If you’re looking for a tan, you’re in the wrong place. Seriously. Everyone knows Vancouver is wet, but weather in vancouver november is on a whole different level. It’s the rainiest month of the year. No contest.
You’ll hear locals call it "Rain-couver," and in November, the city really earns that badge. It isn’t just a light drizzle, either. We’re talking about atmospheric rivers—massive plumes of moisture that stretch all the way from the tropics, sometimes called the "Pineapple Express." When one of those hits, the sky basically opens up and forgets to close.
But here’s the thing. There’s a weird, cozy magic to it if you know how to handle it.
The Numbers Nobody Tells You
Most weather sites give you a dry average. They’ll say it’s about 9°C (48°F) during the day and maybe 4°C (39°F) at night. That’s technically true. But it doesn’t tell you about the humidity. At 88% relative humidity, that 9 degrees feels way colder. It’s a damp, bone-chilling cold that creeps under your skin.
You’re looking at roughly 20 days of rain throughout the month. That sounds depressing, right? Well, it’s about 200mm (7.9 inches) of total precipitation. Some years, like the historical 2021 floods, smashed those records with over 300mm in just a few days.
- Average High: 9°C
- Average Low: 4°C
- Rainy Days: ~17 to 20
- Sunshine: About 2 to 3 hours a day (if you're lucky)
It’s dark. By the end of November, the sun sets around 4:30 PM. You’ll wake up in the dark and leave work in the dark. It’s a vibe, honestly.
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Atmospheric Rivers: More Than Just a Fancy Name
You might have seen the headlines. Atmospheric rivers are essentially "rivers in the sky." They carry an insane amount of water vapor. When they hit the North Shore mountains, they dump.
I remember the 2021 event. It wasn't just "weather." It was a Category 5 atmospheric river. It cut off the city from the rest of Canada because of landslides. While that’s an extreme case, November usually sees at least one or two of these systems. They bring wind, too. If you’re at English Bay, the wind can gust up to 50 or 60 km/h, turning your umbrella into a useless piece of twisted metal.
Why Locals Don't Use Umbrellas
Walk down Robson Street in November. You’ll notice something. Half the people aren't carrying umbrellas. Why? Because the wind destroys them. Instead, Vancouverites invest in high-end shells.
Think Arc'teryx or Vessi. If your jacket isn't "Gore-Tex" or at least fully seam-sealed, you're going to get soaked. The rain here is persistent. It’s a fine mist that turns into a downpour and then back to a mist. It’s relentless.
Pro tip: Get waterproof shoes. Not "water-resistant." Waterproof. Stepping into a deep puddle at a Granville Street bus stop is a rite of passage you definitely want to skip.
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Is Everything Closed? Kinda the Opposite.
You’d think the city would hibernate. Nope. November is actually when the "indoor" season kicks into high gear. Since you can't go for a dry hike in the Seymour Valley, everyone moves inside.
- The Christmas Markets: The Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza usually opens mid-month. There is nothing like drinking Glühwein (mulled wine) while the rain drums on the roof of a wooden hut.
- Eastside Culture Crawl: This is a huge deal. Hundreds of artists in East Vancouver open their studios to the public. It’s the perfect way to spend a rainy Saturday.
- The Dome: If you want to escape the clouds, go to the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. They’ve got a 360-degree immersive theatre that makes you forget the gray sky outside.
- Canyon Lights: Capilano Suspension Bridge starts its light display in late November. The rain actually makes the lights look better—it reflects off the wet needles of the Douglas firs.
The "Grey" Mental Health Check
Let’s be real: the lack of Vitamin D is a thing. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) isn't a myth here. If you’re visiting or just moved here, the "Big Grey" can be tough.
But there’s a silver lining. The mountains.
While it’s raining in the city, it’s often snowing on Cypress, Grouse, and Mt. Seymour. November is usually the month the ski hills start blowing snow or get their first big dump. If you can't beat the moisture, go up 1,200 meters and slide on it.
What to Actually Pack
Don't bring a heavy wool coat. You'll just end up with a heavy, wet, smelly wool coat.
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Layers are the only way to survive. Start with a merino wool base layer—it stays warm even if it gets a bit damp. Add a fleece or a "puffy" mid-layer. Top it with a waterproof shell. This setup allows you to peel off layers when you enter a heated coffee shop or the SkyTrain.
Wait, does it ever snow?
Rarely. Maybe once every few years you'll get a "slop-fest" where it snows for two hours, turns to slush, and paralyzes the entire city's traffic. But usually, November is too warm for the white stuff to stick at sea level.
Actionable Tips for November
If you find yourself in the city during the wet season, don't stay in your hotel room.
- Go to a Museum: The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at UBC is world-class and entirely indoors.
- Eat Ramen: Vancouver has some of the best ramen in North America. There is a high concentration of spots in the West End (Robson and Denman). It’s the ultimate rainy-day food.
- Chase Waterfalls: Head to Cleveland Dam in North Vancouver. The rain makes the Capilano River roar, and the mist coming off the falls is spectacular.
- Check the Forecast: Use the "Weather Can" app or "Windy." Standard apps often miss the nuances of how the mountains trap the clouds.
November in Vancouver is an acquired taste. It’s moody, it’s dark, and it’s very, very wet. But there’s a quiet beauty in the mist hanging over the Burrard Inlet and the way the city lights glow on the wet pavement. Just remember: there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear.
Invest in a good rain jacket, find a cozy cafe in Gastown, and embrace the damp. You might find you actually like it.
To prepare for your trip, start by checking the local mountain webcams to see the transition from rain to snow, and book your indoor tickets for the Eastside Culture Crawl or the Christmas Market in advance to avoid waiting in a rainy queue.