Weather in Cambridge Bay

A journey to Cambridge Bay is an immersion into the unique atmosphere of the Canadian North, where the climate plays a key role. The weather in this Arctic region can be harsh and unpredictable, so it is extremely important to assess the real situation before going outside.

Here you will find data on what is happening with the weather right now. This information will help you choose the appropriate gear and decide whether to set off for a long walk or if it is better to spend time indoors.

The climate of this region can be characterised as harsh Arctic. Cambridge Bay is distinguished by extremely cold winters and very short, cool summers, which is typical for the Canadian North. The atmosphere of the true tundra prevails here, so travellers should prepare for low temperatures for most of the year.

A pronounced winter lasts here from October to May, when the thermometer steadily stays below zero, often dropping to -30°C and below. Summer arrives rapidly and lasts only a couple of months — July and August. During this time, the air warms up on average to +9...+11°C, making this period the only comfortable window for tourism without specialised equipment.

A characteristic feature of the local weather is the low amount of precipitation, which brings the region's climate closer to that of a polar desert. Rain or snowfall here is insignificant even in the "wettest" months (September), although the number of days with precipitation can reach 10 per month. When planning a visit to Canada at this latitude, it is important to remember that warm, windproof clothing will be necessary for you even at the height of summer.

The temperature regime in Cambridge Bay is characterised by the severity typical of an Arctic climate. Winter here is long and extremely cold: the lowest temperatures are recorded in February, when average values drop to -32.7°C, and night frosts often reach -35.6°C. The period with sustained negative temperatures lasts for most of the year, from October to May, and even in April, the air rarely warms above -13°C.

Summer in this region of Canada is short and cool, without exhausting heat. The warmest month is July, when the average temperature is about 11.1°C, and during the day the air can warm up to a comfortable 15.1°C. However, by August it becomes cooler, and in September average indicators barely exceed 1°C. The range between day and night temperatures in summer is small, but travellers should remember that even in the "hot" season, nights remain cold, around 5–7°C.

The climate in Cambridge Bay is harsh and arid, resembling the conditions of a polar desert. The total amount of precipitation here remains extremely low throughout the year. In the winter and spring months, from November to May, substantial snowfalls are a rarity, although a frosty haze or light snow may be observed on average 2–4 days a month against a backdrop of extremely low temperatures.

The summer season and early autumn bring slight changes to the weather picture. The technically "wettest" period can be called September, when about 10 days with precipitation are recorded, as well as July and August (7–8 days each). However, even at this time, the volume of moisture is minimal (only 1–2 mm), so tourists are more likely to encounter light drizzle than prolonged downpours. When planning a trip to this remote region of Canada, it is worth considering that although summer precipitation mostly falls as rain, the probability of snow is not excluded even in the warmest months.

A trip to Cambridge Bay requires careful preparation, as the climate here is harsh and Arctic. The main principle of your wardrobe is layering, which allows you to regulate heat exchange. In winter and the off-season, when the temperature drops below -30°C, high-quality thermal underwear made of wool or synthetics is vital. Wear fleece jackets and woollen sweaters over it. Outerwear must be not just warm, but windproof: an Arctic parka with a hood, insulated trousers, mittens (they retain heat better than gloves), and a hat that fully covers the ears will become your main protectors against the cold.

The summer months here are cool, with an average temperature of around +11°C, so one should not expect heat even in July. For this time of year, thick trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and a windproof jacket or light down jacket are suitable. There is little precipitation, but wet days do happen, so waterproof clothing and a raincoat will be useful. Pay special attention to footwear: it should be comfortable, warm, and have a thick sole. For walks on the rocky tundra, trekking boots with good ankle support are ideal.

Among accessories, high-quality sunglasses, preferably polarised, should be a mandatory item: the reflection of the sun from snow and ice can be blinding even in cloudy weather. Due to the dry air, bring a rich moisturising cream and lip balm. If your trip falls in summer, be sure to take powerful repellents and a head net, as insects in the tundra can be very annoying. A dense sleep mask will also be useful to rest comfortably during the polar day conditions.