Manitoba has four different seasons – spring, summer, fall and winter. The temperatures can be very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter.

You must plan your activities and your clothing around the temperatures so that you and your family remain safe and healthy.

Before going out check the weather conditions on the radio, TV or computer. For seasonal and daily forecasts visit the Environment Canada Weather Office.

When you hear or read a weather report take note of the temperature, wind speed and in summer the ultraviolet (UV) index and in winter the windchill factor (a combined measure of air temperature and wind).

Winter

Winter is cold with lots of snow but Manitobans enjoy this time of year by participating in outdoor activities such as ice skating and skiing. You must dress warmly; extreme cold and wind are dangerous. If you are not used to the cold remember that in Manitoba all buildings, houses and apartments are heated.

About Manitoba winters

• from mid November to mid March
• the coldest time of the year
• Remember that even with the sunshine, it is not warm outside.
• Average nighttime temperatures range from -25˚C to -21˚C
• Daylight hours are about seven hours, beginning December 21.
• Average daytime temperatures range from -15˚C in December to -20˚C.
• Strong winds can make winter temperatures much colder than the actual temperature – windchill is the combined total of temperature and wind.
• Ice, snow and freezing rain make walking and driving dangerous.
• Children need to be monitored when they are outside to ensure they do not get cold.
• Extreme cold and wind chill can be dangerous.

Winter clothing

• Layering is warmer (ex: wearing shirts, sweaters and winter jackets at the same time).
• Head, hands and feet should be covered to protect from frostbite and freezing.
• Outer clothing should be tightly woven and close completely from top to bottom; sleeves should cover wrists.
• Hoods, hats or toques should cover the head.
• Children’s faces should be covered with thick scarves or balaclava toques.
• Mitts or heavy gloves should be worn.
• Winter boots should have a warm lining and flat soles that will not slip on the ice.

More: How to have a safe, happy winter (PDF 20kb)

Spring

• from March to the middle of May
• can have both cool and warm weather
• daylight hours increase from 12 to 15 hours
• average daytime temperatures range from 1˚C in early spring to 18˚C in late spring
• blowing dust and pollen can affect people with breathing problems

Spring clothing

• Spring can have more rain so use waterproof footwear, an umbrella and a jacket with a hood.
• Evenings can be cooler so take along a sweater or jacket
• Winter clothes, which can be expensive, go on sale at reduced prices at this time of year, so spring is a good time to buy them

Summer

• from late May to late August
• This is the hottest and most humid time of the year.
• Average daytime temperature is 25˚C.
• Average nighttime temperature is 12˚C.
• Daylight hours are 16.5 hours beginning June 21.
• Do not stay in the sun and heat for too long, sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 to 45 to avoid sunburn.
• There may be storm warnings such as high winds, thunderstorms and tornadoes.

Summer clothing

• Loose fitting clothing is best in light colours
• Wear a hat if you are going to be in the sun for a long time – especially young children and seniors.
• Wear a shirt with long sleeves and full length pants to protect against the sun and against insects, especially mosquitoes.
• Wear a bathing suit at the beach.

Fall (also called autumn)

• from early September to early November
• daylight hours from 13 to 8.5 hours; gets dark earlier
• Average daytime temperatures range from 22˚C in early autumn to 2˚C in late autumn.
• Average nighttime temperatures range form 9˚C in early autumn to 6˚C in late autumn.
• Cooler temperatures cause overnight frost that can be seen on the ground in early morning.
• Leaves on the trees change colour and fall to the ground

Fall clothing

• Fall can have both cool and warm weather so be prepared for weather changes.
• Wear heavier, warmer clothing such as sweaters, jackets or coats, especially in the evening