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Weather & Climate in Nanaimo River, BC
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Nanaimo River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. The area gets 187 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 82.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 984 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
56°F Jul (14°C)
| Annual Average | 43.1°F |
| 20% below US avg | |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 56°F (14°C) |
| Sunny Days | 187 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 984 ft (300 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 365/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 49.0870°N, 124.3942°W |
| Timezone | America/Vancouver |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
207 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.8.
| Feb 21, 2025 | 28 km W of Squamish, Canada | M4.8 | 91 km | 10 km |
| Jan 8, 2015 | 19 km E of Tofino, Canada | M4.8 | 92 km | 25 km |
| Aug 1, 2000 | 40 km NNW of Tofino, Canada | M4.6 | 134 km | 41 km |
| Mar 3, 2025 | 2025 Orcas Island, Washington | M4.5 | 128 km | 16 km |
| Jan 24, 2020 | 46 km WNW of Neah Bay, Washington | M4.5 | 83 km | 10 km |
| Jun 24, 1997 | 19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada | M4.4 | 59 km | 3 km |
| Feb 19, 1991 | 31 km E of Squamish, Canada | M4.3 | 139 km | 5 km |
| Jan 23, 2001 | 9 km NNW of Ucluelet, Canada | M4.3 | 86 km | 10 km |
| Feb 22, 1996 | 31 km NNE of South Pender Harbour, Canada | M4.1 | 97 km | 2 km |
| Sep 21, 2002 | 9 km SW of Friday Harbor, Washington | M4.1 | 115 km | 23 km |
| May 8, 1999 | 17 km NW of Tofino, Canada | M4.0 | 124 km | 33 km |
| Dec 25, 1999 | 40 km SW of Ucluelet, Canada | M4.0 | 118 km | 30 km |
| Dec 27, 2012 | 12 km E of North Saanich, Canada | M4.0 | 97 km | 54 km |
| Sep 26, 2024 | 12 km E of Saanichton, Canada | M4.0 | 101 km | 52 km |
| May 16, 2001 | 35 km NE of Tofino, Canada | M3.9 | 89 km | 10 km |
| Nov 20, 1994 | 26 km N of Ucluelet, Canada | M3.9 | 84 km | 38 km |
| Apr 7, 2001 | 36 km NNW of Neah Bay, Washington | M3.9 | 51 km | 32 km |
| Sep 5, 2017 | 9 km NNE of Ucluelet, Canada | M3.8 | 79 km | 33 km |
| Aug 19, 2025 | 17 km NNW of Sekiu, Washington | M3.7 | 75 km | 38 km |
| Dec 11, 1999 | 10 km NNE of Oak Bay, Canada | M3.7 | 104 km | 49 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tsunami History
3 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 | 95 km |
| 1891 | WASHINGTON | Eruption + Earthquake | 2.4 m | — | 138 km |
| 1958 | RIPPLE ROCK, BC | Earthquake + Landslide | 0.5 m | — | 128 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database.
Nearby Volcanoes
5 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Garibaldi (132 km).
| Name | Type | Elevation | Last Eruption | Distance |
| Garibaldi | Stratovolcano | 2,678 m (8,786 ft) | -8060 | 132 km |
| Garibaldi Lake | Volcanic field | 2,316 m (7,598 ft) | Unknown | 138 km |
| Cayley Volcanic Field | Volcanic field | 2,375 m (7,792 ft) | Unknown | 140 km |
| Meager | Complex | 2,680 m (8,793 ft) | -410 | 183 km |
| Baker | Stratovolcano(es) | 3,285 m (10,778 ft) | 1880 | 192 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°F (0°C) | 12.5 in | |
| February | 34°F (1°C) | 9.1 in | |
| March | 36°F (2°C) | 8.2 in | |
| April | 39°F (4°C) | 5.8 in | |
| May | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 in | |
| June | 51°F (11°C) | 3.0 in | |
| July | 56°F (14°C) | 1.8 in | Driest |
| August | 57°F (14°C) | 2.4 in | Warmest |
| September | 53°F (11°C) | 2.6 in | |
| October | 45°F (7°C) | 8.0 in | |
| November | 36°F (2°C) | 13.2 in | Wettest |
| December | 32°F (0°C) | 12.2 in | Coldest |
Nanaimo River has a seasonal temperature swing of 25°F / from 32°F in December to 57°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 82.4 inches, with November being the wettest month (13.2") and July the driest (1.8").