Vitamin D in Vancouver

Vancouver shares a northern latitude with Winnipeg but differs in elevation and climate; this model holds cloud cover constant so it does not represent a weather forecast. Location affects possible vitamin D production from sunlight; it does not change the age-based dietary reference intake or determine whether a particular person needs a supplement.

See Vancouver's sunlight estimate in the calculator

What the monthly model shows

The chart uses latitude 49.2827°, longitude -123.1207°, and elevation 2 m. It is model version 2026.09 with reference year 2026. It is not a weather forecast or measured local UV record.

Modeled daily IU from 30 minutes between 10:00 and 14:00 local solar time, skin type II, long sleeves and pants (15% exposed), 40% cloud cover, grass surface, and SPF 0. Customize every input.
Monthly modeled vitamin D production and gap to adult RDA in Vancouver
MonthModeled sunlightGap to RDA*
January2 IU/day398 IU/day
February32 IU/day368 IU/day
March197 IU/day203 IU/day
April698 IU/day0 IU/day
May1,398 IU/day0 IU/day
June2,107 IU/day0 IU/day
July2,267 IU/day0 IU/day
August1,687 IU/day0 IU/day
September801 IU/day0 IU/day
October165 IU/day235 IU/day
November11 IU/day389 IU/day
December0 IU/day400 IU/day

*Mathematical gap after modeled sunlight and an assumed 200 IU/day from food. This is not a supplement recommendation.

How much vitamin D do adults need?

Health Canada recommends 600 IU (15 µg) daily from all sources for ages 1–70 and 800 IU (20 µg) after age 70. Its food guide advises adults 51 and older to take a daily 400 IU supplement.

Read the current Health Canada guidance

Vitamin D and seasonal depression

Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression related to seasonal changes in daylight. Low vitamin D can coexist with it, but research on vitamin D as a SAD treatment is mixed. Established options include clinician-guided light therapy, psychotherapy, and medication. Read the evidence guide to vitamin D and SAD.

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