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Weather & Climate in Lake Cowichan, BC
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Lake Cowichan experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July. The area gets 185 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 87.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 27.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 548 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (1°C)
59°F Jul (15°C)
| Annual Average | 45.8°F |
| 15% below US avg | |
| January Average | 35°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 59°F (15°C) |
| Sunny Days | 185 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 548 ft (167 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,045/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.8250°N, 124.0546°W |
| Timezone | America/Vancouver |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
351 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M5.0.
| Apr 14, 1990 | 4 km ENE of Deming, Washington | M5.0 | 139 km | 12 km |
| Jan 8, 2015 | 19 km E of Tofino, Canada | M4.8 | 122 km | 25 km |
| Apr 25, 2003 | 26 km W of Brinnon, Washington | M4.8 | 142 km | 51 km |
| Feb 21, 2025 | 28 km W of Squamish, Canada | M4.8 | 103 km | 10 km |
| Jan 24, 2020 | 46 km WNW of Neah Bay, Washington | M4.5 | 88 km | 10 km |
| Mar 3, 2025 | 2025 Orcas Island, Washington | M4.5 | 95 km | 16 km |
| Jun 24, 1997 | 19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada | M4.4 | 56 km | 3 km |
| Apr 2, 1990 | 2 km ENE of Deming, Washington | M4.3 | 137 km | 0 km |
| Jan 23, 2001 | 9 km NNW of Ucluelet, Canada | M4.3 | 113 km | 10 km |
| Feb 19, 1991 | 31 km E of Squamish, Canada | M4.3 | 137 km | 5 km |
| Feb 22, 1996 | 31 km NNE of South Pender Harbour, Canada | M4.1 | 120 km | 2 km |
| Sep 21, 2002 | 9 km SW of Friday Harbor, Washington | M4.1 | 78 km | 23 km |
| Apr 3, 1990 | 3 km ENE of Deming, Washington | M4.0 | 138 km | 1 km |
| Apr 14, 1990 | 2 km ESE of Deming, Washington | M4.0 | 137 km | 3 km |
| Dec 25, 1999 | 40 km SW of Ucluelet, Canada | M4.0 | 135 km | 30 km |
| Sep 26, 2024 | 12 km E of Saanichton, Canada | M4.0 | 65 km | 52 km |
| Dec 27, 2012 | 12 km E of North Saanich, Canada | M4.0 | 62 km | 54 km |
| Jul 1, 2009 | 4 km SE of Coupeville, Washington | M4.0 | 126 km | 58 km |
| May 16, 2001 | 35 km NE of Tofino, Canada | M3.9 | 124 km | 10 km |
| Nov 20, 1994 | 26 km N of Ucluelet, Canada | M3.9 | 115 km | 38 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tsunami History
2 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 9.0 m (30 ft).
| Year | Location | Cause | Max Wave | Deaths | Distance |
| 1946 | BRITISH COLUMBIA | Eruption + Earthquake | 9.0 m | 1 | 132 km |
| 1891 | WASHINGTON | Eruption + Earthquake | 2.4 m | — | 100 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database.
Nearby Volcanoes
4 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Garibaldi (137 km).
| Name | Type | Elevation | Last Eruption | Distance |
| Garibaldi | Stratovolcano | 2,678 m (8,786 ft) | -8060 | 137 km |
| Garibaldi Lake | Volcanic field | 2,316 m (7,598 ft) | Unknown | 145 km |
| Cayley Volcanic Field | Volcanic field | 2,375 m (7,792 ft) | Unknown | 155 km |
| Baker | Stratovolcano(es) | 3,285 m (10,778 ft) | 1880 | 164 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 35°F (1°C) | 13.8 in | Coldest |
| February | 37°F (3°C) | 9.9 in | |
| March | 39°F (4°C) | 8.7 in | |
| April | 43°F (6°C) | 5.8 in | |
| May | 49°F (9°C) | 3.5 in | |
| June | 54°F (12°C) | 2.6 in | |
| July | 59°F (15°C) | 1.6 in | Driest |
| August | 60°F (15°C) | 2.2 in | Warmest |
| September | 55°F (13°C) | 2.5 in | |
| October | 47°F (8°C) | 8.6 in | |
| November | 39°F (4°C) | 14.3 in | Wettest |
| December | 35°F (1°C) | 13.6 in |
Lake Cowichan has a seasonal temperature swing of 25°F / from 35°F in January to 60°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 87.1 inches, with November being the wettest month (14.3") and July the driest (1.6").