When people think of Canada, they often imagine snow-covered landscapes and freezing winters. However, not every corner of the country fits that stereotype. Some areas experience surprisingly hot summers — and if you’ve ever wondered what is the hottest city in Canada, the answer might surprise you.
The title of the hottest city in Canada belongs to Kamloops, British Columbia, a city that consistently records the highest summer temperatures in the nation.
Why Kamloops is the hottest city in Canada?
Kamloops is located in the southern interior of British Columbia, within a semi-arid valley surrounded by rolling hills and mountains. This unique geography creates a dry and sunny climate that differs dramatically from the coastal or northern regions of the country.
During the summer months, temperatures in Kamloops can easily reach 35°C (95°F) or more, and heatwaves have pushed the mercury close to 40°C (104°F) in recent years.
Unlike cities such as Vancouver or Toronto, Kamloops receives very little rainfall during summer, which makes the heat even more noticeable. It averages over 2,000 hours of sunshine per year, earning its reputation as Canada’s sunniest and hottest city.
Historical temperature records
The record-breaking heat that hit western Canada in 2021 drew attention to Kamloops and its neighboring cities. During that heatwave, temperatures reached 47°C (116°F) in nearby Lytton — another hot contender for the title of hottest place in Canada.
Although Lytton holds the record for Canada’s highest temperature, Kamloops remains the hottest city overall because of its consistently warm summers year after year.
If you look at climate data, Kamloops averages highs of 29°C (84°F) in July, with long stretches above 30°C. This makes it one of the few Canadian cities where air conditioning is a necessity in summer.
What makes Kamloops so hot?
Several natural factors explain why Kamloops is the hottest city in Canada:
- Semi-arid climate: The dry interior of British Columbia lacks coastal humidity, allowing heat to build up.
- Valley topography: The surrounding hills trap warm air, especially during clear and windless days.
- Low precipitation: With less than 300 mm of rain per year, the ground and air stay dry, amplifying temperature peaks.
- Sun exposure: Kamloops gets some of the longest daylight hours in summer, with clear skies most of the season.
Together, these features create a microclimate that feels more like California than typical Canada.
Life in the hottest city in Canada
Living in Kamloops means enjoying hot, sunny summers perfect for outdoor activities. Locals and tourists take advantage of the warm weather to go hiking, biking, swimming, and boating in Kamloops Lake or along the Thompson River.
The city’s dry heat also supports vineyards and wineries, part of British Columbia’s growing wine scene. During summer, it’s common to see festivals, open-air markets, and sporting events celebrating the sunshine.
While winters in Kamloops are cold, they’re milder and shorter than in most Canadian cities, which makes the climate attractive to people looking for a warmer place to live in Canada.
Other hot cities in Canada
If you’re curious about other warm spots, here are a few that also experience sizzling summers:
- Lytton, BC – Holds the record for Canada’s highest-ever temperature.
- Osoyoos, BC – Known for its desert-like climate and vineyards.
- Kelowna, BC – A popular tourist destination with sunny beaches and hot summers.
- Medicine Hat, Alberta – One of the warmest cities on the Prairies.
Still, none of them combine consistent heat and sunshine quite like Kamloops does.
Final thoughts
So, what is the hottest city in Canada? The answer is clear — Kamloops stands out as the sunniest and warmest urban area in the country. With record-breaking summer highs, a dry climate, and endless blue skies, it’s a city that defies the cold stereotype of Canada.
Whether you’re planning a summer trip or looking for a warmer place to settle, Kamloops offers a climate that feels almost tropical compared to much of the Great White North.
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