TireTalk

As winter fades across Canada, one of the most common questions drivers ask is when to switch back from winter tires to all-weather tires. Timing this change correctly helps you maximize tire life, improve handling, and stay compliant with provincial regulations.

As tire specialists at tirewarehouse.ca, we’ve broken it down province by province, using climate patterns and local driving conditions to guide you.

🇨🇦 General Rule Across Canada

Switch from winter to all-weather tires when:

• Daily temperatures stay consistently above 7°C (45°F)

• Snow and ice are no longer part of your regular commute

• Road salt and slush have mostly cleared

All-weather tires are designed to handle mild spring conditions without the accelerated wear that winter tires suffer in warmer temperatures.

When to Switch by Province

British Columbia

Best time: Late March to April

• Coastal areas (Vancouver, Victoria) warm earlier

• Interior & mountain regions may need winter tires until April

• Highway mountain routes may still require winter-rated tires

Alberta

Best time: Mid to late April

• Weather fluctuates heavily

• Calgary & Edmonton drivers should wait for stable temperatures

• Late snowfalls are common

Saskatchewan

Best time: Late April

• Long winters and cold springs

• All-weather tires perform well once frost risk drops

Manitoba

Best time: Late April to early May

• Winters linger longer

• Switching too early increases safety risk

Ontario

Best time: Early to mid-April

• Southern Ontario warms sooner

• Northern regions should wait until late April

• Mandatory winter tire insurance discounts often end around April

Quebec

Best time: After March 15 (legal minimum)

• Winter tires are mandatory until March 15

• Best performance comes from waiting until early April

New Brunswick

Best time: Mid-April

• Spring conditions stabilize later than Ontario

• Coastal weather can remain unpredictable

Nova Scotia

Best time: Early to mid-April

• Milder winters, but wet roads

• All-weather tires offer excellent spring grip

Prince Edward Island

Best time: Early April

• Small province, fast seasonal transitions

• Watch for morning frost

Newfoundland and Labrador

Best time: Late April to May

• Long winters, frequent late snow

• Switching too early is not recommended

Why Timing Matters

Switching too early:

• Accelerates winter tire wear

• Reduces braking performance

• Increases road noise and fuel consumption

Switching too late:

• Wastes winter tire lifespan

• Reduces dry-road handling

All-weather tires are a perfect bridge once winter conditions fully fade.