Annapolis Royal operates on Atlantic Time. Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is observed from the last Sunday in October to the first Sunday in April, is Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) minus 4 hours. Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT), which is observed from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October, is UTC minus 3 hours.

Annapolis Royal experiences warm summers but usually not too hot because of the sea-side location and the proximity to the cooler waters of the Northern Atlantic Ocean. June, July and August normally bring high temperatures of 20C to 23C. Evenings are cooler (9C to 13C) and you will likely want to pack sweater or light jacket, although it is not always necessary to wear them.

Winters in Annapolis Royal are usually cold and snowy. Storms that move up the Atlantic Seaboard including Nor'easters often affect Annapolis Royal. Snowfall totals in December, January and February normally average 50cm to 64cm, while daytime temperatures during these winter months are normally near or below 0C.

Tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes can affect Annapolis Royal during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. The Town normally sees about 670mm of rain over the course of the season. The surrounding mountians can help shelter the Town from higher winds.