Weather in Sanikiluaq

Stay informed about atmospheric changes by studying the latest weather report. Below are current data, charts, and the weather forecast for the town of Sanikiluaq.

The climate in the town of Sanikiluaq can be characterised as harsh Arctic, which is typical for the northern territories that Canada is famous for. Long frosty winters and very short, cool summers reign here. Even in the warmest months of the year, the air temperature rarely rises above +10°C, so tourists should not count on heat or a beach holiday; however, it is an ideal place for lovers of true northern exoticism.

Seasonality is expressed quite clearly, but with a shift towards the cold. Winter lasts for most of the year, from November to May, when average temperatures remain steadily below zero, reaching marks around -25°C in February. Summer arrives in July and August, bringing relative warming up to +7...+9°C. This is the best time to visit if you wish to avoid extreme frost.

An interesting feature of the weather is the distribution of precipitation. Although the total volume in millimetres seems insignificant throughout the year, the number of days with precipitation increases noticeably in autumn and early winter. This suggests that, despite the absence of heavy downpours or massive snowfalls, the sky is often overcast, and the air is saturated with humidity, especially in the period from October to December.

When planning a trip to Sanikiluaq, it is important to consider the harsh nature of the local climate, where negative temperatures dominate for most of the year. The winter season here is long and truly frosty: from December to March, the thermometer stays confidently in the deep sub-zero zone. The coldest month is February, when the average temperature drops to -22.6°C, and night frosts can reach -25°C, requiring the warmest gear from tourists.

Summer in this corner of Canada is short and very cool, completely unlike the usual hot season. The warmest month is considered to be August, however even at this time the average temperature is only about +9.2°C, and daily maximums rarely exceed a comfortable +11°C. July and September are also characterised by fresh weather with average figures around +7.5°C, so even in summer a jacket is necessary here.

An interesting feature of the temperature regime is the minimal difference between day and night readings. The amplitude of fluctuations during the day is very small — often it is only 2–4 degrees. This creates a sense of stability: in winter it is constantly frosty, and in summer it is even and cool, without sharp temperature jumps after sunset.

In the town of Sanikiluaq, the nature of precipitation is closely linked to seasonal temperature fluctuations. Since negative temperatures prevail here for most of the year, precipitation most often falls in the form of snow. From November to May, when frosts persist, snowfalls are a common occurrence, although the total volume of falling moisture in millimetres remains consistently low — about 1–2 mm monthly.

Summer brings a short period of warming, and in July — August, when the temperature rises above zero, rains replace the snow. Despite the fact that the amount of precipitation in physical volume remains practically unchanged, its frequency varies noticeably throughout the year. The "driest" month in terms of the number of days with precipitation is considered to be February, when inclement weather happens on average only 5 times a month.

Closer to the end of the year, the frequency of precipitation increases significantly. The period from October to December can be called the gloomiest: at this time the number of days with precipitation reaches a maximum, going up to 19 days in December. In these months, as the air cools, rains and drizzle gradually give way to frequent snowfalls, forming the winter landscape characteristic of northern Canada.

A trip to Sanikiluaq requires a serious approach to packing, as the climate here is harsh and Arctic. Winter in this region is long and frosty: from November to April, the temperature stays steadily below zero, dropping in January and February to an average of -22°C. For a trip during this period, high-quality thermal underwear, woollen socks, thick sweaters and, of course, a reliable down parka with a windproof hood capable of withstanding extreme cold are vital.

Even if you are planning a visit in summer, light clothing will hardly be useful. In the warmest months, July and August, the air warms up only to +9°C — +11°C. The best strategy would be the principle of layering: wear a T-shirt, a fleece jacket and a windproof jacket on top, which can be easily removed if the sun comes out. Since the number of days with precipitation is high throughout the year, and in autumn reaches 16–18 days a month, be sure to take waterproof outerwear or a high-quality raincoat with you.

Pay special attention to footwear: for the winter months, insulated boots with thick soles are mandatory, and for summer walks, durable trekking boots with a waterproof membrane are suitable. Do not forget accessories: a warm hat, scarf and gloves may be needed even in summer due to cool winds. We also recommend taking sunglasses and sunscreen, as the sun reflecting off snow or water can be very active.