Community Characteristics

Weather

Summers are moderately warm and rainy with cold and very snowy winters.  Spring is paired with winter like temperatures ( and is often very cold and long which can create “seasonal affective disorder”) and summer hits with a vengeance out of nowhere not preparing you for hot and humid days resulting in week long stints of +20°c that feel like a sticky +30°c. Fall time in the metro area is slightly later, beautiful and very pleasant, yet the late fall, be prepared for hurricane season, which lasts until the end of the year. The North East Avalon winters are grey, full of freak snowstorms, and can often dump whole seasons worth of snow in hours, that disappear with rain.

Spring ranges from: -5°c to + 15°c

Summer ranges from: +15°c to +30°c

Fall ranges from: +15°c to +20°c

Winter ranges from: -15°c to +10°c

Population Characteristics

The population is approximately 132,166 which is the second largest city in Atlantic Canada. The metropolitan area has an estimated population of 239,000 as of 2024 making it 22^nd largest in the country.  

Spoken Languages

St. John’s is primarily an English-speaking community, though many residents also speak French as a second language. French is taught in the public school system, with students choosing from regular classroom study or the Intensive Core or Immersion programs.

Public Safety

• Four seasons of clothing are a must.
• Suggested studded winter tires if commuting the highways.
• Snowblowers are essential, especially if located along snowbelt areas.
• Fans and AC units for hot summer days and nights.
• Rain jackets, windbreakers, umbrellas, and a good pair of boots can be your best friend.