Mount Cayley

Mountain Stratovolcano in coastal British Columbia

In British Columbia’s Coast Mountains, Mount Cayley is a volcanic massif reached by experienced climbers and backcountry skiers; visitors approach via forested valleys, glaciers and monitored volcanic terrain.

Main image
Mount Cayley
Coast Mountains, near Squamish-Whistler corridor, British Columbia (no formal address)
50.1196, -123.2902
Open year‑round (daylight hours); snow and avalanche seasons close many approaches
Free (wilderness access); fees may apply for guided glacier routes

How to Get to Mount Cayley #

Typical approaches begin from the Squamish-Whistler corridor; follow logging and service roads toward Callaghan Valley and then to designated trailheads. Many approaches require river crossings and bushwhacking; use local guides or current trail reports.

Tips for Visiting Mount Cayley #

  • Approach via Squamish or Whistler and then take the Forest Service roads toward Mount Cayley; check road access and washouts with BC Parks.
  • Mount Cayley is in a glaciated volcanic complex - crampons and avalanche awareness are essential outside summer.
  • This is active volcanic terrain with hot springs nearby; follow local signage and park regulations.

Best Time to Visit Mount Cayley #

Best visited in mid‑ to late summer for the safest glacier conditions and packable approaches; the area is remote and weather‑sensitive.

Summer
July-September · 5-18°C
Best for alpine travel: reduced snowpack but still glaciated - ideal for experienced mountaineers.
Late spring
May-June · 0-10°C
Longer days but unstable snow bridges; only for those with snow travel experience.

Weather & Climate near Mount Cayley #

Climate

Mount Cayley's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from -12°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1366 mm/year), wettest in November.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
15°
Warmest Month
-12°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -12°C. Significant rainfall (169 mm).

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-12° -3°

Weather

169 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm).

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-10° -1°

Weather

126 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -9°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-9° -1°

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

88 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

134 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -9°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (184 mm).

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-9° -1°

Weather

184 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -12°C. Significant rainfall (168 mm).

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-12° -4°

Weather

168 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

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