Weather & Climate
Temperatures on "the
Coast" range from freezing in winter to highs of 30 degrees Centigrade (90 degrees
Fahrenheit) in summer. The annual rainfall is about 100 centimetres (40 inches). The
Sunshine Coast boasts 14 more days of sunshine per year than Victoria and the climate is
similar to a cool Mediterranean climate. With its mild winters, moderate summers and
abundant rainfall, the Sunshine Coast is lush with vegetation and rich in wildlife. In the
"banana belt" regions of the Sechelt area palm and fig trees are known to
thrive. The main varieties of softwood trees found here are firs, hemlocks, spruce, red
cedar, yellow cedar and pine. Hardwood types include alder, maple, yew wood, wild cherry,
willows, birch and mountain ash. Dozens of types of wildflowers grow in the fields along
road sides along the Coast. Wild roses, columnine, wild orchids, bleeding hearts and wild
lilies are just some of the local floral palette.
A 30-year rainfall comparison shows that Victoria received 26 inches of rain annually,
while the Coast got 37 inches. However, it takes 143 days for Victoria's rain to collect
and only 129 days for our 37 inches. Our milder weather patterns also mean very light snow
falls in the region. Some years we have no distinct seasons at lower altitudes. The
Sunshine Coast boasts approximately 270 growing days per year with temperatures over 43
degrees Fahrenheit. |
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