Spring weather in Canada is right around the corner, and that means it's almost time to swap out those winter tires for your summer ones.
But when exactly should drivers in Canada make the switch? If you're wondering when to change winter tires to summer ones, the answer isn't as simple as flipping the calendar to March.
Canada's spring weather can be unpredictable, with snow and freezing temperatures lingering well into April or even May in some parts of the country. According to The Weather Network (TWN), the best time to remove winter tires isn't based on the date but rather on the temperature.
The general rule is to wait until the daily average hits at least 7 C consistently. If you swap them out too early, you could be caught in a surprise spring snowstorm. But if you leave them on too long, the softer rubber in winter tires will wear down faster, costing you money in the long run.
To make things even more complicated, many insurance companies offer discounts for using winter tires, but there are requirements to be eligible — typically from November 1 to March 31. So before you take them off, it's also worth checking if your provider has any specific requirements.
So, when should you actually book your tire appointment? With help from The Weather Network, we've broken down the ideal timing by region, taking into account historical weather trends and this year's forecast. Here's when to make the switch in 2025, depending on where you live.
British Columbia
If you're in Vancouver, you might already be thinking about changing your winter tires. The Weather Network notes that Vancouver typically gets less than a centimetre of snow in April, and with daytime temperatures hovering between 6 C and 13 C from now to the end of March, you're likely in the clear, assuming you do most of your driving during the day.
14-day forecast for Vancouver:
- March 15: 7 C day / 3 C night
- March 22: 8 C day / 6 C night
- March 28: 11 C day / 6 C night
But before you make an appointment, don't forget that B.C. has winter tire laws in place for certain highways until March 31 or April 30, depending on the region. If you live outside Vancouver or plan to drive through mountain passes or high-snowfall areas, you'll want to wait until after these restrictions lift.
If you're in the Interior or northern regions, you'll likely need to keep your winter tires on longer — April snowfalls aren't uncommon.
Alberta & the Prairies
If you live in Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg or Saskatoon, patience is key. March temperatures in these cities are still fluctuating well below the 7 C mark, with some nights dropping below -10 C. Plus, TWN says these regions have historically still gotten lots of snow in the spring, with April averages of 21 cm in Calgary, 16 cm in Edmonton and 8 cm in Brandon, Manitoba.
14-day forecast for Calgary:
- March 15: -3 C day / -7 C night
- March 22: 5 C day / -3 C night
- March 28: 6 C day / -2 C night
14-day forecast for Winnipeg:
- March 15: -7 C day / -15 C night
- March 22: 8 C day / -1 C night
- March 28: 6 C day / -1 C night
According to TWN, it's best to wait until at least late April or even early May to make the switch.
Ontario
Ontario doesn't have a law requiring winter tires, but if you take them off too early, you might regret it. In cities like Toronto and Ottawa, temperatures are bouncing between warm spring-like days and chilly nights in mid-March.
14-day forecast for Toronto:
- March 15: 13 C day / 10 C night
- March 22: 6 C day / 1 C night
- March 28: 5 C day / -1 C night
14-day forecast for Ottawa:
- March 15: 13 C day / 5 C night
- March 22: 5 C day / -2 C night
- March 28: 4 C day / -3 C night
Historically, Toronto has gotten an average of 5 cm of snow in the month of April, while Ottawa has gotten closer to 11 cm, according to TWN. Therefore, you may want to wait until April to remove your winter tires in these cities as temperature swings make for a decent chance for late-season snow and overnight freezing.
Quebec
Quebec has strict winter tire laws requiring all drivers across the province to keep them on until at least March 15 — but that doesn't mean you should swap them out right away. According to TWN, it's best to wait a couple of extra weeks, since Montreal still sees an average of 13 cm of snowfall in April.
14-day forecast for Montreal:
- March 15: 12 C day / 6 C night
- March 22: 5 C day / -1 C night
- March 28: 5 C day / -1 C night
If you live in Quebec City or other northern regions, you may want to hold off even longer, as snow can linger into late April.
Atlantic Canada
If you're in Halifax, St. John's or Charlottetown, don't rush to take your winter tires off just yet. Snow can still hit the East Coast well into spring, and overnight temperatures are staying close to freezing in many areas. TWN notes that the average snowfall totals in the month of April across the Maritimes are high, with around 17 cm in Halifax and a whopping 29 cm in St. John's.
14-day forecast for Halifax:
- March 15: 9 C day / 3 C night
- March 22: 5 C day / 1 C night
- March 28: 8 C day / 4 C night
No matter where you live in Canada, waiting until temperatures are consistently above 7 C before making the switch is key to staying safe on the road. If you're unsure, check the long-range forecast for your area before making an appointment. And remember — waiting a little longer is better than getting caught in one last spring snowstorm!
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