Winter in Ontario, Canada

Ontario is the most populous province of Canada and is geographically very vast. Due to the vastness, one can experience variation in temperature across the province, northern part being the coldest.

December 21st to March 19th is the official winter season at Ontario. However, the atmosphere turns cooler starting mid September every year, with night time temperatures dropping to a single digit. The winter reaches its peak in January and the temperature gradually goes up from April onwards. 

The average winter temperature in Ontario is -4.6° C. In peak winter, the temperature can drop up to -50° C in Northern Ontario. We live in Southern Ontario and the winter here is comparatively milder. This year, the lowest we experienced till date is -22° C, which was a few days ago. 

We can expect first snowfall anytime in November, starting with few flurries. Snowfall will be the highest in the month of January and the last will be in April. Occasionally, there will be few flurries in May month as well. Ontario witnessed historic snowstorm (blizzard), last week, with 8-10cm snow per hour in Toronto. Winds upto 60km/hr caused blowing snow, impacting commutation. Stay at home orders were passed, schools, colleges closed and Pearson International Airport was closed for the day's operation. Do check out the video in this link.

We generally keep a tab on the weather forecasts to plan our activities like evening walks, shopping for essentials, visiting friends or any nearby places (like parks or restaurants or any attractions).

Winter is not only about harsh weather, layers of clothing and snow plowing; there a multiple things to do and enjoy in this season. 

• Snowfall itself is a beautiful experience, especially if it is your first time ❄❄❄
• Display of winter lights. Generally most of the houses, malls are decorated with lights in this season for Halloween, Christmas and New Year. Many local parks also conduct light festivals for celebrating winter.
• Niagara falls in its frozen state is a breathtaking sight to cherish and must to be experienced at least once in a lifetime 
• Travel to dark sky site for stargazing in early winter nights, when the air is crisp and less humid
• Children and adults wait for winters to enjoy ice skating, ice climbing, sledging, skiing and ice fishing 🏂
• Winter camping with bonfire and barbeque
• Enjoy hot chocolate, laze in your couch and read your favorite book or watch TV 
• Most importantly, it's the holiday season. What better reason we need to catch up with friends and family over a warm and cheerful winter dinner.

Hope this gives a feel of winter in Ontario. Will describe how do we tackle winter in upcoming posts.

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