A Local’s Guide to Surviving (and Loving) St. John’s Weather

St. John’s weather is a character all on its own. It’s moody, unpredictable, and sometimes downright ridiculous, but if you can learn to roll with it, you just might fall in love with this city even more. 

It's a well known fact that the people here love to talk about the weather. If you strike up a conversation with a local, chances are good that within the first few minutes, someone will mention the wind, the rain, or the fact that summer just isn’t what it used to be. And if you happen to visit on a hot day? Get ready to talk about it all day long! Visitors often notice how obsessed we are with it, but when the forecast can change on a dime, it’s always relevant.

From St. John's legendary fog to powerful winds, here’s how to embrace and enjoy the city's unpredictable weather instead of just enduring it.

A foggy St. John's with a rainbow

Expect All Four Seasons in a Day

The only thing consistent about St. John’s weather is its inconsistency. You can wake up to sunshine, step outside into a downpour, get caught in a flurry of snow, and then find yourself basking in a warm breeze by supper time. Layers are your best friend - think t-shirts under sweaters under waterproof jackets.

And always, always check the weather before you leave the house… then assume it’s wrong and prepare for everything anyway.

RDF: The Holy Trinity of St. John’s Weather

Rain. Drizzle. Fog. These three are a way of life here, and they’ve got a special place in our hearts (whether we like it or not). Some days, the fog rolls in so thick you can barely see the house across the street. The rain? It doesn’t just fall straight down - it whips sideways and somehow manages to soak you even if you’re under an umbrella (you’ll rarely see a local with an umbrella - we know better.)

How to Deal:

  • Waterproof everything. A solid rain jacket (not just water-resistant!) is a must. And it HAS to have a hood, because, as mentioned, umbrellas don’t stand a chance in our wind.

  • Invest in good footwear. Waterproof shoes will save your socks and your sanity.

  • Embrace it. There’s something oddly magical about a foggy evening in St. John’s - especially when the streetlights glow through the mist like something out of a storybook.

Wind That’ll Knock You Off Your Feet

If you think you’ve experienced wind before, St. John’s will set you straight. When the gusts pick up, it’s not unusual to see people walking at a 45-degree angle, clutching onto their things for dear life.

Wind Survival Tips:

  • Tie down anything you don’t want to lose. Garbage bins, patio furniture, and even barbecue lids have been known to go airborne.

  • Hold onto your car doors. A strong gust can rip one right out of your hand—or worse, slam it into the car next to you.

  • Skip the umbrella. It’ll be inside-out before you even leave the driveway.

Why Is the Weather Like This?

The wild weather in St. John’s comes down to geography. The city sits right where the cold Labrador Current meets the warm Gulf Stream, creating a perfect storm (literally) for unpredictable conditions. The Atlantic Ocean plays a huge role in shaping the climate - cooling things down in summer, warming things up in winter, and keeping us socked in with fog more often than not.

It also means that storms roll in fast. If you see a clear sky, don’t trust it - there might be a downpour in 20 minutes.

Winter: The Long Haul


The Battery, St. John's Harbour, blanketed in snow

Winter in St. John’s isn’t just about snow - it’s about all the weather. One day, we’ll get a fresh snowfall that makes the city look like a postcard, and the next, it’ll be 10 degrees and pouring rain, melting everything into a slushy mess. Then there are the freeze-thaw cycles that turn sidewalks into ice rinks overnight.

Winter Survival Guide:

  • Ice cleats are a game-changer. Some wear them like a badge of honour when sidewalks turn treacherous.

  • Stock up on salt and sand. You’ll need it for your steps, driveway, and anywhere you value your dignity.

  • Enjoy the beauty of it. The snow-covered Battery, Signal Hill dusted in white, and frozen Quidi Vidi Lake make for some stunning winter scenes.

Summer: Short but Sweet

Summer in St. John’s is fleeting, but when it’s good, it’s really good. Long daylight hours, warm (but rarely hot) temperatures, and those rare blue-sky days make every moment feel like gold. But don’t pack away the sweaters just yet - there’s always a rogue chilly day lurking around the corner.

How to Make the Most of It:

  • Head outside whenever the sun appears. St. John’s summer is unpredictable, so take advantage of good weather when it comes. You've got to be ready at a moments notice!

  • Pack for cool evenings. Even in July, a warm sweater or light jacket is a must.

  • Watch for icebergs. Peak season is late spring to early summer, and there’s nothing like spotting a massive chunk of ancient ice floating past Cape Spear.

Cozy Escapes for When the Weather Won’t Cooperate

Some days, the best way to deal with St. John’s weather is to duck inside somewhere warm and cozy and just wait it out. Luckily, this city has plenty of spots to ride out the rain and fog.

  • The Battery Café - A perfect nook to warm up with a coffee while you wait to venture up Signal Hill.

  • The Rooms - Dive into Newfoundland history and culture while staying dry.

  • O’Reilly’s Pub - Settle in with live music and a pint to make even the stormiest night feel like a party.

  • Rocket Bakery - Grab a warm drink and a pastry, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

St. John’s weather might keep you on your toes, but that’s part of its charm. Instead of fighting it, lean in - bundle up, embrace the fog, and let the wind push you where you need to go. There’s a certain magic in a city where the weather has a personality of its own, and once you get used to it, you just might find yourself missing it when you leave.

Well… maybe not the sideways rain. But the rest? That’s just part of life in the City of Legends.


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