Nova Scotia Spring Temperatures: 5-18°C (41-64°F)
SPRING TEMPERATURE PROGRESSION:
• Early March: 1-8°C (34-46°F)
• Late March: 3-10°C (37-50°F)
• Early April: 4-12°C (39-54°F)
• Late April: 6-15°C (43-59°F)
• Early May: 8-16°C (46-61°F)
• Late May: 10-18°C (50-64°F)
Temperature Variability
DAILY TEMPERATURE SWINGS:
• Morning Lows: Can be 10-15°C cooler than afternoon
• Afternoon Highs: Peak temperatures 2-4 PM
• Evening Cool-down: Rapid temperature drop after sunset
• Coastal vs Inland: Inland areas more extreme swings
• Elevation Effects: Higher areas 2-5°C cooler
Comfort Level Guide
HOW TEMPERATURES FEEL:
• 5-8°C (41-46°F): Cool, need jacket and layers
• 9-12°C (48-54°F): Mild, light jacket sufficient
• 13-15°C (55-59°F): Comfortable, sweater weather
• 16-18°C (61-64°F): Pleasant, t-shirt possible in sun
• Wind Factor: Maritime winds make it feel 3-5°C cooler
Regional Temperature Variations
SPRING TEMPS BY REGION:
• Halifax Metro: 6-17°C (ocean moderated)
• Annapolis Valley: 7-19°C (protected valley)
• Cape Breton: 4-16°C (highland influence)
• South Shore: 5-17°C (maritime exposure)
• Interior Areas: 3-20°C (most variable)
• Coastal vs Inland: 2-4°C difference typical
Clothing Recommendations
DRESSING FOR SPRING TEMPERATURES:
• Base Layer: Light long-sleeve shirt or t-shirt
• Mid Layer: Sweater or fleece (easily removable)
• Outer Layer: Light jacket or windbreaker
• Lower Body: Long pants, avoid shorts until late May
• Footwear: Closed shoes, boots for cooler days
• Accessories: Light hat and gloves for early morning
Activity Suitability
ACTIVITIES BY TEMPERATURE RANGE:
• 5-8°C: Indoor attractions, brief outdoor walks
• 9-12°C: Hiking with layers, photography tours
• 13-15°C: Extended outdoor activities, sightseeing
• 16-18°C: All outdoor activities, picnics possible
• Ocean Activities: Still too cold for swimming
Temperature Trends
WARMING PROGRESSION:
• March: Average increase 2°C per week
• April: Average increase 1.5°C per week
• May: Average increase 1°C per week
• Warmest Part of Day: 2:00-4:00 PM
• Coolest Part of Day: 6:00-8:00 AM
Weather Pattern Effects
FACTORS AFFECTING SPRING TEMPS:
• Cold Snaps: Arctic air can drop temps 5-10°C
• Warm Spells: Southern airflow raises temps 8-12°C
• Rainy Days: Cooler by 3-5°C than sunny days
• Wind Chill: Strong winds make it feel much cooler
• Snow Cover: Reflects heat, keeps temps lower
Comparison to Other Seasons
SPRING VS OTHER SEASONS:
• Winter: 8-13°C warmer than winter averages
• Summer: 7-10°C cooler than summer peaks
• Fall: Similar to October temperatures
• Most Variable: Spring has greatest day-to-day changes
Temperature Records
SPRING TEMPERATURE EXTREMES:
• Record High: 29°C (84°F) in late May
• Record Low: -15°C (5°F) in early March
• Typical Range: 90% of days within 5-18°C
• Extreme Days: <5°C or >20°C about 10% of spring
• Frost Possible: Until mid-May in inland areas
Travel Planning Tips
TEMPERATURE-BASED PLANNING:
• Pack Layers: Essential for variable conditions
• Check Forecasts: Daily variation significant
• Morning Plans: Account for cooler starts
• Afternoon Activities: Take advantage of warmth
• Evening Dining: May need jacket for patios
Health Considerations
TEMPERATURE-RELATED HEALTH TIPS:
• Hypothermia Risk: Low but possible in wet conditions
• Dehydration: Less likely but stay hydrated
• Joint Effects: Cool weather may affect arthritis
• Allergies: Tree pollen increases as temps rise
• Vitamin D: More sun exposure as temps improve
Ocean and Water Temperatures
WATER TOO COLD FOR SWIMMING:
• Ocean Temperature: 2-8°C (36-46°F)
• Lakes: 4-12°C (39-54°F) by late May
• Rivers: Highly variable, generally cold
• Wetsuit Recommended: For any water activities
• Hypothermia Risk: Very high without protection
Growing Season Start
TEMPERATURE-TRIGGERED NATURAL EVENTS:
• 5°C Sustained: Grass begins growing
• 10°C Sustained: Trees begin budding
• 15°C Days: Leaf emergence accelerates
• 18°C Reached: Full spring foliage development
• Last Frost: Risk until 12-15°C nighttime lows