Winter in Vernon, BC: The Real Truth

Everyone thinks the Okanagan is all beaches, wineries, and sunshine. But have you ever wondered what it’s really like to live here in the winter? I'm talking snow, cold, and yes, those infamous Okanagan inversions.

Stick with me because I’m going to give you the unfiltered truth about winters in Vernon, BC, from someone who's lived through more than a few. I’m Lisa Salt with RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler, and if you’re moving from Vancouver, Calgary, or Toronto, this video is a must-watch.

The Weather Reality Check

Vernon’s winters are very different from the rest of Canada. While it’s known as the sunny Okanagan, winters here aren’t tropical either. On average:

• Winter temperatures hover around -5°C.
• Annual snowfall averages 93.3 cm (80–100 cm is common).
• Colder than Kelowna (~2°C warmer in Kelowna, 4°C warmer in Penticton).

Some years have just light snowfalls, other years see heavy dumps — which are totally manageable if you’re prepared with winter tires or high-quality all-seasons. Especially important if you commute to Kelowna or ski at SilverStar Mountain.

The Okanagan Inversion

Locals know this phenomenon well — cold air gets trapped in the valley while sunshine lives just a few hundred metres higher. Picture this:

• Down in the valley: cloudy and grey.
• Up at SilverStar Resort: blue skies and sunshine.

We call it the “January escape plan” — grab your skis, snowboard, or even just a coffee and head up for your daily dose of vitamin D.

The inversion also helps keep temperatures from dropping as low as they would without it. So yes, you’ll get grey days in the valley, but plenty of bright ones are accessible if you know where to go.

Winter Activities in Vernon

• SilverStar Resort: skiing, snowboarding, tubing, skating, and a charming mountain village vibe.
• Snowmobiling in the backcountry.
• Local trails: Predator Ridge, Ellison Park, Polson Park.
• Vernon Winter Carnival: 10 days of festivities — largest in Western Canada, held in early February.
• Vernon Vipers Junior A hockey at Kal Tire Place.
• Slower season: no mosquitoes, no wasps, no wildfires, no tourist crowds, wineries still open.

Winter is cozy, community-driven, and allows you to enjoy the area mainly with locals.

Driving, Cold Snaps, and Snow

Winter driving requires practice. Vernon has hills, so winter tires are essential. Shovelling driveways is part of the deal, unless you make friends with a local plow operator. Cold snaps of -15 or -20°C happen once or twice a year but are generally short-lived, with crisp blue-sky days following.

Embracing Vernon Winters

Winters here can grow on you — cozy, peaceful, and a reminder to appreciate the other seasons. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy:

• Cross-country skiing
• Ice fishing (Swan Lake freezes reliably)
• Winter hiking on trails like Grey Canal Trail

It’s cold, yes, and it snows, but it’s also beautiful, peaceful, and packed with activities if you know where to look.

Before moving on, make sure you like this video and subscribe — we post new videos every week. We also feature real estate content, so whether you’re moving in 9 days or 90 days, be sure to call, text, or email — just add Salt!

Want to see Vernon summers too? Check out our videos: “7 Fun and Different Things to Do in Vernon BC in the Summer” and “7 MORE Fun and Different Things to Do in Vernon BC in the Summer”. Links are below, and we’ll cut to the first one after this video.

Finally, don’t forget to download our free Vernon relocation package at vernonrelocation.com.

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About the Author: The article above, The TRUTH About Winters in Vernon, BC (No One Tells You This!), was provided by Lisa Salt, an authority on Vernon BC and area real estate and a leader in the field of real estate blogging and vlogging.  Lisa and her group have helped literally helped thousands of families buy and sell homes since 1993. 

Looking to buy a home in the Vernon/North Okanagan area?  Check out "Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Home" article. It’s free of charge and will save you a ton of time!

Looking to sell?  We use the latest technology to get our clients’ homes sold quickly and for as much money as possible.

We help people buy and sell real estate in the following Okanagan/Shuswap areas: Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby, Lake Country, Lumby, Westside and Salmon Arm/Shuswap.

Call or Text 250-549-7258 or email webinfo@saltfowler.com