Vancouver's reputation for rain is largely earned — between November and March it rains most days, and the cloud can sit low over the city for weeks. The compensation is mild winters: snow is rare downtown, and the Coast Mountains keep the local ski resorts (Cypress, Grouse, Mount Seymour) running with reliable powder a 30-minute drive from the city centre.
July, August and September are the prime months — long, dry, sunny days with highs around 22–25°C, the seawall packed with cyclists and walkers, beaches busy and outdoor patios full. June is generally pleasant but can be cool and damp early on. October through early November can have brilliant clear days between fronts.
For winter sports, December through March is the ski season; for whale watching off the coast, May through October is the best window. The Celebration of Light international fireworks festival lights up English Bay over three nights at the end of July.