Dressing for the Weather
Spring
Spring usually begins to arrive sometime in April and the weather is mild and can be rainy. You may wish to have a light jacket with a hood, waterproof footwear, and bring an umbrella with you on rainy days. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms occur occasionally during the Spring and Summer seasons.
Summer
June, July and August are the warmest and sunniest months of the year. Shorts, t-shirts, and sandals are appropriate to wear on hotter days. Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors, so you may want to use bug-spray as well. To protect yourself from the heat, you should wear a hat and drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Fall/Autumn
Starting in late September, the weather usually starts getting cooler again. It is not uncommon to see snowfall as early as October. Autumn in Lethbridge is windy and can be chilly, so you may want to wear a warm, wind-resistant jacket.
Winter
In Alberta, winter can be long and cold. Winter typically begins around November and lasts until March, though there are often periods of warmer weather through the winter months.
Temperatures vary drastically and can change quickly; warm winds referred to locally as “chinooks” can bring the temperature as high as 10-20°C, but during the colder parts of the season expect temperatures to fall below 0°C, sometimes as low as -30°C. Wind-chill factor should always be taken into consideration, as this makes the air feel much colder.
Make sure you have a warm, durable winter coat or parka—preferably one that is wind resistant and rated for cold weather. Invest in thick, warm socks (such as wool socks) and a good pair of winter boots appropriate for cold temperatures and snow. Make sure you cover yourself up in cold weather with hats, scarves, and gloves or mittens to avoid frostbite. Always check the weather report before going outside and dress accordingly.
Winter can be very dry, so you may need to moisturize regularly.
The International Centre runs a Winter Clothing Program that provides gently used winter wear to international students. We have a collection of coats, scarves, mittens, and hats that you can borrow for free. If you are interested in borrowing any of these items, please drop by the International Centre (SU060) and ask about our Winter Clothing Program.