So, last week I shared a few reflections on my first winter here in Québec. I discussed the pros, cons and everything that has surprised me. As we round out the season, I’m quite ready for the snow to melt and to shed the 3 – 5 layers I average anytime I step outside. HOWEVER, I have come to realize there isn’t really such a thing as the perfect climate, weather or winter.
I’m sure you’re all thinking – WHAT?!?! WTF? Have you lost your mind lady? Of course there’s the perfect weather [insert your dream here – i.e. snowy powder in the Rockies, year-round Caribbean sun, etc.]
Please, let me explain.
The realization dawned on me the other day while I was out for a walk. As I reflected back on how much I ended up enjoying my first “real” winter and subsequently, concluded I was quite ready for it to end, I found myself missing certain aspects of the Pacific Northwest climate, as well as other places I’ve spent time.
Some examples of what I miss about the PNW/Seattle:
- Temps rarely drop below freezing.
- Lack of ice to slip on.
- Minimal high winds.
- SNOW DAYS!
Other places I’ve spent time and enjoyed the weather:
- California/Australia – Year round sun and beach weather, need I say more?
- Southwest of France – Actual seasons but plenty of sun throughout.
- Ireland – Similar to home.
You get the idea!
This then led me to think about the many aspects of various climates I don’t like.
Back home in the PNW I really don’t love –
- Extremely short days in the winter (we’re actually further north than Montréal/New England/other snowy places).
- Constant drizzle and rain.
- Extreme panic and shutdowns when it does snow.
- Gray and clouds literally ALL THE TIME.
So you see, there really isn’t the “perfect” climate. I’ll admit younger me constantly dreamed of moving somewhere sunny, originally it was my main motivation to travel – to miss as much of PNW winter as possible.
If only I could go back and tell myself to just embrace it, no matter where in the world I was, I would’ve had much happier periods and probably been consistently healthier as well. Even those “paradise-esque” destinations I always romanticized aren’t perfect.
Issues with Paradise
Australia and California have major wildfire issues (something more recently we’ve come to have to deal with back home in the PNW). The Southwest of France can be a bit too hot and windy. Ireland has many of the same issues as home, with a lot of the housing less equipped to dealing with it!
So let’s challenge this “island in the sun” paradise myth. There is no “best” place, “ideal” weather or “perfect climate”. Now, I’m not saying this to challenge travel in any way, quite the contrary actually.
I’d argue this is even more of a reason to travel, not in search of “paradise” à la The Beach, Eat Pray Love, etc. – but to experience numerous climates and cultures. Sure we can embrace winter where we live, no matter how imperfect it is, but it’s also okay to want to chuck it for a few weeks and head to a more tropical locale.
Likewise, if you live somewhere people dub “paradise” you don’t have to love it 100% of the time, feel free to leave and hit the slopes somewhere colder and more mountainous or revel in the sleepy grey corners of the world like my hometown.
This past year most of us have spent more grounded than ever before, so if you’re like me, you’re itching to get back out there. Sure, Québec has taught me the very important lesson of embracing winter and it’s improved my mental and physical health immensely, however I’d be very happy to skip mid-February through mid-March when I just want spring and wait it out somewhere 5 layers isn’t required.
Tips for surviving all types of weather
Dress for it!
Whether you’re somewhere it’d be a good idea to have decent rain gear or enjoying a proper winter where you’ll want multiple wool layers or perhaps somewhere “winter” means occasional light rain and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (low teens Celsius), if you don’t have the proper attire, it’s a recipe for disaster.
Prepare yourself mentally.
This is the biggest lesson I’ve learned over the years, attitude is truly everything. If you always dread winter (or any season), it’s going to hit you WAY harder than if you try to see the brightside. Look forward to cozy weekends with hot chocolate and Netflix. Plan which winter sport you want to get into this year.
Of course, there are going to be some days where you’ll find it extremely hard to see the bright side. That’s okay! Just don’t make that the habit ALL winter.
Do things you like throughout the season.
As with anything, if you have stuff to look forward to, it’ll be easier to not feel down in the dumps about it. So, even if you’re not a winter activity person, try and schedule things that bring you happiness.
Maybe it’s weekly coffee with friends. Or a dance class every Wednesday. Or perhaps a big baking day on the weekend, whatever brings you joy, embracing it throughout the season will make it not only bearable, but enjoyable as well.
How about you? What is your “perfect” climate? How do you like the climate where you live?