek Park.
- March & April: The great "maybe." You might get a tan on Tuesday and see hail on Wednesday. This is when the cherry blossoms start popping, usually around the end of March.
- May & June: "June Gloom" is a real thing. The mornings start cloudy and "meh," but usually clear up by 2:00 PM.
- July & August: The peak. Blue skies for days. If you're visiting, this is when you want to be here.
- September: Honestly, the hidden gem. The crowds thin out, the air gets crisp, but the "Big Rain" hasn't started yet.
- October: The transition. The leaves turn beautiful shades in Green Timbers, but keep an umbrella in your car. You’ll need it.
- November & December: The atmospheric rivers arrive. Heavy rain, short days, and a lot of "let's just stay inside and order Indian food."
Practical Advice for Navigating Surrey's Climate
If you’re living here, stop buying cheap umbrellas. The wind will just turn them inside out on the corner of 104th and 152nd. Invest in a proper shell jacket with a hood.
👉 See also: Finding Another Word for Calamity: Why Precision Matters When Everything Goes Wrong
Also, watch the "Air Quality" index in the summer. Because Surrey sits in a bit of a bowl in the Fraser Valley, smoke from wildfires in the BC Interior or Washington State can sometimes settle here. It doesn’t happen every year, but when it does, it can get hazy for a week or two in August.
Your Surrey Weather Survival Kit
Don't overthink it, but do be prepared. You need layers. You'll start the day in a hoodie, switch to a t-shirt by noon, and be looking for that hoodie again by 6:00 PM when the ocean breeze kicks in.
- Waterproof Footwear: Not just for the rain, but for the soggy grass that stays wet until noon.
- Winter Tires: Even if you think you don't need them because "it doesn't snow here," you do. The hills and the black ice don't care about your confidence.
- Sunscreen: The UV index hits 7 or 8 easily in July, and that cool breeze will trick you into thinking you aren't burning. You are.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that Surrey is just a "rainier Vancouver." It's actually slightly warmer in the summer and can be slightly cooler in the winter due to its distance from the moderating effect of the open ocean compared to the West End.
We also get significantly more "sun hours" than the mountainous regions of the North Shore. If you're choosing where to live based on light, Surrey is a much better bet than the shadows of the mountains.
Next Steps for You:
If you're planning a move or a visit, check the current "Fraser Valley" forecast specifically, rather than just "Vancouver." To get the most accurate local data, look for the Environment Canada station at Surrey East or White Rock, as the "Vancouver International Airport" (YVR) stats are often way off from what's actually happening on the ground here in Surrey. If you're heading out today, grab a light waterproof layer—even if the sky looks blue, the Pacific has a way of changing its mind by lunch.