Weather in Igloolik

Stay up to date with the current meteorological conditions in the city of Igloolik. Below you will find actual data, detailed forecasts, and useful charts for planning your journey.

The climate of Igloolik can be characterised as harsh and polar. This remote corner of Canada is typical for its very long, frosty winters and short, cool summers. For the greater part of the year, temperatures remain below freezing here, so travelling to this destination requires thorough preparation and specialised equipment.

Seasonality is very pronounced, but with a significant shift towards the cold. Winter here lasts from October to May, with average figures in January and February dropping to -30°C and below. The summer period is extremely fleeting: only in July and August does the air warm up to a modest +7...+8°C, which, by the standards of more southern regions, resembles late autumn.

A notable feature of the weather is the very low amount of precipitation year-round. In fact, the region possesses the characteristics of an Arctic desert: rains and snowfalls here are scarce and rare. Despite the low temperatures, the air remains dry, which makes the frost slightly more bearable; however, high-quality windproof and warm clothing remains a mandatory attribute for any tourist.

The climate in which Igloolik is located is distinguished by a severe Arctic character with a very long and frosty winter. The coldest months of the year are January and February, when the average temperature drops to -30°C, and night frosts often reach the mark of -32°C and lower. Even in March and December, the thermometer hovers around -23°C...-24°C, so a journey during the winter period requires the most serious polar equipment.

Summer in this region of Canada arrives late and lasts for a very short time, bringing only relative warmth. The most favourable time is considered to be July and August, when the air warms up on average to +7°C...+8°C. Even on the "hottest" days of July, the temperature rarely exceeds +11°C, creating an atmosphere of constant coolness and freshness. There is no exhausting heat or high humidity here; summer is rather reminiscent of a cool autumn in temperate latitudes.

The annual temperature amplitude is very large, yet daily fluctuations are weakly expressed. The difference between daytime maximums and nighttime minimums usually amounts to just 3–5 degrees, which makes the weather throughout the day quite stable and predictable. The transition to negative temperatures happens quickly: by October, stable frost sets in and does not retreat until the end of spring.

The amount of precipitation in Igloolik remains minimal throughout the year. Monthly averages rarely exceed 1–2 mm, so powerful snowfalls or prolonged downpours are uncharacteristic for this area. Moisture falls here in extremely small volumes, making the air very dry.

In the winter months and early spring, precipitation falls exclusively in the form of fine snow. The "calmest" time is considered the period from January to March, when only 1 to 4 days with precipitation are recorded per month. The snow cover remains stable, but this occurs due to the absence of thaws, rather than abundant snowfall.

The character of the weather changes in the second half of the year. With the arrival of the short summer (July-August), light rains are possible as the temperature rises above zero. The highest frequency of inclement days is observed in October — up to 11 days per month, although the total volume of fallen moisture still does not exceed 2 mm. By November, precipitation once again finally shifts to the solid phase.

When preparing for a trip to Igloolik, it is important to remember that you are heading into a harsh Arctic climate where extreme cold reigns for most of the year. For a winter trip, which effectively covers the period from October to May, specialised gear is vital: high-quality thermal underwear, woollen layers, windproof insulated trousers, and a down parka rated for temperatures down to -40°C. Pay special attention to footwear — it should be on thick soles with serious insulation, and do not forget mittens (they retain heat better than gloves), a balaclava to protect the face from stinging wind, and ski goggles.

Summer here is very short and cool: even in July and August, the temperature rarely exceeds +10°C, so light summer clothing will not be useful to you. In this season, the principle of layering works perfectly: a t-shirt, a fleece jacket, and a windproof jacket or storm coat will allow you to feel comfortable when the weather changes. Precipitation in the region is extremely low, so an umbrella will be unnecessary, but sunglasses and cream with a high SPF factor are mandatory at any time of the year due to the high activity of the sun and its reflection off the snow and ice.