Basking in Sunshine: Alberta is Canada’s Sunniest Province!

By Nerissa McNaughton on September 12, 2024.

With its crystal-clear skies and warm, golden rays, Alberta offers a sunny disposition that few other places can match. Surprised? Many are considering how cold and long our winters are! However, during June and July, the province enjoys an average of 16 to 18 hours of daylight per day!

Sunniest Towns in Alberta: Where the Sun Always Shines

Alberta’s sunshine isn’t equally distributed, and some towns enjoy more sunny days than others. Medicine Hat, often dubbed the ‘Sunshine Capital of Canada,’ boasts about 330 sunny days each year.

Lethbridge is another bright star in Alberta’s sunshine belt, basking in nearly 320 days of sunshine annually. With its picturesque coulees and vibrant downtown area, Lethbridge offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities bathed in sunlight.

Calgary, Alberta’s largest city, also enjoys a generous share of sunshine, with roughly 333 sunny days a year. The city’s sprawling parks and bustling streets are often filled with people making the most of the sun’s presence, from cycling along the Bow River to enjoying festivals in the city’s numerous green spaces.

Why Alberta is So Sunny

Several factors contribute to Alberta’s sunny reputation. The province’s location in western Canada means it benefits from clear skies more often than not, as the Rocky Mountains to the west block many of the cloudy weather systems. Additionally, Alberta’s high elevation and dry climate reduce cloud cover and precipitation, allowing the sun to shine through more frequently.

The Impact of Sunshine on Life in Alberta

The plentiful daylight hours in summer provide perfect conditions for outdoor recreation. From exploring the rugged beauty of Jasper and Banff National Parks to enjoying the festivals that light up the province throughout the summer, the sun adds a golden touch to Alberta’s vibrant culture. For locals, the sun’s presence is a natural mood booster, contributing to a sense of well-being and vitality. It’s little wonder that Albertans are known for their spirited energy and love of the outdoors.

Nerissa McNaughton is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Hot Summer Guide advertising feature. The Hot Summer Guide is a special feature about summer activities, bucket list adventures, staycation options, road trips, attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.