Best and Worst Times to Move in Calgary (Stampede Edition)

Calgary's moving demand follows a pattern shaped by extreme seasons, a massive summer festival, and the rhythm of Alberta's lease cycle. Whether you're trying to save money or avoid logistical chaos, knowing when to move — and when to avoid it — can save you hundreds of dollars and a lot of stress. Here's the month-by-month breakdown from our crews who move Calgarians year-round.

Month-by-Month Moving Demand in Calgary

January & February: Low Season

Calgary's coldest months average -7°C to -11°C, but chinooks can swing temperatures to +15°C with a day's notice. Moving demand is at its annual low, which means the cheapest rates and best crew availability. The catch: snow route parking bans can restrict truck parking on major residential streets with as little as 24 hours notice. Check Calgary's snow route map before booking. For full winter details, see our guide to moving in Calgary during winter.

March & April: Low–Moderate

Spring arrives unevenly — Calgary can get major snowstorms well into April. Alberta's spring road bans run from March 1 to June 1, reducing truck weight limits by 25% on secondary roads. This mostly affects large moves with heavy loads — your moving company should know the primary road routes that bypass restrictions. Demand is still relatively low with decent pricing.

May: Moderate (Rising)

Warm weather arrives and moving demand starts climbing. Still a good window for competitive pricing — you can typically book 2 weeks ahead. University of Calgary semester ends in late April, creating a brief surge in student moves around the Brentwood and University District areas.

June: High Season Begins

Peak season kicks in as families want to move before the school year. Canada Day long weekend (July 1) is extremely busy. Book 3-4 weeks ahead for your preferred date. Prices are 15-25% higher than winter rates.

July: Peak Season + The Stampede Factor

July is Calgary's busiest moving month — and it collides head-on with the Calgary Stampede (typically the first Friday in July through July 13-14). The Stampede draws over 1.2 million visitors and transforms the city's traffic patterns for 10 days.

The Stampede Survival Guide for Movers

If you must move during Stampede (July 4-13, 2025 / early July 2026), plan for these disruptions:

• Stampede Park (Victoria Park/Stampede LRT area): Streets south of the CP Rail tracks between Macleod Trail and Elbow River are chaos. If you're moving in the Beltline, East Village, or Victoria Park — add 30-60 minutes for truck routing.

• Parade route (opening Friday): The Stampede Parade runs along 6th Avenue and 9th Avenue through downtown. Road closures start at 7 AM and last until early afternoon. If your move crosses downtown, schedule arrival before 6:30 AM or after 2 PM on parade day.

• Parking pressure: Stampede visitors park in every neighbourhood within a 2 km radius of Stampede Park. Beltline, Mission, Cliff Bungalow, and Erlton lose virtually all street parking. If you need loading zone space for a moving truck, apply for a street use parking permit well in advance.

• Stampede Breakfasts: Community Stampede Breakfasts happen in parking lots across the city and can block access to some residential areas. Check your neighbourhood association's schedule.

Our recommendation: If possible, move the week before or the week after Stampede rather than during it. If your move date is locked in during Stampede, start early (7 AM) and plan routes that avoid Macleod Trail and the downtown core.

August: Peak (Sustained)

Still peak season. Over 35% of annual moves happen June through August. The Stampede is over but demand remains high. Heritage Day long weekend (first Monday of August) is a popular move date — book well ahead. Summer festivals like GlobalFest (fireworks at Elliston Park) can cause localized traffic in the east.

September: High (With a Student Surge)

University of Calgary (35,000+ students), Mount Royal University, and SAIT all start in September. Student areas — Brentwood, University Heights, Bankview, and the Beltline — see a surge in the first two weeks. The rest of the city is moderate. Pricing starts to ease mid-month.

October: The Sweet Spot

October is the best month to move in Calgary, full stop. Average highs of 10-13°C, fall colours in the river valley, low demand, and excellent availability. Prices are back to off-peak rates. No major events or festivals to navigate. Our crews love October moves — good weather, relaxed pace, daylight until 6:30 PM.

November & December: Low Season

Winter arrives and demand drops sharply. November brings the first real snow and temperatures dip below freezing. December adds holiday scheduling challenges — fewer available dates around Christmas and New Year's. But if you can be flexible on dates, this is the most affordable time to move. Chinooks can deliver pleasant mid-December surprises of 10-15°C.

Best Day of the Week to Move

Our Calgary booking data shows a clear weekly pattern:

• Saturday: Most expensive and hardest to book. About 16% of all weekly moves happen on Saturday.

• Friday and Monday: Second-tier demand. Popular for creating a long weekend around the move.

• Tuesday–Thursday: Cheapest, most available, and often the best crew assignments. If you can take a day off work, a midweek move is the best value.

• Sunday: Low demand, but some condo buildings restrict Sunday moves. Verify with your property manager first.

Time of Month Matters Too

The first and last 3 days of each month see the highest demand — that's when most leases start and end. Mid-month (the 10th through the 20th) has significantly lower demand. If your lease allows flexibility, a mid-month move date combined with a midweek day can save you 20-30% compared to an end-of-month Saturday.

Calgary Events to Watch For

Beyond the Stampede, these events can affect your move day:

• Calgary Marathon (late May): Road closures through downtown, Eau Claire, Kensington, and along the Bow River pathway. Morning moves affected.

• GlobalFest (late August): International fireworks festival at Elliston Park. Affects east Calgary traffic in the evenings.

• Flames / Stampeders game days: Saddledome area (Victoria Park) gets congested on game nights. If you're moving near 17th Avenue or Stampede Park, schedule around game times.

• Lilac Festival (early June): 4th Street SW shuts down from 13th to 24th Avenue. Mission and Cliff Bungalow become very difficult to navigate.

The Best and Worst Combinations

Best: Mid-month Wednesday in October. Lowest cost, best availability, pleasant fall weather (10-15°C), no events, and daylight until 6:30 PM.

Worst: End-of-month Saturday during Stampede (early July). Highest cost, least availability, downtown gridlock, parking nightmares near Stampede Park, and 30+ degree heat.

For a detailed look at how timing affects your budget, check our Calgary moving cost breakdown for seasonal pricing data.

Ready to Book Your Calgary Move?

Now that you know the best timing, lock in your date. Our Calgary movers are available year-round — including Stampede week. Get a free quote and we'll help you pick a date that works best for your budget and your neighbourhood.