Weather & Climate

Kingston weather has four distinct seasons: winter, spring, summer and fall.

• Winter (Dec. 21 to March 20) is the coldest season of the year. The city is usually covered with snow and ice and the weather can be unpredictable. Winter temperatures average between -12 Celsius (10 Fahrenheit) and 2 Celsius (36 Fahrenheit), but can often drop below -20 Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit) especially with the wind chill (see For More Information links below). It's important to be prepared for winter weather and to dress warmly in a winter coat and boots, with a hat, scarf and gloves or mittens.
• Spring (March 20 to June 21) marks the gradual return of warm weather. The snow and ice begin to melt and winter coats and boots are put away, though it is often cold and damp. Spring temperatures average between -6 Celsius (21 Fahrenheit) and 22 Celsius (71 Fahrenheit). The weather can be very rainy in spring so it's best to have a raincoat or an umbrella close by.
• Summer (June 21 to Sept. 21) is the hottest season of the year. Average temperatures range from 13 Celsius (55 Fahrenheit) to 25 Celsius (76 Fahrenheit). Clothing is lighter and sunhats are recommended during the day. Shorts and sandals are typically worn in the summer, but most workplaces require their employees to wear more formal clothing.
• Fall or autumn (Sept. 22 to Dec. 20) marks the return of cooler weather and warmer clothing. Vegetation changes colour and temperatures begin dropping below freezing at night. It's not unusual to see snow in late October or early November. Temperatures during the fall months average between -1 Celsius (42 Fahrenheit) and 20 Celsius (69 Fahrenheit).

 

Kingston is a "City for All Seasons"

Environment Canada, the federal government weather agency, has declared the City of Kingston a "Weather Winner." Weather Winners are cities that have a variety of weather conditions throughout the year and four distinct seasons: winter, spring, summer and fall. There are only 11 Weather Winners in Canada.

Extreme Weather & Road Conditions

Environment Canada provides a seven-day forecast for Kingston that is updated every hour (see the weather box on the side of this page). The forecast includes projected high and low temperatures for each day and warnings of extreme weather conditions such as freezing rain, snow storms and high winds.

Radio and television stations also provide information about local weather conditions and possible school closures. The local school boards also provide information about school bus cancellations related to the weather on their websites.

Kingston's public health department issues public advisories during extreme hot or cold weather.

It's a good idea to check the road conditions before driving in the winter months. Blizzards (large snow storms), freezing rain and black ice can make driving especially hazardous. Sidewalks can also be icy and slippery and dangerous for walking.

Daylight Saving Time

Residents of Ontario turn their clocks forward one hour at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday in March to mark the start of Daylight Saving Time. At 2 a.m. on the first Sunday in November, clocks are turned back one hour when Standard Time resumes. Canada operates on six time zones and most regions of the country switch from Standard Time to Daylight Saving Time. Kingston is in the Eastern Time Zone.