The Best (and Worst) Times to Move in Edmonton

When you move in Edmonton matters almost as much as how you move. Pricing, availability, weather, and city events all shift dramatically throughout the year. Here’s the honest breakdown so you can pick the right time — or at least know what you’re getting into.

Month-by-Month Demand Calendar

January–February: Low Season

Coldest months. Temperatures regularly hit -20°C to -35°C. Daylight is limited to about 8 hours. But prices are at their annual low, availability is wide open, and you can often book just 1–2 weeks ahead instead of 4–6. If you can handle the cold, this is the cheapest window. Check out our winter moving guide for tips on staying safe and efficient.

March: Low to Moderate

Spring road bans start March 1 — weight restrictions on secondary roads reduce truck capacity by 25% for vehicles over 8,000 kg GVW. Large moves may need route adjustments. Details at alberta.ca/spring-road-bans. Demand is still low.

April–May: Moderate

Thaw season. Roads can be slushy early on but improve through May. Demand starts climbing. Book 2–3 weeks ahead.

June: High Season Begins

Peak season kicks in. Summer schedules, school’s out, and everyone wants to move. Book 3–4 weeks ahead minimum. Prices rise 20–30% compared to winter.

July: Peak

Busiest month alongside August. Canada Day long weekend (July 1) is extremely busy — avoid if possible. K-Days festival (late July) adds traffic congestion in northeast Edmonton around Borden Park and the Expo Centre.

August: Peak

Highest demand month. Over 35% of annual moves happen June through August. The Edmonton Fringe Festival (mid-August) turns Old Strathcona and Whyte Avenue into a gridlocked pedestrian zone — if you’re moving in that area, plan for significant delays. Heritage Festival (early August) affects the Hawrelak Park area.

September: High (With a Twist)

Over 40,000 University of Alberta students return. Garneau, McKernan, and the University area are chaotic for the first two weeks. The rest of the city drops to moderate demand.

October: The Sweet Spot

Our crews’ favourite month. Temperature is comfortable (5–15°C), demand is low, availability is excellent, and rates drop back toward off-season pricing. If you have flexibility, this is the month.

November: Low to Moderate

First snow and falling temperatures. Prices start dropping. Good availability.

December: Low Season

Holiday schedules make booking around Christmas and New Year’s tricky, but pricing is very affordable. Short days (~8 hours of daylight).

Day-of-Week Breakdown

• Saturday: Most expensive and hardest to book. Accounts for 15.7% of our weekly move volume (that’s nearly double a typical weekday).

• Friday and Monday: Second-tier demand. Popular because people take a long weekend to settle in.

• Tuesday through Thursday: Cheapest rates, best crew availability, easiest scheduling. This is when you get the best value.

• Sunday: Low demand, but some condo buildings and apartment complexes restrict Sunday moves.

Time-of-Month Matters Too

The last 3 days and first 3 days of each month are the busiest — that’s when most leases end and start. Moving mid-month (around the 10th–20th) means significantly lower demand, easier scheduling, and often better pricing.

Edmonton Events That Will Affect Your Move

• K-Days (late July): Traffic chaos in northeast Edmonton around Borden Park. Avoid if your move crosses that area.

• Edmonton Fringe Festival (mid-August): Old Strathcona/Whyte Avenue gridlock. Street closures. If you’re moving in the area, add 30+ minutes to your expected travel time.

• Heritage Festival (early August): Hawrelak Park area gets congested.

• University of Alberta move-in (early September): University area rental turnover. Elevators in student buildings are booked solid.

• Oilers playoff runs / Grey Cup: Downtown parking and traffic become unpredictable. If your move goes through downtown, check the game schedule.

• Edmonton Marathon (August): Road closures along the river valley.

The Money-Saving Cheat Sheet

Best combination: A mid-month Tuesday in October — lowest price, best availability, comfortable weather, no event conflicts.

Second-best: Mid-month weekday in November or March — colder, but prices are similar to October.

Most expensive: End-of-month Saturday in July — peak pricing, limited availability, festival traffic, and 30°C heat.

The compromise: If you must move in summer, pick a Tuesday or Wednesday in early June or late August to avoid the absolute peak.

For the full cost breakdown by home size, see our Edmonton moving costs guide.

Ready to lock in your Edmonton move? Get a free quote. And for neighbourhood guides, parking bylaws, and more, check our full Edmonton moving page.