Weather in Gjoa Haven

Stay informed about the current meteorological situation in the city of Gjoa Haven. In this section, you will find up-to-date reports and forecasts that will help you wisely plan your journey.

The climate of Gjoa Haven can be characterized as harsh Arctic. This secluded settlement is distinguished by extremely low temperatures in winter and a very short, cool summer. The atmosphere of a true polar tundra reigns here, so travellers should carefully approach the choice of warm equipment regardless of the planned travel date.

Winter here is incredibly long and frosty. In December and March, thermometer readings average around -26°C. The harshest conditions occur in January and February, which are characterized by extreme frosts with average values below -30°C. Even in transitional months, such as May or October, the temperature consistently remains below freezing.

Summer arrives briefly, mainly in July and August, when the air warms up on average only to +8°C...+12°C. This is the only period when one can catch stable positive temperatures. A characteristic feature of the local weather is also a very low amount of precipitation throughout the year. A trip to this part of Canada will be a real test of resilience, but in return, it will provide a unique opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of the Arctic.

The temperature regime in a place like Gjoa Haven is determined by its harsh Arctic location. A long and frosty winter reigns here, testing travellers' endurance. The coldest month of the year is traditionally February, when average thermometer readings drop to an extreme -31.4°C, and night values can reach -33.7°C. Even in December and January, temperatures hold around -26°C...-29°C, so professional warm gear is vital here.

Summer in this region of Canada is very short and cool, quite unlike the usual hot season. The warmest and most comfortable period is considered July, when the air warms up on average to +8.4°C, and maximum daytime temperatures reach +12°C. This is the best time to visit to see the awakening of northern nature; however, even at the height of summer, the weather remains fresh, and you will still need warm clothes.

Transitional seasons here are rapid and weakly expressed. Spring comes late: even in May, the average temperature remains negative (-5.7°C). Autumn sets in quickly, and by October, stable frosts return with an average of -5.3°C. It is worth noting that daily temperature fluctuations throughout the year are insignificant — the difference between daytime maximums and nighttime minimums is usually small, creating a fairly even, albeit cold, temperature background.

The climate in Gjoa Haven can be described as very dry, typical for Arctic regions. The total amount of precipitation here is extremely low throughout the year, and most of the time it falls in solid form. In winter and spring, from December to May, precipitation levels are practically zero, although there may be 2 to 6 days per month with light snow or icy frost.

The summer period brings slight warming and a change in the nature of precipitation. From June to August, when the temperature rises above zero, brief rains or drizzle are possible. Despite the fact that the volume of moisture remains minimal (about 1 mm per month), the number of days with precipitation increases to 7–8.

The "wettest" period, judging by the frequency of precipitation, is the beginning of autumn. In September and October, the highest number of inclement days is recorded — up to 10–11 per month. At this time, as the temperature drops, rains are replaced by snowfalls; however, one should not expect intense downpours or blizzards: precipitation levels rarely exceed 2 mm.

When setting off for Gjoa Haven, one should remember that this is a true Arctic region where the issue of preserving heat comes first. Winters here are harsh and long, with temperatures dropping below -30°C, so the foundation of your wardrobe should be high-quality thermal underwear, insulated windproof trousers, and a parka with natural down or high-tech synthetic filling, designed for extreme frosts. Do not forget about protecting your extremities: mittens will preserve heat better than gloves, and a warm hat and neck warmer will protect your face from the icy wind.

Summer in these parts is very short and cool, reminding more of late autumn in temperate latitudes: even in July and August, the average temperature holds around +8°C. Therefore, the principle of layering in clothing is the main rule for the tourist here. It is recommended to combine a T-shirt, a warm fleece jacket, and a windbreaker or light down jacket to easily adapt to weather changes. For walks on rocky terrain and tundra, durable trekking shoes with thick soles are ideal.

Despite the cold climate, the sun in the Arctic can be very active, especially when its rays reflect off snow and ice, creating a risk for eyes and skin. Be sure to take high-quality polarized sunglasses and cream with a high SPF factor. Also, due to the dry frosty air, a rich facial moisturizer and lip balm will be useful. An umbrella will be practically useless here due to strong winds and the small amount of liquid precipitation, so it is better to rely on clothing with a comfortable hood.