If you’ve set your sights on booking a trip to Newfoundland, you might be wondering when to visit. But while Newfoundland is one of the most unique places in the world, it’s quite far north, meaning weather conditions can be erratic and frankly brutal at times. So, when is the best time to visit Newfoundland?
I visited Newfoundland in June and had an incredible experience, but depending on your interests, you might it better to visit in a different time of year. With that in mind, this guide should help you make your decision on when to book those flights.
Visiting Newfoundland in Winter
The wind, snow, and darkness that comes with Newfoundland winters makes visiting in November, December, January, February, and March, not so appealing for most travelers. Winter temperatures aren’t necessarily as frigid as much of Canada (ranging from -10F to 35F / -20C to 2C) but snowfall is immense and winds are often treacherous. Nor’easters, as their called, can bring hurricane force winds. Deer Lake, a town on the center of the island, averages 123 inches (314 cm) of snow per season. This means roads can be closed at any moment due to blizzard conditions.
Because Newfoundland is so far north, the sun will be down from mid-afternoon to late morning. In the few hours of daylight, the sun probably won’t be shining, too.
However, if you’re willing to give it a go, visiting Newfoundland in winter could pay off. Downhill skiing is decent, especially around the city of Corner Brook. You’ll find world class snowmobiling and cross-country skiing trails in Newfoundland as well. Plus, you can find dog sledding, ice fishing, and many winter-themed festivals.
Seeing snow-covered mountains and seaside villages adds a unique, picturesque layer of beauty, as well.
Around Christmastime, the capital city of St. John’s comes to life. They even have their own saying, FOMW (Fear of Missing Winter). The city makes sure to keep some of the best hiking trails well-maintained for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. George Street and Water Street, the hubs for nightlife downtown, are beautifully decorated and remain buzzing, even in winter.
The climate of St. John’s is much more temperate than inland areas. It rarely drops below 10F (-10C) in winter, meaning as long as you layer up, you shouldn’t be brutally cold.
Better yet, you won’t have to worry about hordes of tourists. In fact, you’ll be hard-pressed to come across many non-Newfoundlanders at all.
Visiting Newfoundland in the Summer
Newfoundland welcomes the vast majority of its visitors from June through September. Temperatures are mild, there’s up to 17 hours of daylight, and the island is lush green. For me, it’s one of the most spectacular places on the planet in the summer months.
Newfoundland is one of the most accessible places in the world for seeing icebergs! These ginormous, thousand-plus year-old chunks of glaciers make their way down the coast from Greenland and float on by the eastern shores of Newfoundland every year. Icebergs are almost always visible along the island’s eastern coast in May, June, and July. A few of the best places to see icebergs include Twillingate and Bonavista.
Whales also make their way down the coast in summer months. Newfoundland boasts 22 species of whales, with humpbacks being the most commonly spotted. Whales dwell in the Atlantic waters from late June through September, so Newfoundland is great to visit in the peak summer months of July and August for your best chance at seeing whales.
Plus, visiting Newfoundland in summer gives you a chance to see puffins. Millions of these beautiful birds venture to the province from May to September for the mild temperatures for their breeding season. You can find Newfoundland puffins in coastal peninsulas and smaller islands such as Twillingate, Bonavista, Fogo Island, and Elliston.
Gros Morne National Park and its jaw-dropping fjords is a special place to see on a bright sunny day. If you’re big into hiking, you should visit Newfoundland in summer or early fall. There’s no better place to hike on the island than at Gros Morne. Terra Nova National Park and the southwest portion of the province also boast some wonderful hiking.
St. John’s has some of the most underrated nightlife in North America, especially in summer. It actually has the most pubs per capita of any city on the continent! Grab yourself a beer, get Screeched-In with strangers, and wander the historic downtown and Jelly Bean Row neighborhood. The sun doesn’t go down until 9-10 p.m. in Newfoundland here in the summer, so that will help you rally!
Other summer activities in Newfoundland include flyfishing, (normal) fishing, mountain biking, boating, cycling, snorkeling, whitewater rafting, and golfing. There’s definitely enough to do in Newfoundland to make for a 10-day trip.
In-Summary: What’s the Best Time to Visit Newfoundland?
Unless you’re prepared to brave some extremely intense winter elements, it’s probably best to visit Newfoundland in the summer or early fall, from mid-June through early October.
It’s important to consider the following before planning your visit:
- Visit Newfoundland in late May, June, or early July if you want to see icebergs.
- Visit Newfoundland in July or August if you want to see whales.
- Visit Newfoundland in June, July, or August if you want to see puffins.
- Visit Newfoundland in September or early October if you want to see peak fall colors.
If you’re visiting in winter, remember one thing: bring layers. A lot of them. Chapstick will help too, because those winds are fierce. But if you love the snow and want a truly unique experience, don’t be afraid to be a trailblazer and endure the infamous Newfoundland winter. Just be OK with going with the flow, know that your plans might change, and remember that you won’t see much in the way of sunlight!
Regardless of which month you choose to visit Newfoundland, you’re sure to make lasting memories. Enjoy your trip!
