Honestly, if you’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest for more than a week, you know the drill. You wake up, look out the window at a wall of grey, and wonder if the sun is actually a myth invented by tourism boards. But today is different. The vancouver weather forecast today is actually serving up something we don't see often in mid-January: a break from the relentless soaking.
Most people assume "winter in Vancouver" just means a four-month shower. Not today.
📖 Related: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly: Why This Bizarre Rhyme Still Sticks
We are looking at a high of 47°F and a low that stays right at 39°F. It’s crisp. It’s clear. It’s basically the city’s way of apologizing for the atmospheric river that probably drenched your favorite boots last week.
Why the vancouver weather forecast today is a rare win
If you're checking the "feels like" temp, it’s going to stay pretty close to the actual numbers because the wind is barely a factor. We're talking a gentle 5 mph breeze coming from the west. That’s enough to keep the air fresh but not enough to turn your umbrella inside out—which is great, because you probably won't even need one.
🔗 Read more: Happy 40th Birthday Humor: Why We Joke About Knees and Cake Fires
The daytime condition is listed as sunny. Yeah, you read that right. Sunny.
Now, there is a tiny 10% chance of rain during the day, but that’s basically just Vancouver’s version of "0%." In a city where it rains 160+ days a year, a 10% chance is as dry as it gets. Humidity is sitting around 70%, which is standard for us. It keeps the air from feeling like a desert, but it does mean that 47°F might feel a little nippier than it would in Calgary or Toronto. Damp cold just hits different.
The Fog Factor
The one thing that might trip you up this morning is the visibility. There’s been some serious "near-zero visibility" fog hanging over southwestern Metro Vancouver—places like Richmond, Delta, and the bridges. Environment Canada actually had an advisory out for it. If you’re crossing the Lions Gate or the Alex Fraser, it’s less "scenic drive" and more "silent hill."
It’s supposed to thin out by the afternoon, but don't be surprised if the morning starts off looking like a bowl of milk.
💡 You might also like: Princess Tiana Party Supplies: What Most People Get Wrong
What to actually wear (The local's guide)
Since the vancouver weather forecast today is looking clear, you can finally ditch the heavy-duty yellow slicker. But don't go out in a t-shirt.
- Layers are the law. A light hoodie or a merino wool sweater under a windbreaker is the sweet spot.
- Footwear. Leather sneakers or Chelsea boots are fine today. No need for the GORE-TEX hiking boots unless you're actually hitting a trail.
- The Night Shift. Once the sun drops, it’s going to be clear and 39°F. That 8-degree drop feels fast once the light goes. If you’re heading out to the Hot Chocolate Festival or a Canucks game, bring the beanie.
The bigger picture
It’s easy to get caught up in the daily numbers, but looking at the broader trend, we’re in a weirdly stable pocket. Usually, January is our coldest month, but 47°F is actually a bit above the historical average of 43°F. We're seeing a ridge of high pressure building up, which is why we’re getting this sunny break instead of the usual sleet or "pineapple express" rain.
Honestly, take advantage of it. Go hit the Seawall. Go to Stanley Park. The light on the water when it’s 47°F and sunny is arguably the best version of Vancouver.
Looking ahead to tonight, the sky stays clear. The precipitation chance drops to 0%. No snow, no ice, just a cold, starry night. It’s the kind of weather that makes you forget about the 150 mm of rain we usually get this month.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the bridges. If you're commuting from the North Shore or Richmond, check DriveBC first for fog updates. The fog has been "zero-visibility" in patches.
- Sunscreen (seriously). If you're heading up to Grouse or Cypress, that 47°F at sea level means it's beautiful up top. The UV index is 0, but the reflection off the snow can still catch you off guard if you're out all day.
- Wash the car. It sounds boring, but with a dry forecast and no rain in the immediate outlook for today, it’s the one day your car might actually stay clean for more than twenty minutes.