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Prince Edward Island is both an island and a province of Canada (although it is nearly uniformly abbreviated as "PEI" by Canadians). Prince Edward Island is a perfect destination for nature lovers. The island is idyllic in the peak travel season (although that season is quite short). The island has comparatively mild weather for the region, although there are a number of reasons why summer is the best time to visit.

While on Prince Edward Island, consider taking the 'island walk' and discover much of the natural beauty and charming towns of the island. Another rewarding activity on the island is taking a food tour through Prince Edward Island. The island is one of the most laid-back and stunning places to visit in Canada.

What To Know Of Canada's Smallest But Most Dreamy Province

While Prince Edward Island is the smallest Canadian province in both land and population, it is the most densely populated (many Canadian provinces have vast areas of largely uninhabited land). The island is famous for its dreamy and stunning natural beauty. Its beauty has earned it the nickname "Garden of the Gulf" (and for its role in the Confederation of Canada, the "Birthplace of Confederation")

  • Capital: Charlottetown (Also the Largest City)
  • Population: 155,000

PEI is one of the three Maritime provinces (which include Nova Scotia and New Brunswick) and one of the four Atlantic provinces (which includes Newfoundland and Labrador). Prince Edward Island was first colonized by the French in 1604 but subsequently won by the British.

Something akin to Idaho, PEI has a reputation for potatoes (it produces around 25% of Canada's potatoes).

The green rolling hills and old settlements of the island make it one of the most picturesque and romantic places to visit in Eastern Canada.

Related: Why You Should Be Visiting Newfoundland, If Only For These Unique Accommodations

The Climate Of Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island has a maritime climate influenced by the surrounding seas (that being said, the surrounding Gulf of Saint Lawrence freezes over in the winter). Its climate is milder than inland locations in the region, thanks to the warm waters from the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Its weather is changeable throughout the year.

In the summer, the average daytime high in PEI is 23 °C (73 °F), with temperatures sometimes exceeding 30 °C (86 °F).

When things chill off in the winter, the average daytime is a frosty −3.3 °C (26 °F). The mean temperature in January is −7 °C (19 °F), So winters are considered moderately cold but are milder than inland locations in the area. The island can experience blizzards in the winter, and the island gets many storms.

  • Annual Rainfall: 855 mm or 33.7 Inches
  • Annual Snowfall: 2,850 mm or 112 Inches

Spring temperatures typically remain cool until the sea ice melts - normally by late April or early May.

The summers on the island are moderately warm, and the autumns are pleasant.

Related: Why Nova Scotia Is A Dream Destination Among Many Travelers

When Is The Best Time To Visit Prince Edward Island

All this is to say that the best time to visit Prince Edward Island is in the summer and perhaps the autumn. The peak travel season to Prince Edward Island is brief and is normally only in the months of July and August.

  • Peak Season: July & August
  • Best Time To Visit: Summer
  • Average Summer High: 23 °C (73 °F)

The six to seven weeks in July and August are the best times to visit the island (although this is also when prices are likely to be the highest). Much of Canada has humid summers, but in PEI, they are comfortable.

One should consider visiting Prince Edward Island from the start of June in the beginning of summer (although June can still be a little windy and chilly). The hottest month of the year is July, and it is the ideal time to plan excursions and explorations on the island. August continues the good weather and with the days being warm and sunny with cloudless skies.

Summer is also the time that puts the 'green' into Anne of Green Gables. The island was the setting that Lucy Maud Montgomery drew from for her classic novel Anne of Green Gables (1908)

By the end of August, one can feel the fall season creeping in, and soon as September rolls in, the colors of the leaves start to change. The days get progressively cooler, drier, and shorter as winter marches on. The fall is a great time for hiking and enjoying the foliage on PEI.