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Contents
- The climate of Iqaluit
- The best time to visit Iqaluit
- The worst time to visit Iqaluit
- Spring weather in Iqaluit
- Summer weather in Iqaluit
- Autumn weather in Iqaluit
- Winter weather in Iqaluit
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average sea temperature
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average UV index
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Iqaluit
Located in Canada, the city of Iqaluit experiences a Tundra climate, denoted as ET in the Köppen climate classification. This classification reflects the rigorous weather conditions faced in this geographical region, which includes severe cold and plenty of snowfall throughout the year.
Examining the data, a trend of extremely low temperatures can be observed year-round. In the coldest month of January, the high is -23.3°C (-9.9°F) and the low dips to -31.7°C (-25.1°F). Even in the warmest month of July, the high remains somewhat chilly at 12.3°C (54.1°F), with a low of 4.1°C (39.4°F). This indicates a significant variation in temperature from winter to summer, but overall, the weather remains cold for most of the year.
In terms of precipitation, rainfall occurs predominantly in the summer months, with the peak in August at 69mm (2.72"). Snowfall, conversely, is a constant throughout the year, with the maximum recorded in November. The least amount of snowfall takes place in June, with 93mm (3.66").
Humidity varies slightly over the year, with the highest recorded in October (78.1%) and the lowest in February (64.6%).
Examining the data, a trend of extremely low temperatures can be observed year-round. In the coldest month of January, the high is -23.3°C (-9.9°F) and the low dips to -31.7°C (-25.1°F). Even in the warmest month of July, the high remains somewhat chilly at 12.3°C (54.1°F), with a low of 4.1°C (39.4°F). This indicates a significant variation in temperature from winter to summer, but overall, the weather remains cold for most of the year.
In terms of precipitation, rainfall occurs predominantly in the summer months, with the peak in August at 69mm (2.72"). Snowfall, conversely, is a constant throughout the year, with the maximum recorded in November. The least amount of snowfall takes place in June, with 93mm (3.66").
Humidity varies slightly over the year, with the highest recorded in October (78.1%) and the lowest in February (64.6%).
The best time to visit Iqaluit
While every season in Iqaluit brings its own charm, the best time to visit would arguably be during the summer months, from June to August. During this period, temperatures rise to highs of around 12.3°C (54.1°F) in July and a relative abundance of rainfall enhances the city's natural beauty. Another appeal of visiting in the summer is the long daylight hours, reaching up to 20.6 hours in June, thereby maximizing sightseeing opportunities.
The worst time to visit Iqaluit
Iqaluit's intense winter period, specifically the months from November to January, could be considered the least hospitable time for tourists. During this time, the temperature remains alarmingly freezing, plummeting to -31.7°C (-25.1°F) in January. Snowfall also gathers momentum, soaring to a peak of 297mm (11.69") in November. The daylight hours are restrictively short, slipping down to 4.6 hours in December.
Spring weather in Iqaluit
Spring in Iqaluit spans from March to May. Though the season signals a slow transition from harsh winter conditions, it continues to be cold with temperatures ranging from -18.3°C (-0.9°F) to -1.2°C (29.8°F). Snowfall records show that it is persistently high during the spring months, with 315mm (12.4") in April. Minimal rainfall is observed, specifically in May, which sees 3mm (0.12") of rain.
Summer weather in Iqaluit
Summer in Iqaluit, eminent from June to August, is relatively brief and yet brings some respite from the otherwise constant chill. Temperatures climb slightly, reaching their peak at 12.3°C (54.1°F) in July. Rainfall increases in this period, peaking in August with 69mm (2.72"). Conversely, snowfall diminishes substantially to near zero values, particularly in August.
Autumn weather in Iqaluit
Autumn, bridging the period between September and November, witnesses a sharp descent in temperatures from 5.2°C (41.4°F) to -8.3°C (17.1°F). Autumn also marks the return of extreme snowfall, starting with 132mm (5.2") in September, escalating to a high of 297mm (11.69") by November. Concurrently, rainfall decreases substantially from 42mm (1.65") to 1mm (0.04").
Winter weather in Iqaluit
Winter in Iqaluit, spanning December to February, is characterized by frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall, and short daylight hours. During these months, the temperatures drop significantly from -17°C (1.4°F) to -31.7°C (-25.1°F). Observably, snowfall is intense during this period, reaching 234mm (9.21") in December. The hours of daylight are significantly fewer, reducing to 4.6 hours in December.
Weather in January
January in Iqaluit, Canada experiences some of the coldest conditions of the year, with the high temperature averaging at -22.8°C (-9°F) and the low at -30.9°C (-23.6°F). The beginning of the year is characterized by wintery conditions, icy winds, and limited daylight. Weather in January »
Weather in February
Moving into February, the overall climate in Iqaluit, Canada does not differ significantly from the preceding month with the average high and low temperatures being -23.3°C (-9.9°F) and -31.7°C (-25.1°F) respectively. The snowfall remains persistent, however, the daylight hours start to gradually increase, signaling the transition towards spring. Weather in February »
Weather in March
The weather in March begins to warm a bit with an average high temperature of -18.3°C (-0.9°F), though Iqaluit, Canada still experiences a winter-like environment. March maintains the trend of snowy days from its predecessor, with an average of 12.7 snowfall days, ensuring the city remains bedecked in a winter blanket. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the arrival of spring in Iqaluit, Canada, yet the temperature does not rise notably with an average low and high of -18.9°C (-2°F) and -9.4°C (15.1°F), respectively. The snow starts to melt, with slight traces of rainfall observed, marking this month as the beginning of the precipitation period. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May brings substantial changes to the weather in Iqaluit, Canada with average high temperatures creeping up to -1.2°C (29.8°F) and the snowfall decreasing to an average of 276mm (10.87"). Blue skies start to dominate, and the first greenery of the year begins to peek through the newly-uncovered soil. Weather in May »
Weather in June
As summer approaches, June sees a significant improvement in weather conditions in Iqaluit, Canada. The average high temperature reaches 6.8°C (44.2°F), and for the first time in the year, the average low temperature rests above freezing at 0.5°C (32.9°F). Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the warmest month in Iqaluit, Canada with an average high of 12.3°C (54.1°F) and the average low ranging around 4.1°C (39.4°F). Long daylight hours and comfortable temperatures lead to a surge in outdoor recreation activities. Weather in July »
Weather in August
August continues the trend of mild temperatures in Iqaluit, Canada with an average daytime high of 10.5°C (50.9°F). The city enjoys ample amounts of daylight, and the environment is filled with thriving vegetation. A noticeable feature of August’s weather is the continued rainfall from July, with an average of 69mm (2.72"), the highest for any month. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September in Iqaluit, Canada marks the end of the brief summer season with a noticeable dip in temperatures and the average high settling at 5.2°C (41.4°F). The commencement of autumn brings a change in the colors of the leaves and signals the inevitable return of the cold. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October embodies the transition into winter for Iqaluit, Canada. The average temperature plummets to -1°C (30.2°F), and the daylight duration shortens significantly. Snowfall begins to resume with an average of 294mm (11.57") spread across approximately 13.7 days. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November sees the full onset of winter in Iqaluit, Canada with an average high temperature of -8.3°C (17.1°F). The snowfall not only increases from the previous month but also overshadows rainfall with an average snowfall of 297mm (11.69"). Weather in November »
Weather in December
December in Iqaluit, Canada experiences one of the coldest months again, with an average high of -17°C (1.4°F). Alongside the dip in temperature, the city undergoes major transformations, from the cityscape to lifestyle changes. Weather in December »
Updated: Feb 4, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What is the driest month in Iqaluit?
January through March and December are months without rainfall.
How much does it rain in Iqaluit?
During the entire year, Iqaluit aggregates up to 197mm (7.76") of precipitation.
When does it snow in Iqaluit?
January through June, August through December are months with snowfall in Iqaluit, Canada.
How much does it snow in Iqaluit?
Throughout the year, in Iqaluit, there are 113.4 snowfall days, and 2293mm (90.28") of snow is accumulated.
What months are the sea coldest in Iqaluit?
January through March, with an average sea temperature of -2°C (28.4°F), are months with the coldest seawater.
What are the months with the lowest UV index in Iqaluit?
January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 0, are months with the lowest UV index in Iqaluit.
What are the coldest months in Iqaluit?
February, having an average high-temperature of -23.3°C (-9.9°F) and an average low-temperature of -31.7°C (-25.1°F), is the coldest month in Iqaluit, Canada.
What is the least humid month in Iqaluit?
With an average relative humidity of 64.6%, February is the least humid month in Iqaluit, Canada.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Iqaluit?
On Sunday, 10. March 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Iqaluit, Canada, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, 03. November 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.
When does it rain in Iqaluit?
April through November are months with rainfall in Iqaluit, Canada.
When does it snow the most in Iqaluit?
April is the month with the most snowfall in Iqaluit, Canada. Snow falls for 13.4 days and accumulates 315mm (12.4") of snow.
What are the months with the highest UV index in Iqaluit?
The months with the highest UV index are May through July, with an average maximum UV index of 4.
When are the longest days in Iqaluit?
With an average of 20h and 36min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Iqaluit, Canada.
What is the hottest time of year in Iqaluit?
Iqaluit, Canada, registers the average highest temperatures during July, with peaks of 12.3°C (54.1°F) and lows of 4.1°C (39.4°F).
When it does not snow in Iqaluit?
The only month without snowfall is July.
What month has the most sunshine in Iqaluit?
With an average of 7.6h of sunshine, July has the most sunshine of the year in Iqaluit, Canada.
What is the rainiest month in Iqaluit?
The month with the most rainfall is August, when the rain falls for 16.7 days and typically aggregates up to 69mm (2.72") of precipitation.
When is the sea warmest in Iqaluit?
August is the month with the warmest seawater in Iqaluit, Canada, with an average sea temperature of 3°C (37.4°F).
What is the most humid month in Iqaluit?
The most humid month is October, with an average relative humidity of 78.1%.
What is the month with the shortest days in Iqaluit?
With an average of 4h and 36min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Iqaluit, Canada.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Iqaluit?
December has the least sunshine of the year in Iqaluit, Canada, with an average of 0.4h of sunshine.
Average temperature
Iqaluit, Canada
- Average high temperature in January:
-22.8°C - Average high temperature in February:
-23.3°C - Average high temperature in March:
-18.3°C - Average high temperature in April:
-9.4°C - Average high temperature in May:
-1.2°C - Average high temperature in June:
6.8°C
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (12.3°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is February (-23.3°C).
- Average low temperature in January:
-30.9°C - Average low temperature in February:
-31.7°C - Average low temperature in March:
-28.1°C - Average low temperature in April:
-18.9°C - Average low temperature in May:
-7.6°C - Average low temperature in June:
0.5°C
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (4.1°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (-31.7°C).
Average humidity
Iqaluit, Canada
- Average humidity in January:
65.3% - Average humidity in February:
64.6% - Average humidity in March:
65.4% - Average humidity in April:
72.8% - Average humidity in May:
76.4% - Average humidity in June:
72.6%
- Average humidity in July:
69.4% - Average humidity in August:
72.6% - Average humidity in September:
75.6% - Average humidity in October:
78.1% - Average humidity in November:
76.6% - Average humidity in December:
71.5%
The month with the highest relative humidity is October (78.1%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is February (64.6%).
Average rainfall
Iqaluit, Canada
- Average rainfall in July:
51.9mm - Average rainfall in August:
68.6mm - Average rainfall in September:
42.2mm - Average rainfall in October:
6.8mm - Average rainfall in November:
0.6mm - Average rainfall in December:
0mm
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (68.6mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January, February, March and December (0mm).
Average rainfall days
Iqaluit, Canada
- Average rainfall days in January:
0 days - Average rainfall days in February:
0.1 days - Average rainfall days in March:
0 days - Average rainfall days in April:
0.3 days - Average rainfall days in May:
1.4 days - Average rainfall days in June:
7.4 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
12.7 days - Average rainfall days in August:
16.7 days - Average rainfall days in September:
10.6 days - Average rainfall days in October:
2.2 days - Average rainfall days in November:
0.3 days - Average rainfall days in December:
0 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (16.7 days).
The months with the least rainy days are January, March and December (0 days).
Average snowfall
Iqaluit, Canada
- Average snowfall in January:
217mm - Average snowfall in February:
210mm - Average snowfall in March:
216mm - Average snowfall in April:
315mm - Average snowfall in May:
276mm - Average snowfall in June:
93mm
The month with the highest snowfall is April (315mm).
The month with the least snowfall is July (0mm).
Average snowfall days
Iqaluit, Canada
- Average snowfall days in January:
12.2 days - Average snowfall days in February:
11.6 days - Average snowfall days in March:
12.7 days - Average snowfall days in April:
13.4 days - Average snowfall days in May:
12 days - Average snowfall days in June:
3.9 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0.1 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0.5 days - Average snowfall days in September:
7.2 days - Average snowfall days in October:
13.7 days - Average snowfall days in November:
13.8 days - Average snowfall days in December:
12.3 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is November (13.8 days).
The month with the least snowfall days is July (0.1 days).
Average sea temperature
Iqaluit, Canada
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (3°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are January, February and March (-2°C).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Iqaluit, Canada
- Average daylight in January:
5h and 5min - Average daylight in February:
8h and 4min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in April:
15h and 1min - Average daylight in May:
18h and 2min - Average daylight in June:
20h and 4min
- Average daylight in July:
19h and 2min - Average daylight in August:
16h and 1min - Average daylight in September:
13h and 0min - Average daylight in October:
9h and 5min - Average daylight in November:
6h and 4min - Average daylight in December:
4h and 4min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 20h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 4h and 36min).
- Average sunshine in January:
1h and 0min - Average sunshine in February:
3h and 2min - Average sunshine in March:
5h and 4min - Average sunshine in April:
7h and 1min - Average sunshine in May:
5h and 5min - Average sunshine in June:
6h and 4min
- Average sunshine in July:
7h and 4min - Average sunshine in August:
5h and 1min - Average sunshine in September:
2h and 5min - Average sunshine in October:
1h and 4min - Average sunshine in November:
1h and 1min - Average sunshine in December:
0h and 2min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 7h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 0h and 24min).
Average UV index
Iqaluit, Canada
The months with the highest UV index are May, June and July (UV index 4).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 0).
