Metro Vancouver Weather: Will La Niña Bring a Colder, Snowier Winter?
This winter may be promising for skiers and snowboarders in Metro Vancouver. The region’s long-term forecast suggests that La Niña will shape the weather pattern, bringing colder air and more moisture than usual.
What La Niña Means
La Niña is a climate phenomenon that forms when parts of the central Pacific Ocean cool by about half a degree Celsius (0.9°F) compared to normal temperatures. This cooling tends to generate increased precipitation and below-average temperatures across the Lower Mainland.
Opposite to this is El Niño, which typically results in drier and slightly milder weather conditions.
Forecast and Scientific Outlook
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Centre reports that sea surface temperatures are “mostly below average” across the Pacific Ocean and that La Niña conditions are currently present.
According to the agency, these conditions are expected to continue through December 2025 and into February 2026, gradually returning to neutral between January and March 2026.
Regional Impacts
Local ski hills usually benefit from La Niña years, enjoying deep, fresh snowfall that creates excellent skiing conditions. The cooler and wetter climate tends to produce what enthusiasts call "champagne powder" on the slopes.
Environment Canada's Outlook
“November’s forecast looks fairly average, with perhaps slightly above-average rainfall. This is generally good news for the region, to build the groundwater,” said Environment Canada meteorologist Brian Proctor in an interview with V.I.A.
The month of November began with a mix of storm systems, short sunny breaks, and near-normal temperatures across the area.
Author’s Summary
La Niña’s influence is expected to bring Metro Vancouver a wetter and colder winter, favoring local ski resorts and improving regional groundwater levels.