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Weather & Climate in Saltspring Island, BC
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Saltspring Island experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. The area gets 265 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. The city sits at an elevation of 942 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
61°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 49.1°F |
| 9% below US avg | |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 61°F (16°C) |
| Sunny Days | 265 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 942 ft (287 m) |
| Area | 70.6 sq mi (182.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 165/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.8116°N, 123.4973°W |
| Timezone | America/Vancouver |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
427 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 | 98 km | 12 km |
| Feb 21, 2025 | 28 km W of Squamish, Canada | M4.8 | 98 km | 10 km |
| Apr 25, 2003 | 26 km W of Brinnon, Washington | M4.8 | 128 km | 51 km |
| Jan 30, 2009 | 6 km ESE of Lofall, Washington | M4.7 | 133 km | 62 km |
| Mar 3, 2025 | 2025 Orcas Island, Washington | M4.5 | 56 km | 16 km |
| Jan 24, 2020 | 46 km WNW of Neah Bay, Washington | M4.5 | 127 km | 10 km |
| Jun 24, 1997 | 19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada | M4.4 | 48 km | 3 km |
| Apr 2, 1990 | 2 km ENE of Deming, Washington | M4.3 | 96 km | 0 km |
| Feb 19, 1991 | 31 km E of Squamish, Canada | M4.3 | 113 km | 5 km |
| Feb 22, 1996 | 31 km NNE of South Pender Harbour, Canada | M4.1 | 124 km | 2 km |
| Sep 21, 2002 | 9 km SW of Friday Harbor, Washington | M4.1 | 45 km | 23 km |
| Apr 14, 1990 | 2 km ESE of Deming, Washington | M4.0 | 96 km | 3 km |
| Apr 3, 1990 | 3 km ENE of Deming, Washington | M4.0 | 97 km | 1 km |
| Dec 27, 2012 | 12 km E of North Saanich, Canada | M4.0 | 25 km | 54 km |
| Sep 26, 2024 | 12 km E of Saanichton, Canada | M4.0 | 32 km | 52 km |
| Jul 1, 2009 | 4 km SE of Coupeville, Washington | M4.0 | 93 km | 58 km |
| Apr 7, 2001 | 36 km NNW of Neah Bay, Washington | M3.9 | 92 km | 32 km |
| Mar 6, 2025 | 14 km SW of Blyn, Washington | M3.9 | 102 km | 42 km |
| Jul 24, 2011 | 21 km W of Brinnon, Washington | M3.9 | 125 km | 41 km |
| Mar 17, 2004 | 3 km SW of Clear Lake, Washington | M3.8 | 99 km | 0 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tsunami History
3 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 38.0 m (125 ft).
| Year | Location | Cause | Max Wave | Deaths | Distance |
| 2007 | CHEHALIS LAKE, CHILLIWACK | Meteorological | 38.0 m | — | 130 km |
| 1891 | WASHINGTON | Eruption + Earthquake | 2.4 m | — | 90 km |
| 1820 | CAMANO ISLAND, WA | Meteorological | — | — | 118 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database.
Nearby Volcanoes
5 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Garibaldi (121 km).
| Name | Type | Elevation | Last Eruption | Distance |
| Garibaldi | Stratovolcano | 2,678 m (8,786 ft) | -8060 | 121 km |
| Baker | Stratovolcano(es) | 3,285 m (10,778 ft) | 1880 | 123 km |
| Garibaldi Lake | Volcanic field | 2,316 m (7,598 ft) | Unknown | 130 km |
| Cayley Volcanic Field | Volcanic field | 2,375 m (7,792 ft) | Unknown | 146 km |
| Glacier Peak | Stratovolcano | 3,213 m (10,541 ft) | 1700 | 192 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 39°F (4°C) | 6.3 in | Coldest |
| February | 41°F (5°C) | 4.1 in | |
| March | 43°F (6°C) | 3.5 in | |
| April | 47°F (8°C) | 2.4 in | |
| May | 52°F (11°C) | 1.8 in | |
| June | 57°F (14°C) | 1.4 in | |
| July | 61°F (16°C) | 0.9 in | Driest |
| August | 62°F (16°C) | 1.1 in | Warmest |
| September | 57°F (14°C) | 1.3 in | |
| October | 50°F (10°C) | 3.7 in | |
| November | 43°F (6°C) | 6.5 in | Wettest |
| December | 39°F (4°C) | 6.2 in |
Saltspring Island has a seasonal temperature swing of 23°F / from 39°F in January to 62°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 39.2 inches, with November being the wettest month (6.5") and July the driest (0.9").