You’ve seen the postcards. Vancouver usually looks like a glowing emerald jewel tucked between the ocean and the mountains, but honestly, if you’re looking at the vancouver 7 day weather right now, you’re probably seeing a lot of gray. Or are you?
People love to call us "Raincouver." It’s basically our brand. But here is the thing: January 2026 is actually pulling a bit of a fast one on us. While the rest of the country is shivering through deep freezes, we are sitting here with temperatures that feel more like a lukewarm cup of tea. It’s weird, but it’s very Vancouver.
The Reality of the Vancouver 7 Day Weather Forecast
Right now, we are in the middle of a surprisingly dry stretch. If you look at the numbers for the week of January 15, we are actually dodging the heavy atmospheric rivers that usually pummel the South Coast this time of year.
Today, Thursday, January 15, we’re seeing a mix of sun and cloud with a high of 9°C. That’s actually a few degrees above our seasonal normal of 6°C. Tonight, it’ll dip to 3°C, and we’ve got some fog patches rolling in. Typical.
Here is what the next few days look like:
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- Friday, Jan 16: Mostly sunny. Highs of 10°C. Honestly, it's perfect "coffee walk" weather.
- Saturday, Jan 17: Still sunny. High of 8°C. The air will be crisp, but you won't need the heavy parka.
- Sunday, Jan 18: Clouds start to creep back. High of 7°C.
- Monday, Jan 19: Mix of sun and cloud, staying steady at 6°C.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Similar vibes. High of 7°C, low of 1°C.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: More clouds, highs around 6°C.
It is a rare "dry" January week. No massive rainstorms in the immediate cards, which is kind of a miracle.
Why the Forecast Always Feels a Little "Off"
You’ve probably noticed that the weather app on your phone says one thing while you’re standing in a completely different reality. That is because Metro Vancouver is a land of microclimates.
If you are in Richmond, it might be clear and windy. Drive twenty minutes north to the North Shore, and the clouds are literally getting "stuck" on the mountains, dumping rain on Lynn Valley while Kitsilano stays dry. Meteorologists like Brian Proctor from Environment Canada have talked about this for years—the mountains act like a giant wall, forcing air upward and creating localized rain that doesn't always show up on a general city forecast.
The La Niña Factor in 2026
We are currently in a weak La Niña year. Usually, that means colder and wetter. But La Niña is a fickle beast. Earlier this winter, scientists were predicting a brutal, snow-filled season. While we’ve seen some of that in the mountains (Cypress and Grouse are doing okay), the city itself has stayed relatively mild this week.
But don't get too comfortable. La Niña often saves its "surprises" for late January and February. We could easily see an Arctic outflow—that's when cold air from the BC interior rushes through the Fraser Valley—turning this pleasant vancouver 7 day weather into a frozen slush-fest within 24 hours.
How to Actually Survive This Week
Since we’re looking at a dry but chilly week, the "Vancouver Layering System" is in full effect. You don't need a Canada Goose parka for 9°C, but you do need to be smart.
- The Shell: Even if the forecast says 0% precipitation, carry a light waterproof shell. The mist here is real.
- The Mid-Layer: A light puffer or a fleece. Something you can unzip the second you step onto the SkyTrain or walk into a coffee shop.
- The Footwear: Skip the canvas sneakers. The ground is damp even when it isn't raining. Blundstones are the unofficial uniform of the city for a reason.
If you’re heading up the mountains for some night skiing, remember that the "feels like" temperature is going to be significantly lower. While it’s 44°F (around 7°C) downtown, it’ll be hovering near freezing at the peak of Mount Seymour.
Actionable Tips for the Week Ahead
- Check Hyperlocal Data: If you’re commuting, don’t just look at the "Vancouver" forecast. Use tools like Weatherhood or the WeatherCAN app to see what’s happening specifically in Coquitlam versus Burnaby.
- Fog Safety: With lows hitting 1°C to 3°C at night, expect thick fog on the Lions Gate Bridge and the Ironworkers Memorial. Give yourself an extra 15 minutes.
- Garden Check: Since we haven't hit a hard freeze this week, some of your more resilient perennials might be okay, but keep an eye on those Tuesday night lows.
The vancouver 7 day weather is looking unusually kind for mid-January. Grab a raincoat just in case—because this is still BC—but maybe leave the heavy boots at the back of the closet for a few more days.