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Weather & Climate in Cape Breton, NS
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Cape Breton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 253 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 45.7 inches. The area receives 19.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 161 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
65°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 41.4°F |
| 23% below US avg | |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 253 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 161 ft (49 m) |
| Area | 934.3 sq mi (2,419.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 100/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.2083°N, 64.7492°W |
| Timezone | America/Halifax |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
18 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.6.
| Aug 27, 2015 | 27 km N of Noonan, Canada | M3.6 | 142 km | 5 km |
| Mar 8, 2009 | 72 km NNE of Noonan, Canada | M3.6 | 127 km | 5 km |
| Mar 8, 2009 | 71 km NNE of Noonan, Canada | M3.3 | 122 km | 5 km |
| Jul 20, 2007 | 28 km W of Miramichi, Canada | M3.2 | 129 km | 5 km |
| Mar 21, 2013 | 60 km NNE of Noonan, Canada | M3.2 | 108 km | 5 km |
| Jul 3, 2024 | 67 km SW of Miramichi, Canada | M3.1 | 110 km | 12 km |
| Mar 7, 2019 | 15 km WSW of Miramichi, Canada | M2.9 | 110 km | 10 km |
| Apr 22, 2016 | New Brunswick, Canada | M2.9 | 101 km | 5 km |
| Jun 20, 2013 | 65 km NNE of Noonan, Canada | M2.9 | 120 km | 5 km |
| Nov 28, 2013 | 55 km NNW of Sussex, Canada | M2.8 | 82 km | 5 km |
| Jul 8, 2022 | 49 km WNW of Miramichi, Canada | M2.7 | 149 km | 6 km |
| Mar 7, 2008 | 32 km S of Miramichi, Canada | M2.7 | 79 km | 5 km |
| Jan 3, 2017 | 20 km E of Oromocto, Canada | M2.7 | 120 km | 5 km |
| Nov 28, 2013 | 60 km SSW of Miramichi, Canada | M2.6 | 84 km | 5 km |
| Apr 22, 2016 | 69 km SSW of Miramichi, Canada | M2.6 | 102 km | 5 km |
| Feb 2, 2018 | 55 km NNW of Sussex, Canada | M2.6 | 85 km | 2 km |
| Feb 1, 2018 | 54 km NNW of Sussex, Canada | M2.6 | 84 km | 2 km |
| Apr 24, 2015 | 67 km NW of Salisbury, Canada | M2.5 | 80 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Hurricane History
5 hurricanes (Category 1+) recorded within 500 km since 1980. Strongest on record: Category 2.
| Year | Name | Category | Max Wind | Closest |
| 2010 | Earl | Category 1 | 75 mph | 144 km |
| 2009 | Bill | Category 1 | 75 mph | 267 km |
| 2008 | Kyle | Category 1 | 75 mph | 291 km |
| 2003 | Juan | Category 2 | 98 mph | 77 km |
| 1996 | Hortense | Category 1 | 81 mph | 235 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Category 1+, 1980-2026).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°F (-9°C) | 4.2 in | Coldest |
| February | 18°F (-8°C) | 3.5 in | |
| March | 27°F (-3°C) | 3.9 in | |
| April | 38°F (3°C) | 3.4 in | |
| May | 50°F (10°C) | 3.9 in | |
| June | 59°F (15°C) | 3.9 in | |
| July | 65°F (19°C) | 4.0 in | Warmest |
| August | 65°F (18°C) | 3.4 in | Driest |
| September | 56°F (13°C) | 3.4 in | |
| October | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 in | |
| November | 35°F (2°C) | 4.0 in | |
| December | 23°F (-5°C) | 4.3 in | Wettest |
Cape Breton has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 16°F in January to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.7 inches, with December being the wettest month (4.3") and August the driest (3.4").