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Vancouver, British Columbia10K Usually the third Sunday of April

Vancouver Sun Run Weather & What to Wear

Canada's biggest 10K, from downtown over the Burrard Bridge to BC Place. Mid-April in Vancouver is cool and often drizzly despite the name.

The quick answer

Plan for about 49°F (9°C) at the 09:00 start, feeling like 44°F (7°C), with 78% humidity and 7 mph wind, warming to roughly 51°F (11°C) by the finish. It rained on 3 of the last 10 race days. Wear: Long Sleeve Tech Shirt, Capris or Light Tights, Running Cap, Waterproof Jacket.

Feels like 44°F (7°C) at the start · finish 51°F (11°C) · rain 3 of 10 · start air from 40°F (4°C) to 59°F (15°C)

Race-day weather, 2016 to 2025

Conditions at the 09:00 start on the race's usual date each year (usually the third Sunday of April). Years when the race was cancelled or moved still show that date's weather. Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 archive.

No time in mind?
PR band2025202420232022coldest202120202019201820172016warmest30°F40°F50°F60°F70°F

Bar: air temperature from start to finish · dot: feels-like effective temperature · ≫ windy (15+ mph) · rain · shaded: PR band 40–50°F

See the numbers
YearStart tempFeels likeFinishHumidityWindRainSky
202549°F (9°C)42°F49°F77%10 mph–Overcast
202448°F (9°C)43°F49°F75%5 mph0.08 inClear
202345°F (7°C)40°F45°F91%8 mph0.43 inRain
202240°F (4°C)32°F42°F83%10 mph–Drizzle
202156°F (13°C)54°F58°F65%2 mph–Mostly clear
202050°F (10°C)45°F51°F83%9 mph–Overcast
201951°F (11°C)43°F53°F74%14 mph–Mostly clear
201844°F (7°C)41°F46°F89%4 mph0.08 inOvercast
201746°F (8°C)43°F49°F77%1 mph–Overcast
201659°F (15°C)56°F64°F69%5 mph–Overcast

Coldest start: 40°F (4°C) in 2022. Warmest: 59°F (15°C) in 2016. Wettest: 0.43 in in 2023.

How we estimate this

The time estimates apply published temperature–performance curves to this race's ten-year weather history. Performance peaks at an effective race temperature of roughly 40 to 50°F and degrades faster the warmer it gets and the slower you run (Ely et al., 2007; El Helou et al., 2012). Wind adds a cost that grows with the square of the wind speed (Pugh, 1971), split into head and tail components on point-to-point courses. Shorter races are penalised less. This is a model, not a prediction; your training and the course matter more.

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What to wear for a typical Sun Run

Built from the 10-year average start conditions by the same engine as the live tool. Treat optional items as corral-only layers you can shed.

Upper body

  • essential

    Long Sleeve Tech Shirt

    Breathable moisture-wicking fabric

  • essential

    Waterproof Jacket

    Breathable rain protection

Lower body

  • essential

    Capris or Light Tights

    3/4 length for moderate warmth

Accessories

  • recommended

    Light Gloves

    Thin running gloves

  • recommended

    Headband

    Ear coverage without overheating

  • essential

    Running Cap

    Keep rain out of eyes

Footwear

  • recommended

    Trail or Waterproof Shoes

    Better grip and water resistance

Race-day tips for the Sun Run

  • •This is near-ideal racing weather. Dress as if it were 15°F warmer than the start temperature and resist the urge to add a layer.
  • •Humidity here is high. Sweat will not evaporate well, so wear the lightest, most open fabric you own and apply anti-chafe balm generously.
  • •It has rained on 3 of the last 10 race days. Pack a brimmed cap and a disposable poncho for the start, and consider a second pair of socks for the drop bag.
  • •Nothing new on race day: run your long runs in exactly what you plan to race in, including the socks.

Race-day gear picks

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Frequently asked questions

What is the weather usually like for the Vancouver Sun Run?

Over 2016 to 2025 the start averaged 49°F (9°C) (feels like 44°F (7°C)) with 78% humidity and 7 mph wind, warming to about 51°F (11°C) by the finish. It rained measurably on 3 of those 10 race days. The coldest start was 40°F (4°C) in 2022; the warmest was 59°F (15°C) in 2016.

What should I wear for the Sun Run?

For a typical 49°F (9°C) start: Long Sleeve Tech Shirt, Capris or Light Tights, Running Cap, Waterproof Jacket. Dress for about 15°F warmer than the start temperature, since the race itself adds that much, and plan to shed anything you only need in the corral.

When is the next Sun Run?

The Vancouver Sun Run is usually held on usually the third Sunday of April. The next expected date is Sunday, April 18, 2027. Confirm on the official site, since dates occasionally move.

How accurate is the race-day forecast?

The live forecast on this page comes from Open-Meteo and unlocks 16 days before the race. Forecasts inside 7 days are reliable for temperature within a few degrees; rain timing firms up in the last 2 to 3 days. Until then, the 10-year history above is the best planning guide.

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