OUR CLIMATE
T
he Cowichan region is
located in Canada's only Maritime Mediterranean climatic zone,
resulting in the warmest mean year round temperature anywhere in
Canada.
Originally named The Warm Land by the First Nations peoples, the
Cowichan offers one of Canada's finest climates. A truly
unique combination of warmth and moisture throughout the year
has resulted in lush plant growth and spectacular vistas. This
environment became a desirable location for early farmers. Today
the Cowichan, due mainly to its climate, continues to attract
tourists, residents and business.
- Mean Annual
Temperature 10.6c (51F)
- Average July
Temperature 18.3c (65F)
- Average January
Temperature 2.7c (37F)
- Total Precipitation
100 cm (39.4 inches)
- Average July
Precipitation 2.4 cm 1 (inch)
- Total frost free
days 155
- Average annual
sunshine 2,000 hrs.
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The eastern portion
of the Cowichan experiences a transitional climate, somewhere
between cool Mediterranean and Maritime. It is characterized by
warm, bright summers and mild winters. The mean annual
temperature and precipitation varies to some extent within the
region, depending on the location's elevation and proximity to
salt water. Snow fall is infrequent at ocean level, although a
winter snow experience
increases with elevation. The dominant winds are from the
south-east, however their influence has been moderated due to
the protection of the Gulf Islands.
Duncan has a July mean maximum of 25.2 degrees centigrade (77.4
F) and a July mean minimum of 11.6 degrees centigrade (52.9 F),
whereas Cowichan Bay has a July mean maximum of 22.2 degrees
centigrade (72.2 F) and a July mean minimum of 12.5 degrees
centigrade (54.3F) which demonstrates the moderating effect of
the Strait of Georgia. The January mean temperatures are also
moderated.
Much of the eastern coast is located in the rain shadow of the
Insular Mountains. However, precipitation (with the most falling
between October and March) varies: from 86.3 cm. (34.52 in.) in
Mill Bay to 96.1 cm. (37.85 in.) in Cowichan Bay, 109.2 cm.
(41.04 in.) in Duncan, 117.6 cm.(46.28 in.) in Chemainus and
102.9 cm.(40.51 in.) in Crofton.
Near Cowichan Lake, there is a significant change in climate as
it moves into a Maritime climatic zone. Precipitation increases
to 212 cm. (83.5 in.) and the snowfall is 180 cm. (70.8 in)
compared to 75 cm. (29.5 in) in Duncan, or 57 cm. (22.3 in.) in
Cowichan Bay. The mean temperatures are similar in the summer
but are 1 degree centigrade (2 F) cooler in the winter.
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