The climate of Yellowknife
Yellowknife, located in the central part of
Canada, abides by the Dfc Köppen climate classification. To simplify, subarctic climate dominates in this region, characterized by a particularly harsh winter, no dry season, and a considerably cool summer. The usual annual weather cycle manifests certain patterns, with temperature highs hovering around 20.3°C (68.5°F) in
July and dropping drastically to a chilling -25.2°C (-13.4°F) in
January. The shade of winter continues from
November through
March when temperatures commonly fall below freezing at -18.8°C (-1.8°F) to -16.7°C (1.9°F).
Throughout the year, there's a cyclical ebb in relative humidity ranging from 52%-98%, with the air being more moisture-laden during the winter months. The variation in rainfall, ranging from 4mm (0.16") in
February to 41mm (1.61") in
August, follows a similar pattern, peaking during the summers. However, these showers are more sporadic, with days of rainfall weighing in anywhere from 0.3 in February to 14.5 in August.
One distinctive feature of this weather pattern is the significant volume of snow this region sees, from 7mm (0.28") in
September to as much as 114mm (4.49") in November. Correspondingly, snowfall days span out from none in
June to a peak of 20.3 days in November. The city also doesn't bask in sunshine throughout the year, with daylight hours shrinking from 19.8 hours in June to as low as 5.2 hours in
December.
The best time to visit Yellowknife
Ideal times to visit
Yellowknife depend on what a traveler seeks. Nature enthusiasts may prefer the mid-year window from
June to
August. During these months, temperatures range from 17.6°C (63.7°F) to 20.3°C (68.5°F), accompanied by longer daylight hours from 18.8 to 19.8. Additionally, this period witnesses the least cloud cover and more sunny days, along with a considerable drop in relative humidity.
The worst time to visit Yellowknife
Tourists less accustomed to severe cold conditions might want to avoid the period from
November to
March. During these months, the region experiences its harshest weather, with daytime temperatures hovering around -18.8°C (-1.8°F) to -16.7°C (1.9°F), and they can further dip to -25.2°C (-13.4°F) at night. Furthermore, the ground often stays carpeted in snow, with snowfall ranging between 78mm (3.07") in
January and 114mm (4.49") in November. Low visibility and shorter days, coupled with a significant increase in cloudy days, can further add discomfort to the overall experience.
Spring weather in Yellowknife
Spring in
Yellowknife, extending from
March to
May, carries the traces of winter, with average temperatures gradually moving from -11.1°C (12°F) in March to 9.8°C (49.6°F) in May. The snow starts to recede as days become longer, offering 11.9 to 17.9 hours of daylight in this season.
Summer weather in Yellowknife
Summers in
Yellowknife, from
June to
August, bring in warmer temperatures, ranging from 17.6°C (63.7°F) to 20.3°C (68.5°F). There is plenty of sunlight, with daylight hours stretching between 18.8 hours in
July and 19.8 hours in June. Rainfall also increases with average precipitation from 23mm (0.91") to 41mm (1.61").
Autumn weather in Yellowknife
Autumn in
Yellowknife, spans from
September to
November, commencing a period of cold transition. Temperatures fall steadily from 10.8°C (51.4°F) to -9.4°C (15.1°F). Rainfall starts to dwindle, however, snow starts making its presence felt, increasing from 7mm (0.28") in September to 114mm (4.49") in November.
Winter weather in Yellowknife
Winters in
Yellowknife are severe and long, beginning from
December and extending until
February. Temperatures during this time can fall steeply from -16.7°C (1.9°F) to -25.2°C (-13.4°F). Daylight hours are also limited, with the shortest day observed in December having just 5.2 hours of daylight. Snowfall is prominent ranging from 78mm (3.07") to 93mm (3.66"), and these months experience the maximum snowfall days scaling between 15.3 days in December and 20.3 days in
January.
Weather in January
January in
Yellowknife,
Canada, offers a chilly and harsh weather with frosty conditions. The month experiences the coldest period of the year, with the minimum temperature often plunging down to -25.2°C (-13.4°F) and the highest seldom exceeding -18.8°C (-1.8°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
Moving into
February, the air remains bracingly cold, yet the city experiences a slight rise in the maximum temperature, from -18.8°C (-1.8°F) to -16.8°C (1.8°F) compared to
January. The snowfall recedes significantly with lesser snow days bringing some relief to the residents.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
March rolls out, the hold of frigid weather eases with an increased highest temperature of -11.1°C (12°F). This month serves as a transition from severe winter to slightly milder spring. This transition is marked by a mixed bag of weather conditions with an amalgamation of snowfall and rainfall.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Bringing in a breath of milder weather,
April becomes the harbinger of spring in
Yellowknife. A significant jump in maximum temperature to -2.5°C (27.5°F) indicates warmer and longer days ahead. The continuous rainfall and receding snowfall paves the way for the spring bloom.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May ushers in the auspicious period of spring and above-zero temperatures in
Yellowknife. The average high temperature eventually jumps into the positive zone with 9.8°C (49.6°F). The city exudes vibrancy as nature comes back to life from a prolonged slumber of frosty winters.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Yellowknife brings the first taste of summer with the arrival of pleasant weather. Rising temperatures, minimized humidity, and substantial hours of sunshine create an ideal environment for outdoor excursions. Uninterrupted sunshine brightens up the longer days of this month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July becomes the toast of summer in
Yellowknife with the ecosystem thriving in full bloom. Recorded maximum temperature for this month often reaches up to 20.3°C (68.5°F). This period is marked by the longest sunny days and a significant increase in humidity, making it the warmest month of the year.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Yellowknife tends to be quite refreshing as the maximum temperature drops slightly to 17.6°C (63.7°F). Despite the minor dip in temperature, the summer charm continues to prevail throughout the city. With long hours of daylight, August remains endurance to outdoor ventures.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the commencement of autumn in
Yellowknife. Prominent changes can be felt with a drop in the month's maximum temperature to 10.8°C (51.4°F). Several hues of orange, red, and brown start adorning the city's landscapes due to falling leaves.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October continues to present varied shades of autumn in
Yellowknife. The savory taste of summer gradually fades with a further decrease in temperature to reach a maximum average of 1.3°C (34.3°F). The receding warmth welcomes the pre-winter phase, preparing the city dwellers for the upcoming harsh season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Yellowknife is the precursor to the harsh winter months but brings an allure of its own. A sharp decline in temperature is observed, with the highest average plummeting to -9.4°C (15.1°F). The changing weather patterns also see an increased snowfall marking the arrival of winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December bids farewell to the year with a stern, frosty climate in
Yellowknife. Going through the coldest stretch of the winter season, the maximum temperature typically reaches up to -16.7°C (1.9°F). The year comes full circle as the weather patterns mirror those of
January, marking the return of harsh winters.
Weather in December » [Resources]