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Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.
All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.
Peterborough offers a grounded, mid-sized Canadian lifestyle centered around the Kawarthas' natural beauty, making it an ideal pivot for families or professionals seeking a slower pace without total isolation. It provides a reliable balance of decent healthcare and functional public transit, all set within a safe, community-oriented environment.
While you will find a significantly more manageable cost of living compared to the GTA, the trade-off is a smaller, less diverse international community. You won't find the high-octane amenities or vast expat networks of a major metropolis, but for those prioritizing stability and outdoor access over urban intensity, it is a highly practical choice.
Population
83,627
Area
20 km²
Density
4,103 per km²
Founded
-
Language
English, French
Distance to Coast
416 km
Districts & Neighborhoods in Peterborough
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Climate & Weather in Peterborough
Peterborough has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb) with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Long-term normals show a mean annual temperature of about 6.5–6.9°C, with July around 19.7–20.7°C and January around -7.6 to -8.4°C, while annual precipitation is roughly 882 mm and humidity is typically in the upper 70s. The city’s weather is strongly seasonal, with moderate precipitation spread through the year and frequent cloud cover outside the summer months.
Summer Average
22°C
Winter Average
-6°C
Climate Type
Humid Continental
Rainy Days
120
Sunny Days
185
Humidity
78%
Spring
March - May
0-18°C
Spring starts cool and changeable, with lingering frost possible in March and a steady warming trend through May. Rainfall increases as temperatures rise, and conditions shift from late-winter cold to mild, green-up weather.
Moderate rainfall
Summer
June - August
18-27°C
Summer is warm and generally humid, with average daytime highs near the low to mid-20s°C and occasional hot spells. Thunderstorms and periodic rain are common, but it remains the most comfortable and sunniest part of the year.
Moderate rainfall
Autumn
September - November
4-20°C
Autumn cools quickly, with pleasant September conditions followed by increasingly cool, wet, and windy weather in October and November. Frost becomes more frequent by late autumn, and the first snowfall can occur before winter begins.
Moderate rainfall
Winter
December - February
-12-0°C
Winter is cold and snowy, with average temperatures well below freezing and frequent periods of snow cover. Cold outbreaks can be severe, but thaws also occur, making winter variable from week to week.
Low rainfall
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Air Quality
Peterborough
Advantages
Peterborough
Abundant parks and green spaces
Affordable housing market
Strong educational institutions
Close-knit community feel
Scenic waterfront location
Disadvantages
Peterborough
Limited job market opportunities
No coworking spaces available
Weak nightlife and entertainment
Brain drain to larger cities
Safety & Security in Peterborough
Overall Safety Score
Includes resilience and environmental factors
Good
61
/100
Canada Avg
57
North America Avg
57
Worldwide Avg
56
Crime & Safety Metrics
Thermometer compares Peterborough to Canada averages using different marker styles.Compare: