After weeks of bundling up against a biting chill, Vancouver residents are finally getting a break from winter’s icy grip. According to the latest forecast from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), temperatures in the city are set to rise dramatically, ushering in a stretch of unseasonably warm weather that will last through the end of January and into early February. But before you put away your rain gear, it’s worth noting: there’s a catch. The warmth will be accompanied by a return of Vancouver’s signature rain—and, for good measure, some blustery winds.
The shift comes after a prolonged period of freezing temperatures that left many Vancouverites shivering and dreaming of sunnier days. But starting Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the city’s weather will take a sharp turn. Highs are expected to reach 10°C and stay there through Sunday, February 1. Overnight lows will also remain on the mild side, dropping only to around 6°C on Tuesday and again on Friday evening. That’s a big leap from the frosty nights many have endured lately.
"It looks more like [the] week may warm back up, with more unsettled conditions," ECCC meteorologist Bobby Sekhon told Daily Hive. "Trend is looking warmer towards the end of the month." Sekhon’s assessment matches the official ECCC forecast, which paints a picture of milder—but wetter—days ahead for the region.
So, what’s driving this sudden change? While the specifics of atmospheric patterns can get technical, the gist is that a shift in weather systems is allowing warmer Pacific air to sweep over the city. This type of pattern isn’t unheard of for Vancouver, especially during the transitional months, but the timing and intensity of this particular warm spell have caught some by surprise.
Of course, Vancouver’s trademark rain is never far behind. The ECCC forecast calls for showers to return to the city starting Tuesday, January 27. The rain is expected to stick around for much of the week, so umbrellas and waterproof jackets will once again become essential accessories for anyone venturing outdoors. And if the rain alone weren’t enough, wind is also in the forecast, with gusty conditions expected to accompany the wet weather. It’s a classic Vancouver scenario: just when you think you can stash away your winter gear, you need to reach for your raincoat instead.
For those who have grown weary of the cold, the warmer temperatures will be a welcome relief—even if it comes with a side of sogginess. The forecast suggests that the city will enjoy daytime highs of 10°C from Tuesday through Sunday, a stretch of mildness that feels almost spring-like compared to the recent freeze. Even the nighttime temperatures are cooperating, with overnight lows predicted to dip only to 6°C on both Tuesday and Friday. That means no more scraping ice off windshields or tiptoeing over frozen sidewalks, at least for now.
The timing of this warm-up couldn’t be better for anyone looking to get out and enjoy the city. As Daily Hive points out, there are plenty of activities on tap for the week ahead, from The Heat International Comedy Showcase to a performance by Merkules, running January 26 to February 1. For those who prefer to stay dry, there are also indoor options to explore—check out the "Listed" section for more ideas on how to make the most of the milder weather, rain or shine.
But while Vancouverites may be tempted to grumble about the rain, it’s worth remembering that things could always be worse. As the Daily Hive cheekily notes, “we don’t have it nearly as bad as our friends in Alberta.” While Vancouver prepares for a wet (but warm) week, other parts of Canada are still grappling with harsher winter conditions. It’s all relative, after all.
It’s not just Environment and Climate Change Canada that’s keeping a close eye on the forecast. Steve Ruddick, a weather forecaster with CHCH, also weighed in with his evening forecast for January 26 and the days ahead, echoing the message of milder temperatures and unsettled conditions. While Ruddick’s coverage is more regional, it underscores the broader trend of shifting weather patterns across the country as January draws to a close.
So, what’s the bottom line for Vancouver residents? The coming week will bring a taste of spring, with temperatures soaring into the double digits and nighttime lows remaining comfortably above freezing. But the price of this warmth is a steady dose of rain and wind, so outdoor plans may require a bit of flexibility—and a sturdy umbrella.
For those keeping score, here’s how the forecast shapes up: starting Tuesday, January 27, highs will reach 10°C and stay there through Sunday, February 1. Rain is expected to begin on Tuesday and continue for much of the week, with wind adding an extra layer of challenge for anyone braving the elements. Overnight lows will be relatively mild, dropping only to 6°C on Tuesday and Friday evenings. The information comes straight from Environment and Climate Change Canada and is backed up by meteorologist Bobby Sekhon, whose insights provide added context to the official numbers.
While the rain may dampen some spirits, it’s hard to complain too much about the prospect of warmer weather—especially after a stretch of freezing temperatures that had many longing for a change. And as always, Vancouver’s vibrant calendar of events offers plenty of ways to make the most of the city, rain or shine.
As January winds down and February approaches, the city finds itself in that familiar dance between winter and spring, with weather that can swing from icy to mild and back again in the blink of an eye. For now, though, the forecast is clear: warmer days are ahead, even if they come wrapped in a blanket of rain and wind.
So, hang onto your umbrellas and enjoy the milder air—because in Vancouver, you never know when the next cold snap might arrive. Until then, a little rain seems a small price to pay for a break from the cold.