When Is The Best Time To Visit Newfoundland & Labrador?
Are you planning a trip to the amazing province of Newfoundland and Labrador? Here is some information about the best time to visit Newfoundland. Only Newfoundland? Yes! This guide focuses on the prime time to visit “The Rock”.
Learn about the best months to see icebergs, whales, puffins, and more. If you are looking for a full itinerary on Newfoundland, visit our post for information on How to Visit Picturesque Newfoundland and Labrador: A 12-Day Itinerary.
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When Is the Best Time to Visit Newfoundland?
Is there really a bad time to visit Newfoundland? Nah, definitely not. If you want to get outside and enjoy the amazing scenery, it’s best to go in the late spring, summer, and fall – May through October. Going during these times will give you a better chance to see icebergs, puffins, and whales.
Newfoundland sees temperatures averaging around 61°F (16 °C). Winter months are cold, with an average of around 32 F (0 C). Summer brings warm temperatures up to 77 F (25 C). If you ask us, 77 with a nice coastal breeze sounds pretty amazing!
Peak travel season is during the summer months, so keep that in mind while making your plans. That being said, when we traveled here in July, we had no issues with overtourism, and it did not feel like the island was crowded. If you want our honest opinion, the best time to visit Newfoundland is in June or July. Though Newfoundland is an amazing place to visit anytime!
Icebergs
Icebergs start arriving in Newfoundland in the early spring months. Late May and early June are peak months for iceberg viewing in Newfoundland. That being said, you might just see some as early as April or as late as July. We got super lucky on our trip and saw plenty of icebergs in July! We totally thought we would miss iceberg season, but we got super lucky.
Honestly, you won’t understand how amazing it is to see an iceberg until you see one in person. The sheer magnitude and beauty of seeing a 10,000-year-old chunk of ice floating around in the ocean is nothing short of breathtaking! In Newfoundland, you can take a boat tour to get up close and personal with a berg!
To have the best chance of seeing an iceberg, head to the Iceberg Capital of the World: Twillingate.
🐳 Don’t forget to check out the tours and things to do in Newfoundland. Go on a food tour, city tour, or head out to sea to look for whales and puffins!
Puffins
Where else can you spend hours watching Puffins? Elliston, of course! This is hands down the best spot in Newfoundland to view puffins and watch their silly antics. Puffins nest here from May to September. They were out playing during our visit in July, and this was one of the most memorable experiences we had in Newfoundland. Get the details on visiting Elliston and what to do after!
Whales
Looking to catch a glimpse of a majestic whale? Newfoundland is your destination. Each year, between the months of May and October, thousands of whales come to feed off the coast of Newfoundland. Peak season here is usually in the month of July. If you are lucky like us, you will see both whales AND icebergs during your adventures.
If you think seeing an iceberg is cool, seeing a whale might exceed your expectations! It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience. When traveling throughout Newfoundland, we saw whales in Twillingate, Bonavista, and Ferryland.
Keep your eyes peeled for a whale exhaling along the coast – if you see a waterspout, you have struck gold! Additionally, whale watching tours are offered in select locations around Newfoundland, such as St. John’s, Trinity, Bonavista, and more.
Rental Cars
One word of advice on renting a car in Newfoundland is to do it as soon as you know the dates of your trip. Some rental car agencies can run out of rental cars during the peak summer travel months, so book early. Here are some best practices for renting a car. You can compare rental car companies and pricing here at Expedia or Booking.com.
Final Reflections
Are you sold on visiting Newfoundland? You should be. We think the best time to visit Newfoundland is June and July for the best chance of seeing whales, icebergs, and puffins during the same trip. We absolutely loved our trip here and would not hesitate to return to this amazing Canadian province.
Where to Stay in St. John’s, Newfoundland
There are tons of fun and unique places to stay in St. John’s, Newfoundland. While staying here, you can choose from hotels, homes, and historic locations across the city. Here are some of the top options below:
- Murray Premises Hotel – best seller and top-rated! Located on the harbourfront, this old-style hotel with exposed beams and brick walls is perfect for walking downtown St. John’s. Book right here on Expedia or Booking.com.
- Alt Hotel St. John’s – panoramic views of the St. John’s harbour and a lobby cafe. Located steps from downtown and the Signal Hill hiking trails. Reserve your stay now on Expedia or Booking.com
- JAG Boutique Hotel – 60s and 70s rock memorabilia themed. Historic and scenic Water Street is just a short walk away with plenty of shops, dining, and bars. Check out the prices and compare rates on Expedia or Booking.com.
- The Elizabeth Manor Guest House – breakfast included! Located right downtown in the historic East End. Check it out on Expedia or Booking.com.
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