Weather in Yellowknife

Stay informed about weather conditions when planning your visit to Yellowknife. In this section, you will find up-to-date forecasts and detailed charts to help you better prepare for your trip.

The climate of the city of Yellowknife can be described as subarctic, with very distinct contrasts between seasons. This region is characterized by a harsh and prolonged winter, followed by a short but surprisingly pleasant and warm summer. Thanks to the low humidity, even severe frosts here are endured somewhat more easily than in regions with a maritime climate.

The winter months, especially January and February, are the coldest, with the average temperature dropping to -24°C. Summer, conversely, delights with comfortable warmth: in July, the hottest month, the air warms up to an average of +17°C, and on sunny days, temperatures often exceed +21°C. The transitional seasons—spring and autumn—pass quite rapidly, with noticeable temperature changes from month to month.

A characteristic feature of the weather in Yellowknife is the low amount of precipitation throughout the year. The climate here is quite dry: little snow falls in winter, and summer rains are rare and typically do not last long. This makes the city an excellent place for lovers of clear skies; however, tourists planning a trip to Canada outside the summer season should pay special attention to high-quality warm gear.

The climate in this northern region is distinguished by an incredible contrast between seasons. Yellowknife is characterized by severe, freezing winters and surprisingly pleasant, moderately warm summers. The annual temperature range here is very wide: while in July the thermometer stays confidently in the positive zone, during the winter months it drops to extremely low values. The coldest period is February with an average temperature of about -24.6°C, while the peak of warmth occurs in July, when the air warms up to an average of +17.7°C.

The winter season here is long and requires serious preparation. In January and February, night temperatures often reach -26°C...-28°C, and even during the day, the frost rarely weakens, remaining below -21°C. This is a time of true Arctic cold, when the city is plunged into a deep freeze. Spring arrives slowly: even in March, average figures remain at -15.6°C, and stable positive temperatures are established only by May.

Summer in the city is short but very comfortable for travellers who do not like exhausting heat. In July and August, daytime highs range from +19°C to +21.4°C, creating ideal conditions for walks. However, it is worth remembering the daily fluctuations: even at the height of summer, nights bring coolness, and the temperature can drop to +12°C...+14°C, so a warm sweater in the evening will not go amiss.

The climate in the city of Yellowknife is characterized as subarctic and quite dry. There is little precipitation throughout the year, so tourists rarely have to deal with prolonged downpours. Moisture distribution across seasons is uneven: winter and spring are generally drier, while the frequency of precipitation noticeably increases towards the end of summer.

During the cold season, which lasts from November to April, precipitation falls exclusively as snow. Due to low temperatures, the air is very dry, so snowfalls are usually light. The "driest" month of the year is considered to be February, when the minimum number of inclement days is recorded—on average, only two per month. In spring, precipitation levels remain low, making this a comfortable time for winter recreational activities.

Summer and early autumn bring warming and rain. The wettest month is August, when statistics note about 11 days with precipitation. July and September can also be overcast (7–8 rainy days), however, the total volume of precipitation remains small. There is no pronounced season of torrential rains here, but a light raincoat may come in handy during a summer trip.

When packing for Yellowknife, primarily be guided by the season, as the temperature difference here is colossal. Winters in this region are severe and long, so from November to March you will need the warmest gear: high-quality thermal underwear, woollen sweaters, a windproof parka with a hood, and insulated trousers. Be sure to take mittens (they retain heat better than gloves), a thick hat, and special winter footwear with thick soles designed for extreme frosts, to comfortably observe the Northern Lights.

Summer here is short but quite comfortable, with average temperatures around +17...+21°C. For a trip in June–August, T-shirts and light trousers will suffice, but evenings can be cool, so a fleece jacket or windbreaker must be in your suitcase. Since the number of rainy days increases slightly in summer, it is worth bringing a light raincoat and comfortable trekking boots. It is also important to remember insects: in the warm season, mosquitoes are active in northern latitudes, so a powerful repellent is an absolute necessity.

Regardless of the time of year, the principle of layering in clothing remains the best solution for adapting to the changeable weather of Canada. Do not forget sunglasses: in winter they will protect your eyes from the blinding light reflected off the snow, and in summer they will be useful during long sunny days. Tourists with electronics should note that batteries discharge very quickly in severe frost, so spare batteries and a power bank (preferably in a warm case) should always be at hand.