It's that time of year again — temperatures are dropping, and it's time to think about getting those winter tires put on. But when exactly should you make the switch in 2024?
Generally, tire manufacturers and transport ministries in Canada follow the "7-for-7 rule," which states that the best time to change to winter tires is when there have been seven consistent days of temperatures below 7 degrees. But it can be hard to predict when that's going to happen where you live — and even harder to get an appointment at the right time once it's already happened.
Luckily, The Weather Network has released a guide showing when cities across the country are forecasted to hit that winter tire sweet spot. While each region in Canada hits this milestone at a different time, some provinces also have specific laws about when winter tires are required that you should be aware of, and your insurance company may have its own date too. If you live in a province with winter tire laws, you'll especially want to take note and book your appointment before the deadline.
Here's a province-by-province guide on when you should consider booking that tire appointment based on average weather patterns and local laws.
British Columbia
In B.C., winter tires or chains are required by law on certain highways starting October 1, especially in the Interior, the north and parts of the South Coast, including the Sea to Sky Highway. You'll need to keep those tires on until at least March 31 or April 30, depending on where you're driving.
That said, according to The Weather Network, here's when various B.C. cities will hit an average temperature of 7 degrees:
- Kelowna: November 9
- Prince Rupert: November 16
- Vancouver: December 11
- Victoria: December 17
While temperatures might not drop to 7 degrees until November or even December in some areas, you won't want to wait too long if you use the province's major highways — getting caught without the right tires on specific routes could lead to fines or being turned away.
The Prairies & Territories
In the Prairies and Canada's territories, winter shows up early. Most cities will hit an average of 7 degrees by late October, so you'll want to be ready with your winter tires well in advance. Here's when The Weather Network predicts that will be (or in some cases, already was):
- Churchill, MB: September 24
- Yellowknife, NT: September 27
- Whitehorse, YT: October 9
- Saskatoon, SK: October 27
- Edmonton, AB: October 28
- Regina, SK: October 29
- Winnipeg, MB: October 30
- Calgary, AB: November 5
Even though winter tires aren't required by law in these provinces and territories, it's a smart move to make the switch, especially if you're dealing with icy roads or sudden snowfalls.
Ontario
Ontario doesn't have any mandatory winter tire laws, but you'll want to swap your tires before the temperature dips too much. According to The Weather Network, most cities will see a 7-degree average by early to mid-November, so it's best to plan ahead.
- Timmins: October 26
- Thunder Bay: November 1
- Sudbury: November 2
- Ottawa: November 9
- Kingston: November 11
- Toronto: November 15
- Windsor: November 21
Quebec
Quebec is one of the two provinces in Canada where winter tires are mandatory. You'll need to have them on from December 1 to March 15, no matter what roads you use, according to the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). However, it's smart to put them on even earlier, as temps typically average 7 degrees or lower in most areas by November, according to The Weather Network.
- Quebec City: November 1
- Montreal: November 10
- Sherbrooke: November 5
Getting caught after December 1 without winter tires can result in fines ranging from $200 to $300, so you may want to schedule your appointment early to avoid getting caught out.
Atlantic Canada
While no province in Atlantic Canada requires winter tires by law, most drivers in the region use them to handle winter conditions. The Weather Network reports that temperatures across the region average around 7 degrees by mid-November, so plan to get your tires changed before then.
- Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL: October 14
- St. John's, NL: November 7
- Fredericton, NB: November 9
- Moncton, NB: November 10
- Charlottetown, PEI: November 10
- Sydney, NS: November 10
- Halifax, NS: November 12
Even though it’s not required, switching to winter tires early will help keep you safe when the snow and ice start to settle in.
No matter where you live, switching to winter tires before the snow falls is always a good idea. Plus, many insurance companies offer discounts for using winter tires — usually from November 1 to March 31, but this can vary — so don't forget to check with yours!
Love this? Check out our Narcity noticeboard for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!
AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of Narcity's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our Editorial Standards page.
