Find out the best time to make the most of your visit Banff, no matter your budget or itinerary.
From nature lovers to adrenaline junkies looking to conquer the ski slopes, Banff is a treat for everyone. With three ski resorts and plenty of wildlife sightings all year round, the best time to go is highly dependent on what you want to see or do.
The best time to visit Banff
The best time to visit Banff is in September, when you can avoid the crowds and the high prices but still enjoy fantastic weather.
If skiing is your activity of choice, December-April is the snow season, though travelling earlier or later during this season will save you a pretty penny.
Travellers on a budget can mosey their way on in during the shoulder seasons of September-November and May-June.
And if you're after warm weather and long daylight hours, make your trip between July and August.
Overview
Banff is a year-round destination, but there are four distinct seasons to make it easier to decide when the best time for you to visit is.
Winter: This falls between November and May and is when the ski resorts are open. If you're not a skier, this is also the time when the lakes are frozen enough to skate on.
Summer: Like with the rest of the country, this is June to August is the busiest and most expensive time to travel to Banff. In return, you get to enjoy crisp weather and up to 16 hours of daylight.
Spring and autumn: These seasons fall between May and June and September and October respectively. We recommend visiting in September when the school year begins and the weather is still enjoyable for outdoor activities.
Horse back riding adventure
Viator
Best of Banff National Park tour
Viator
Banff City tour
Viator
The best time to visit Banff for...
- Camping: Camping is a summer activity and most campgrounds get booked up quickly once they open, which is around the third weekend of May. Plan ahead for the best deals.
- Wildlife: You can spot wildlife all year round but we recommend coming in late May and early June for the elk, deer and sheep calving seasons.
- Skiing: Ski season starts from mid-November until the end of May. We recommend hitting the slopes in March, as you get more daylight hours and the best snow conditions.
- Northern Lights: Your best bet to catch the elusive Northern Lights is during the dark, clear nights between February and April. Just head away from the city and be patient.
- Hiking: July to September is perfect for hiking as this is when the trails are free of snow and mud. The weather is pleasant and there are fewer mosquitoes.
- Ice skating: Outdoor ice skating on lakes is possible from November or the beginning of December when the lakes are frozen but the weather is clear of snowfall.
Banff travel deals
Agoda
Up to 75% off worldwide hotels + extra 5% off with code
Valid for travel from 18 June 2019 - 30 June 2020. Destinations include New York, Los Angeles, Bali, Singapore, Phuket, Hong Kong, London, Paris and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Contiki
Up to 25% off last-minute tours worldwide
Book a range of last-minute Contiki tours, from week-long jaunts to month-long journeys, to destinations including Italy, France, Germany, Iceland, Greece, Vietnam, Thailand, USA, Canada and more.
Last verified
Trafalgar Tours
Up to 15% off worldwide tours
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include Copenhagen, Oslo, Geiranger Paris, Rouen, Honfleur, Normandy, Loire Valley, Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, Taormina, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Ludlow, Stonehenge and more. T&C's apply.
Last verified
Kayak
Up to 35% off flights worldwide
Subscribe to Kayak newsletter and receive personalised private deals of up to 35% off. Destinations include Europe, Asia, America, Australia and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Otel.com
Extra 8% off hotel bookings
Valid on hotel stays worldwide on all dates, including over holidays like Easter, Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Last verified
Columbus Direct
Get 5% off your next travel insurance policy
Use our exclusive code to get 5% off any Columbus Direct travel insurance policy, domestic or worldwide. Destinations would include Thailand, Bali, Fiji, USA, UK, Italy, France, Japan and more.
Last verified
Wotif
Up to 40% off hotels worldwide
Valid for bookings in October 2019. Offers valid at participating hotels only and are subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
G Adventures
Up to 30% off worldwide tours
Valid for travel on select 2019-2020 dates. Destinations include Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Nexus Holidays
Up to $1,000 off 16-day Canada and Alaska cruises
Valid for travel on select dates in 2020. Destinations include Banff National Park, Blue River Safari, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Canyon USA, and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Uniworld
Up to 10% off worldwide cruises
Valid for travel on select dates in 2020. Destinations include Europe, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Egypt, Asia and India. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Trafalgar Tours
Up to 10% off USA and Canada 2020 tours
Valid for travel on select tours in 2020. Destinations include Vancouver, British Columbia, Alberta, Banff, Alaska, Calgary, Jasper, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, San Francisco, Washington and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Oaks Hotels & Resorts
Group package: up to 15% off stays on hotels and resorts
Valid for select 2019 travel dates for bookings of 10 or more people in select Oaks hotels & resorts worldwide. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
EasyRentCars.com
Up to 50% off car hires worldwide
Subscribe to EasyRentCars.com newsletter for up to 50% off secret deals. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Rentalcars.com
Compare over 800 car hire companies worldwide
Rentalcars.com can help you compare major car hire company rates for the best price. Companies it compares include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Thrifty, Alamo, Dollar and Budget.
Last verified
Go Airport Shuttle
5% off airport transfers and car hire
Valid on select dates and locations worldwide. Destinations include USA, Canada, Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, Sydney, and the Czech Republic. T&C's apply.
Last verified
