If there’s one thing every Calgarian knows, it’s that our city serves up a full menu of driving conditions – sometimes all in the same week. From January’s icy blacktop to July’s surprise hailstorms, each season brings its own challenges to the road.
At ADC Driving School, we’ve been teaching drivers how to handle Calgary’s ever-changing conditions for years. Whether you’re a new driver or just looking to sharpen your seasonal skills, this month-by-month guide will help you stay safe no matter what the weather throws at you.
Winter Warriors: December – February
January’s Black Ice
That innocent-looking wet patch? Probably black ice. Calgary’s winter thaw-and-freeze cycles create invisible hazards, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Pro Tip: If your steering feels light, you’re probably on ice. Ease off the gas and avoid sudden movements.
February Deep Freeze
-20°C mornings mean cold starts and frozen windshield wipers. Your car’s fluids thicken, and batteries struggle.
Vehicle Prep:
• Switch to winter-grade oil
• Keep your gas tank at least half full
• Pack an emergency kit with blankets and jumper cables
Spring Surprises: March – May
April’s Pothole Pandemonium
That winter we just survived? It leaves behind Calgary’s infamous pothole season. Memorial Drive becomes an obstacle course by April.
Route Hack: Stick to the left lane on major routes – it tends to be smoother as trucks usually drive in the right lane.
May Showers (and Flooding)
Sudden downpours can overwhelm storm drains, creating dangerous standing water.
Driving Technique:
• Avoid deep puddles – you can’t see the bottom
• If you hydroplane, ease off the gas and steer straight
Summer Challenges: June – August
July Hail Storms
Nothing ruins a summer drive like golf ball-sized hail. Calgary averages 9-12 hail days per year.
Local Wisdom:
• Check the radar if clouds look suspicious
• Know covered parking options along your regular routes
Stampede Traffic
Downtown becomes a maze of pedestrians, Uber drop-offs, and distracted drivers during the 10 days of Stampede.
Alternate Routes:
• Use 9th Avenue instead of 6th for east-west travel
• The 5th Street underpass is often less congested
Autumn Adjustments: September – November
October Wildlife Crossings
Deer and moose become more active at dawn and dusk, especially near city edges like Tuscany or Fish Creek Park.
Defensive Move:
• Scan the sides of the road in rural areas
• If you see one animal, expect more
November’s First Snow
That first snowfall catches everyone off guard. Roads are extra slippery as the season’s first oil and rubber residue mixes with snow.
Tire Tip:
Don’t wait until December to install winter tires. The first major snowfall often causes multi-car pileups.
Your Seasonal Vehicle Checklist
Spring:
- Replace wiper blades
- Check tire pressure as temperatures rise
- Clean winter salt residue from undercarriage
Summer:
- Test A/C system
- Check coolant levels
- Keep extra water in trunk
- Check tires
Fall:
- Inspect all lights
- Top up windshield fluid
- Pack an emergency weather kit
- Check tires
Winter:
- Install winter tires
- Test battery
- Keep ice scraper and shovel accessible
Become a Seasoned Calgary Driver
At ADC Driving School, our year-round packages ensure you’re prepared for whatever conditions Calgary throws your way. From summer storm strategies to advanced winter driving techniques, we’ll help you develop the skills and confidence to handle all four seasons safely.
Ready to master Calgary’s ever-changing roads? Contact ADC Driving School today to book your driving lessons. Whether you’re preparing for your first winter or just want to brush up on summer safety, our certified instructors will help you drive with confidence all year long.
Remember – in Calgary, the only predictable thing about our weather is its unpredictability. With the right training and preparation, you’ll be ready for anything from a Chinook wind to a spring snowstorm. See you on the road!
