You’ve heard the stories. People talk about the weather of Prince George like it’s some frozen wasteland where the sun forgets to shine for six months. Honestly? That’s mostly just a tall tale from folks who haven't actually stood at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako rivers on a crisp July afternoon.
It's a city of wild swings.
One day you're scraping thick frost off your windshield in -13°F temperatures—which is exactly where the mercury is hovering tonight—and the next, you’re looking at a summer high that cracks 85°F. It’s that continental climate. Basically, it means the mountains to the west do a decent job of blocking the mild Pacific air, leaving Prince George to deal with the raw, unfiltered moods of the Canadian interior.
The Reality of the Weather of Prince George
Right now, if you stepped outside, you’d feel a 16°F chill with a humidity level sitting at 91%. That’s a damp cold. It sticks to your coat. The wind is barely a whisper from the west at 1 mph, but in this part of British Columbia, you don't need a gale to feel the bite. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, we’re looking at a high of 27°F. It’s "partly sunny," which in local speak means "enjoy the light while it lasts because the clouds are coming back for a slumber party tonight."
Winter here is long. It’s not just the cold; it’s the persistence.
Environment Canada and local sensors show a pattern of "cloudy with a chance of snow" that feels like a broken record. For the next week, the highs are trending downward: 23°F tomorrow, dropping to a staggering 5°F by Friday. If you’re planning a visit, you better have more than just a light puffer jacket. You need layers. You need the kind of boots that look like they could survive a moon landing.
Why the Forecast Changes So Fast
The geography is the real culprit. Prince George sits on a plateau. Because it’s north-central, it’s a prime target for arctic high-pressure systems. When those "polar surprises" move in, the temperature can plummet 20 degrees in a few hours.
But here is the thing: it’s not all doom and gloom.
The summer season, roughly from late May to early September, is actually beautiful. We’re talking 70s and low 80s. July is the superstar month, usually the warmest. It’s perfect for hiking the Ancient Forest or hitting the local golf courses. You’ve got long daylight hours—the sun doesn't really quit until late—giving you plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors before the "mostly cloudy" autumn transitions back into the deep freeze.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
If you're checking the weather of Prince George for travel or work this week, pay attention to the humidity and the wind chill. While the wind speed is low (2-3 mph), the high humidity makes the 18°F forecast for Tuesday feel a lot more like zero.
- Saturday (Today): High 27°F, Low 13°F. Mostly cloudy tonight.
- Sunday: High 23°F. Expect gray skies all day.
- Mid-week: The temperatures start a slow slide. By Thursday, we might see snow showers with a 35% chance of accumulation.
- Next Weekend: Brace yourself. Friday and Saturday are looking at highs of 5°F and 3°F respectively. Overnight lows? We're talking -13°F or -14°F.
Honestly, the locals are used to it. Life doesn't stop. The city is built for this. The snowplows are world-class, and the coffee shops are always warm. But for a visitor, the weather of Prince George can be a shock if you’re coming from the coast.
Survival Tips for the Northern Interior
Don't be that person who arrives in January with sneakers. Just don't.
First, watch the "UV Index." It’s 0 right now, but when the sun hits the snow on a clear day, the reflection can still catch you off guard. Second, check your tires. If you aren't running winter-rated rubber, the hills in this city will turn into ice rinks very quickly.
The weather of Prince George is a challenge, sure, but it's also what gives the region its character. It’s why the trees are so hardy and why the people here are some of the toughest you'll ever meet. You just have to respect the forecast.
👉 See also: Dormir dans un ice hotel en Suède : ce que personne ne vous dit sur le froid réel
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the barometric pressure. When it starts to drop rapidly, that's your cue that the "mostly cloudy" sky is about to dump a fresh layer of white powder on everything you own. Plan your drives for the morning when visibility is generally better, and always keep an emergency kit in your trunk. It sounds dramatic, but in the north, it’s just common sense.