Due to its tremendous popularity in the summer months, the town can actually triple in size during its peak season. A favorite nature destination, Tofino attracts numerous hikers, bird watchers, surfers, whale watchers, and campers during its summer months.
What's the Weather Like In Tofino, BC?
Because Tofino, British Columbia, is right next to the Pacific Ocean, temperatures are typically cool in the summer and mild in the winter. The average high temperatures in the summer and winter really don't vary too much. In fact, Tofino's average high temperature is 44 degrees cooler in the summer, and a gigantic 67 degrees warmer in the winter.
The average temperature is 40-50 degrees in the winter, and 65-85 degrees in the summer months. It can get as high as 90 degrees in June, July, and August, but these days are rare. Mostly, it will be a very comfortable 75-80 degrees day at the beach. Honestly, who doesn't love that?
In March, the Pacific Rim Whale Festival celebrates the migration of thousands of grey whales. The migration is something you will never forget, and everyone should see it at least once in their lifetime. For those who love surfing, The Rip Curl Pro Tofino is held each year in May. It's Canada's largest surfing competition, and the only one open to all divisions. The competition is typically held on Cox Bay Beach, and it's an excellent opportunity to see some great surfing.
During the cooler season, there is a lot of rain and snowfall. However, almost all the precipitation that falls throughout the year is rain. Winter cyclonic storms regularly pass over the town dumping rain on it, making it one of the wettest locations in Canada. However, like the rest of coastal British Columbia, the summer months bring mostly dry weather. These are ideal times to plan your beach vacation weekend away.
The end of August brings the Tofino Lantern Festival. It is the Raincoast Educational Society's signature community event, featuring an incredible variety of handmade lanterns, live music, dancing, and of course, delicious food. It's truly a magical festival. Mid-September offers Art in the Gardens, a two-day art and music festival. Located at the Tofino Botanical Gardens, it celebrates both the visual and performing arts. Created in 2004 by Marla Thirsk, it encourages local artists to come together to show off their specific talents.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Tofino, BC:
Tofino, BC: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. price trends by star rating class in Tofino, BC. Browse these charts to evaluate the best months to stay in Tofino for any future trips.
What are Some of the Best Hotels in Tofino, BC?
If you have a little extra money to splurge on your visit, a luxury hotel may be the more attractive option for you. Tofino has several luxury hotel options to choose from. Most of the upscale hotel options are approximately 32 km from Tofino, but it is well worth the drive for the amazing views they offer.
Embarc Ucluelet is a lake hotel that offers unbeatable views with fabulous fireplaces in each room. Located in Ucluelet, Embarc Ucluelet is a five-minute drive from the Clayoquot Sound and the Huu-Mees-Ma-As Native Art Gallery. The hotel is approximately 27 km from the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and 35 km from Chesterman Beach. This is a great location for group events. However, if the internet is an important part of your stay, you will need to pay an additional fee each day for this amenity.
What are Some Budget-Friendly Hotels in Tofino, BC?
While Tofino is a popular tourist destination for people who want to get closer to nature, there are numerous hotel options to choose from that don't require you to give up the comforts of home at the same time. These hotels won't break your budget while you stay in Tofino, British Columbia.
Located on beautiful Mackenzie Beach, the Best Western Tin Wis Resort Lodge is approximately 2 km from Tofino. Celebrating the Native culture of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations Band, the lodge offers a beach view with each room, complimentary Wi-Fi access, fitness facilities, a spa tub, and a smoke-free property, as well as several amenities that include laundry facilities, parking, and a free area shuttle.
If convenience in town is more of what you are looking for, Tofino Skylodge is the place to go. It is located less than a kilometer southwest of the center of Tofino. This adorable AirBnB guest house is operated by Abbie and Grant. They are known for being super hosts, and the guest suite is sparklingly clean. The Tofino Skylodge also offers complimentary Wi-Fi access, as well as cable programming for entertainment. Guests can also enjoy free off-street and on-property parking.
Last but not least, The Holiday House is the ideal option for the retro surf inspired stay. This one-bedroom Airbnb suite is located on a quiet road, and is just a few minutes' walk to the center of downtown Tofino, British Columbia. It has a small kitchenette, Wi-Fi, cozy laptop area, cable TV and parking is provided on-site. The large king bed will keep you more than comfortable too. However, there are no other sleeping arrangements for extra guests. A travel cot available for infants or toddlers though.