Weather in Dawson City

Planning a trip to Dawson City? Check out the latest weather information and detailed forecasts in this section to be prepared for any conditions.

The climate of Dawson City can be characterised as subarctic, distinguished by extreme contrasts between seasons. This region of Canada is typical for its long, freezing winters and short but surprisingly pleasant summers. The annual temperature range here is very wide, so the nature of your journey will depend entirely on the month you choose.

Winter here is real and severe: from November to February, average temperatures stay around -20°C and lower, sometimes dropping to -25°C. This is a time of cold and snow, which requires serious preparation and warm clothing. Summer, on the other hand, brings long-awaited warmth: in July, the hottest month, the air warms up to an average of +16°C, and daytime highs often exceed +20°C, creating comfortable conditions for tourism.

An interesting feature of the weather in Dawson City is the distribution of precipitation. Winter and spring months are relatively dry, whereas summer is distinguished by a large number of wet days — in June and August, their number can reach 15. However, despite the frequency of rain, the total volume of precipitation remains small. The transitional seasons, spring and autumn, are very fleeting here, quickly changing icy landscapes into greenery or autumn gold.

The climate of Dawson City is distinguished by a distinct northern character with impressive temperature contrasts. The annual temperature range here is huge: from harsh winter frosts to quite comfortable summer warmth. The coldest month is traditionally January, when average figures drop to -23°C, and night temperatures often reach the -26°C mark. Winter here is long and snowy, requiring serious preparation and warm equipment from travellers.

Summer in this region is short, but surprisingly pleasant and mild. The warmest month is July, when the air warms up during the day to an average of +21°C. This time is ideal for tourism: there is no exhausting heat, freshness and comfortable coolness reign, allowing you to enjoy walks through historical places and nature routes of the Yukon without discomfort.

When planning a trip, it is important to consider the daily temperature fluctuations that are characteristic of the summer season. Even on the warmest days, the difference between the daily maximum and the nightly minimum can be about 10 degrees. For example, after a sunny July day with a temperature of +20°C, the night may bring coolness of around +10°C, so having a warm fleece jacket or a light coat will be relevant even at the height of summer.

Precipitation in Dawson City has a pronounced seasonal character, closely linked to the temperature regime of this northern region. In the cold season, which lasts from late October to April, only snow falls here. Since average temperatures in winter drop below -20°C, the snow cover remains stable for many months, although the volume of snow falling during this period is relatively small.

Summer brings not only warming but also an increase in the frequency of precipitation, now in the form of rain. The period from June to August can be called the "wettest" time of the year in terms of the number of inclement days: on average, it rains for about 14–15 days a month. However, judging by the data, these rains are usually not distinguished by high intensity and are often short-lived.

The least rainy and snowy time of the year is the end of winter and the middle of spring. February and April are considered the driest months, when only about 5 days with precipitation are recorded. Travellers planning a trip to Canada in this region should keep in mind that in summer, an umbrella or raincoat will be practically a mandatory accessory, despite the small total amount of falling moisture.

When getting ready for Dawson City, it is important to remember the severe northern climate of this region. If your trip is planned for the period from November to March, when the temperature drops to -25°C and below, the basis of your luggage should be quality winter gear. Be sure to take thick thermal underwear, an insulated parka, windproof trousers, as well as a hat, scarf, and mittens. Pay special attention to footwear: it should be waterproof, insulated, and have thick soles to keep warmth during walks in the snow.

Summer in Dawson City is cool and quite humid: in June, July, and August, the number of days with precipitation can reach 15 per month, although the rains themselves are often small. In this season, it is best to use the layering principle: wear a T-shirt, a fleece jacket or sweater on top, and a light windbreaker or raincoat as the final layer. This will allow you to feel comfortable both in the cool morning and during the day when the air warms up to +20°C.

Regardless of the time of year, to explore the historical streets of the city and nature trails, you will need comfortable and durable walking shoes. Do not forget sunglasses: in winter they will protect your eyes from the bright sun reflecting off the snow, and in summer they will come in handy during the long polar days. Also, in the summer period, it will not be superfluous to take insect repellents with you, as insects can be active in nature.