Weather in Fort Smith

Planning your visit to Fort Smith? Check out the latest weather information, including up-to-date forecasts and convenient charts presented below.

The climate in which Fort Smith is located can be characterized as subarctic with sharply continental features. This means the weather here is full of contrasts: travelers can expect harsh, frosty winters and surprisingly warm, sunny summers. The temperature range throughout the year is very large, so the choice of timing for your trip radically changes the nature of your holiday.

Winter months here are long and cold, with average temperatures around -20°C, and sometimes the thermometer drops to -25°C. However, summer in this region of Canada is truly pleasant: from June to August, the air warms up during the day to a comfortable +22...+24°C. This is the ideal time for active outdoor recreation, when the long daylight hours and warmth allow you to explore the surroundings.

A characteristic feature of the local weather is the low amount of precipitation throughout the year. Even in the "wettest" summer months, rains do not drag on for long, and in winter, the snow cover forms amidst low humidity. The transitional seasons — spring and autumn — are rapid here: a sharp warming occurs in May, and by October-November, the city quickly returns to the grip of sub-zero temperatures.

The climate in which Fort Smith is located is characterized by impressive contrasts between seasons. The annual temperature trend demonstrates a significant amplitude: from harsh frosts in winter to quite comfortable warmth in summer. January is traditionally the coldest month, when average figures drop to -20.5°C, and at night the air can cool down to almost -24°C. Conversely, July acts as the peak of summer, becoming the warmest month of the year with an average temperature of about +18.6°C.

The winter period here is long and frosty, requiring serious preparation and warm clothing, as stable sub-zero temperatures persist from November to March. Summer in this region of Canada can be characterized as pleasant and mild, without extreme heat. In June, July, and August, daily maximums confidently hold in the range of +21...+24°C, which creates ideal conditions for outdoor activities and exploring local attractions.

Travelers should consider noticeable daily temperature fluctuations, which appear most vividly in the summer season. The difference between daytime warmth and nighttime coolness is quite perceptible: even in the hottest month, July, after the air warms up to +24.4°C, at night the thermometer drops on average to +12.8°C. Therefore, when going for an evening walk even at the height of summer, do not forget to take a windbreaker or sweater with you.

The climate in Fort Smith is characterized by a relatively small amount of precipitation throughout the year, although its distribution by seasons has its own peculiarities. Winter months, from November to March, bring stable sub-zero temperatures, so snow dominates here at this time. Despite the frosts, intense snowfalls are generally not observed: the volume of precipitation is minimal, although the snow cover lasts a long time.

The "wettest" season, judging by the frequency of rains, is summer. The peak falls on July, when an average of about 12 rainy days is recorded. In June and August, the weather can also be changeable (9–10 days with precipitation), but rains here are usually short-term and not intense, rarely turning into prolonged downpours. The total amount of precipitation even in these months remains modest — about 2 mm.

The driest period of the year can be considered the end of winter. In February, the number of days with precipitation drops to a minimum (about 4 days), and their volume is practically zero. Spring and autumn serve as transitional stages: in April and October, mixed precipitation is possible, when rain gives way to wet snow, marking the change of seasons.

When packing for Fort Smith, it is important to carefully consider your wardrobe based on the time of year, as the climate here varies from harsh frosts to pleasant warmth. For a winter trip (from November to March), when the temperature drops significantly below zero, high-quality equipment is vital. Be sure to take a set of thermal underwear, a warm down jacket or parka that protects from the wind, as well as insulated waterproof boots with thick soles. A hat, scarf, and mittens will become your main companions on cold days.

Summer in the region is quite comfortable, with daytime temperatures reaching +24°C, however, the weather can be changeable. In the period from June to August, it is best to use the principle of layering: combine t-shirts with light jumpers or fleece jackets that are easy to remove if it gets hot. Given that the number of rainy days increases in summer, it is worth putting a light raincoat or a compact umbrella in your suitcase.

In the off-season, spring and autumn, the weather is often unpredictable, so a windproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes will be very useful. Regardless of the season, it is recommended to have sunglasses with you: in winter they will protect your eyes from the bright light reflecting off the snow, and in summer they will be useful during long sunny days.