Last Updated on March 22, 2024

When you think of Kelowna, British Columbia, what comes to mind? For many, it’s the stunning Okanagan Lake, the rolling vineyards, or the picturesque hiking trails.

Kelowna boasts an array of natural wonders waiting to be explored.

From the tranquil Waterfront Park offering stunning views of Okanagan Lake to the rugged trails of Knox Mountain providing panoramic vistas of the cityscape, nature lovers will find themselves immersed in the beauty of the region.

For those seeking thrills, Myra Canyon Adventure Park offers ziplining and treetop courses amidst breathtaking scenery.

But can the area around Kelowna be considered a desert? Not quite.

Canada does not have true deserts in the traditional sense due to its higher levels of precipitation.

The closest Canada comes to a desert is the Osoyoos Desert in the South Okanagan region of British Columbia.

This area is classified as a semi-arid desert and is home to unique and fragile desert-like habitats, such as the Antelope-brush shrub-steppe, which supports a high concentration of at-risk plant species and rare insects.


Climate of Kelowna

Kelowna, nestled in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, is known for its unique climate. Unlike an actual desert, which is characterized by minimal rainfall and extreme temperatures, Kelowna experiences a humid continental climate or an inland oceanic climate. This means it enjoys four distinct seasons, each with its own charm.

During the summer, Kelowna is dry, hot, and sunny, which might lead some to believe it’s a desert. However, the key difference lies in the winter.

Unlike deserts, which can be extremely cold but rarely see precipitation, Kelowna has cool, cloudy winters.

The average temperature in Kelowna is 8.4 °C | 47.2 °F, a far cry from the scorching heat experienced in many deserts.

Moreover, Kelowna receives an annual rainfall of 691 mm | 27.2 inch, significantly more than the sparse rainfall typical of desert regions.


Read also: Discover Ontario’s Unconventional Deserts

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