Weather in Pangnirtung

Planning a trip or simply want to stay informed about meteorological conditions? In this section, you will find the latest weather information for the city of Pangnirtung, including detailed forecasts and visual charts.

The climate in which Pangnirtung is located can be characterized as severe Arctic. It is a place where winter reigns supreme for most of the year, creating unique conditions for enthusiasts of extreme tourism and northern nature. The temperature regime here requires serious preparation: even on the "hottest" days, the air remains cool like autumn, and frost is a familiar companion to local residents for many months.

Seasonality is very clearly defined but shifted towards the cold. Winter is prolonged and frosty: from November to April, average temperatures confidently stay below -12°C, reaching a peak of cold in February with figures around -29°C. Summer in this corner of Canada is very short and cool. July and August bring relative warming with average values around +6°C; however, this period also sees the highest number of wet days.

A feature of the local weather is the low amount of precipitation in winter and an increase in summer. Although the total volume of precipitation in millimetres is small, in the summer months, the number of days with precipitation can reach 14–16, often manifesting as drizzle or fog. Travellers should remember that there is no familiar warm off-season here, and reliable warm clothing will be necessary at any time of the year.

The climate in this region is truly severe and Arctic, which determines the rhythm of life and the nature of travel. Pangnirtung is distinguished by extremely long winters and very short, cool summers. The annual temperature range is significant: the coldest month is traditionally February with an average of -29.0°C, and the warmest is July, when the air warms up to an average of 6.4°C.

Winter takes hold here very early and lasts a long time. Already in November, the average temperature drops to -15.5°C, and in January and February, the frosts become particularly strong, often reaching marks below -30°C. Spring arrives with a significant delay: even in May, negative temperatures around -6°C persist. Travellers should prepare for serious cold for most of the year.

The summer season in Pangnirtung can be described as cool rather than warm. In July and August, the most comfortable months for visiting, daytime maximums rarely exceed 8-9°C, and nights remain cold with temperatures around 3-4°C. There are practically no significant fluctuations between daytime and nighttime figures in summer, so the weather feels consistently fresh, without a hint of heat or stuffiness.

Pangnirtung is situated in harsh climatic conditions where the nature of precipitation depends directly on low temperatures. Winter prevails here for most of the year, so precipitation falls predominantly as snow. The "driest" period can be considered the end of winter: the fewest days with precipitation are recorded in February — on average, only about 3 days per month.

With the arrival of the short Arctic summer, the picture changes, and a season of increased humidity begins. July and August are the period when the probability of precipitation peaks. In August, travellers may encounter inclement weather up to 16 days a month. Since the temperature rises above freezing at this time, snow is replaced by rain or drizzle, although the total volume of falling moisture remains small (about 3 mm).

In autumn, especially in October, the frequency of precipitation remains high (about 11 days), but as it gets sharply colder, rain turns back into snow. In general, heavy downpours are not characteristic of this region of Canada; precipitation here is usually light but can be frequent and prolonged, creating a cloudy atmosphere typical of the north.

When planning a trip to Pangnirtung, it is important to remember that you are heading to an Arctic region where the weather requires serious preparation at any time of year. The main principle for choosing clothes here is layering. For the harsh winter, when temperatures often drop below -30°C, you will need high-quality thermal underwear, fleece jackets or wool sweaters, as well as a reliable down parka with a hood. Be sure to take insulated waterproof trousers, warm mittens (they retain heat better than gloves), a hat, and a buff or scarf to protect your face from the icy wind.

Summer in this region is short and cool, with daytime temperatures rarely exceeding +9°C, so warm items remain relevant even in July and August. Considering that it is often cloudy and rainy in the summer months (up to 16 days with precipitation in August), windproof and waterproof outerwear, such as a membrane jacket, is critically important. For moving across rough terrain, durable trekking boots with thick soles and good ankle support are necessary.

Do not forget about important accessories that will make the trip more comfortable. Sunglasses and high-SPF cream are mandatory: in winter and spring, the sun actively reflects off the snow, and in summer, the polar day ensures prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light. Due to the dry frosty air and winds, it is also worth bringing rich face cream and lip balm. A small waterproof backpack or a rain cover for luggage will help keep your belongings dry during walks.