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%).
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 »