Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, sits on the Atlantic coast of eastern Canada, on a large natural harbour on a peninsula exposed to the open ocean, at approximately 44.65°N, 63.57°W. Its maritime position gives it a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb) strongly moderated by the Atlantic — with milder winters and cooler summers than inland Canada — along with frequent fog, changeable weather and abundant precipitation year-round.

Summer, from June to August, is mild and pleasant rather than hot, with July and August the warmest months — average highs around 23–24°C — kept cool and sometimes foggy by the cold offshore waters. Warm, humid spells occur but rarely last, and sea fog is common, especially in early summer. It is among the sunnier, most agreeable times of year, though showers can arrive at any time.

Winter, from December to February, is cold, snowy and stormy but milder than inland Canada, with January and February the coldest — average highs around -1°C and lows near -8 to -10°C. The Atlantic brings frequent storms, including powerful nor'easters that can dump heavy snow, rain or a wintry mix, and rapid swings between freezing and thawing are common as ocean and continental air compete.

Halifax is wet, receiving on the order of 1,400–1,500 mm of precipitation a year, fairly evenly distributed through every month with a slight autumn and winter emphasis; a substantial share of the cold-season total falls as snow, often mixed with rain. Coastal storms can bring heavy falls in a short time. Live rainfall, humidity, and pressure readings for the city are shown in the panels above.

Halifax's weather is dominated by the Atlantic: the ocean moderates its temperatures, feeds frequent fog — especially in spring and early summer — and drives the storms, including the nor'easters and the occasional remnants of hurricanes tracking up the coast, that give the city its changeable, stormy character. Hurricane Juan struck the city directly in 2003, a reminder of its exposure to Atlantic storms.

To follow any single measurement in Halifax more closely, use our live instruments: the online barometer for atmospheric pressure, the thermometer for temperature, the hygrometer for humidity, the anemometer for wind speed, the wind vane for wind direction, and the rain gauge for rainfall.