Calgary is located in a cold semi-arid climate zone, which is classified as BSk according to the Köppen climate classification system. This means that the city experiences cold winters and warm summers, with relatively low precipitation throughout the year.
In terms of temperature, winter months can see average lows between -10°C to -15°C, while in the summer, temperatures can rise to around 25°C to 30°C. One of the notable features of Calgary’s climate is the phenomenon known as ‘chinook winds,’ which can lead to rapid temperature increases during the winter months, often causing snow to melt quickly.
Despite being categorized as semi-arid, Calgary also has some characteristics of a humid continental climate, given its warm summer temperatures. Overall, the unique geographical location of Calgary, combined with the nearby Rocky Mountains, plays a crucial role in shaping its climate.