Climate and monthly weather forecast
Whitehorse, Canada

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The climate of Whitehorse

Whitehorse, the capital city of Canada's Yukon territory, lies in the Subartic, subalpine zone, as categorised by the Köppen climate classification. Characterised as a Dsc climate, it possesses a unique annual weather pattern, significantly influenced by its geographical position.

The region goes through periods of sharp temperature fluctuations, with highest temperatures seen in July at 17.8°C (64°F), then a prompt descend to the lowest in January at -17.5°C (0.5°F). Relative humidity remains relatively high most of the year, exceeding 90% during winter months and dipping to a low of 58% in June.

When it comes to precipitation, rainfall and snowfall exhibit distinct patterns. Rainfall, which ranges from 12mm (0.47") in February to a peak of 39mm (1.54") in August, is generally more predictable than snow levels. Snow is almost a constant companion from October to May, with January and November witnessing the heaviest snowfall, both exceeding 130mm (5.12").

Daylight hours in Whitehorse vary significantly through the year, from 6.7 hours per day in December, extending up to 19 hours per day during the height of summer in June. As for sunshine hours, they typically range from 2.7 hours per day in January to a maximum of 12.5 hours per day in May.

The best time to visit Whitehorse

The prime time to visit Whitehorse often aligns with when weather values expand their trends into more hospitable patterns. Mostly, this occurs from May to September. During these months, the city experiences daylight hours ranging from 14.7 to 19, with sunshine hours varying from 7.8 to 12.5. Visiting during this period will guarantee longer daylight hours, allowing visitors to enjoy the outdoor activities the city has to offer.

The highest temperatures hover around 11.3°C (52.3°F) to 17.8°C (64°F) during these months, and rainfall sits moderately between 16mm (0.63") in May and 39mm (1.54") in August. Relative humidity remains on the lower end of the spectrum, ensuring comfortable air condition for travelers.

The worst time to visit Whitehorse

Traveling to Whitehorse between November and March proves challenging for many. Although the snowfall provides a picturesque landscape, the challenging weather conditions, including the low temperatures from -17.5°C (0.5°F) to -11.3°C (11.7°F) and snowfall exceeding 100mm (3.94") in certain months, could disrupt travel plans.

The city operates under limited sunlight during this period, with sunshine hours as low as 3 hours per day, and daylight hours ranging from 5.8 to 9.1 hours per day. Therefore, travelers seeking to experience the best of Whitehorse may find this season less appealing.

Spring weather in Whitehorse

Spring in Whitehorse, running from March to May, offers a notable transition in climate variables. Although the early part of spring is chilly with temperatures averaging between -6.4°C (20.5°F) to -15.4°C (4.3°F) in March, May ushers in warmer temperatures up to 11.3°C (52.3°F).

In terms of precipitation, snowfall dominates the scene in March, thereafter giving way to a mixture of both snow and rain in April, and then finally just rainfall from 16mm (0.63") in May.

Summer weather in Whitehorse

Coming into the summer months of June to August, Whitehorse witnesses the highest average temperatures, ranging from 15.3°C (59.5°F) to 17.8°C (64°F). The humidity dips to as low as 58% in June, gradually climbing to 71% in August. Rainfall reaches its peak during the summer, ranging from 33mm (1.3") to 39mm (1.54"), accompanied by long daylight hours of up to 19 in June.

Autumn weather in Whitehorse

The autumn season, spanning from September to October, brings a contrasting weather scenario. Temperatures start to fall from 9.4°C (48.9°F) in September to 1.4°C (34.5°F) in October. September experiences a humidity level of 76%, which increases to 80% in October. Precipitation also changes, with rainfall levels varying from 20mm (0.79") in October to 23mm (0.91") in September, and snowfall beginning to appear by October.

Winter weather in Whitehorse

Winter in Whitehorse is extended, commencing in November and ending in March. This is a season of remarkable cold, with temperatures remaining far below freezing, from -11.2°C (11.8°F) in December to -17.5°C (0.5°F) in January. This period also records the highest snowfall, with November and January recording over 130mm (5.12"). The daylight hours are minimal, with December having the least, accounting to just 5.8 hours of daylight per day.

Weather in January

January in Whitehorse, Canada, sees the coldest temperatures of the year. Amidst these chill-filled days, expect high humidity levels, reaching up to 95%, that result in regular snowfall, with snow cover reaching as much as 148mm (5.83"). Weather in January »

Weather in February

Moving into February, a slight climb can be noticed in the average temperatures, although this is still considered freezing conditions. In comparison to January, February experiences slightly less snowfall with a total of 94mm (3.7"). Weather in February »

Weather in March

As March rolls in, Whitehorse begins to witness the first signs of spring as temperatures begin to warm up slightly. Despite a decrease in temperature, snowfall occurrences persist, measuring 103mm (4.06") for the month. Yet, with an increased daylight span of around 11.9 hours, outdoor activities gain additional hours. Weather in March »

Weather in April

Weather patterns undergo notable changes as Whitehorse enters April. Wintry weather loses its grip rapidly, with a massive decrease in snowfall reducing to only 69mm (2.72"). Correspondingly, there's an noticeable increase, reaching up to 2.1°C (35.8°F), in the average minimum temperature. Weather in April »

Weather in May

As Whitehorse sails into summer, May brings the largest surge in temperatures among all months. The visible shift from snowfall to rainfall becomes evident, with the rainfall amount reaching 16mm (0.63"). Extended daylight hours, peaking at around 17.4 hours, provide ample time to indulge in outdoor activities. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in Whitehorse presents itself with the most optimal conditions for outdoor ventures, being the warmest month of the year. The maximum temperature hovers around 15.8°C (60.4°F), featuring the entrance into the summer season. Weather in June »

Weather in July

Continuing the summer spectacle, July sustains the warm temperature trends with highs touching 17.8°C (64°F). Although the daylight hours slightly drop to 18.1 hours, it still provides ample sunlight for recreational pursuits. Being the wettest month, relative humidity ratchets up to 64% and rainfall reaches its apex at 37mm (1.46"), providing sustenance to local florae. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August marks a transition period as Whitehorse begins shifting from the summer season's warmth towards the more refreshing fall weather. The maximum temperature drops back to 15.3°C (59.5°F) with occasional rainfall measuring 39mm (1.54"). Weather in August »

Weather in September

September signals the beginning of fall in Whitehorse with a substantial temperature drop and diminishing daylight hours. A significant decrease can be observed in average maximum temperatures, which get pulled down to 9.4°C (48.9°F). Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Whitehorse is chiefly characterized by a switch from predominating rains to the re-emergence of snowfall. The dip in temperature becomes more noticeable, pushing the maximum temperature down to a mere 1.4°C (34.5°F). Weather in October »

Weather in November

November is usually a harbinger of harsh winters in Whitehorse with temperatures plunging drastically to reach their second-lowest annual temperatures. The snowfall in November adds up to a substantial 130mm (5.12"), marking a significant increase from the previous month. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Whitehorse, Canada, is in the throes of winter with December being the second coldest month of the year. The city succumbs to chilling temperatures, the maximum being just a bit lesser than January's at -11.2°C (11.8°F). The city gets wrapped into a snowy duvet with 100mm (3.94") of snowfall, lessening towards the end of the month. Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

What part of the year is the coldest in Whitehorse?

Whitehorse's coldest weather arrives in January, when temperatures average a high of -11.3°C (11.7°F) and a low of -17.5°C (0.5°F).

What is the most humid month in Whitehorse?

January is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 95%.

How many days does it rain in Whitehorse?

In Whitehorse, during the entire year, the rain falls for 125.2 days and collects up to 255mm (10.04") of precipitation.

When does it snow in Whitehorse?

January through May, August through December are months with snowfall in Whitehorse, Canada.

When does it snow the most in Whitehorse?

January is the month with the most snowfall in Whitehorse. Snow falls for 19.5 days and accumulates 148mm (5.83") of snow.

How many days does it snow in Whitehorse?

In Whitehorse, during the entire year, snow falls for 120.3 days and aggregates up to 768mm (30.24") of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Whitehorse?

January has the least sunshine of the year in Whitehorse, Canada, with an average of 2.7h of sunshine.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in Whitehorse?

January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Whitehorse.

What is the driest month in Whitehorse?

The month with the least rainfall in Whitehorse is February, when the rain falls for 5.9 days and typically collects 12mm (0.47") of precipitation.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Whitehorse?

On Sunday, 10. March 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from PST to PDT. Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, 03. November 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from PDT to PST.

What month has the most sunshine in Whitehorse?

The month with the most sunshine is May, with an average of 12.5h of sunshine.

What is the least humid month in Whitehorse?

June is the least humid month in Whitehorse, Canada, with an average relative humidity of 58%.

When it does not snow in Whitehorse?

June and July are months without snowfall in Whitehorse, Canada.

When are the longest days in Whitehorse?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 19h and 0min of daylight.

When is the highest UV index in Whitehorse?

The months with the highest UV index in Whitehorse, Canada, are June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 4.

What is the hottest time of year in Whitehorse?

July, characterized by an average high temperature of 17.8°C (64°F) and a low temperature of 6.7°C (44.1°F), is generally the warmest month.

What is the rainiest month in Whitehorse?

August is the month with the most rainfall in Whitehorse. Rain falls for 16.1 days and accumulates 39mm (1.54") of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days in Whitehorse?

December has the shortest days of the year in Whitehorse, Canada, with an average of 5h and 48min of daylight.

Average temperature
Whitehorse, Canada

Average temperature - Whitehorse, Canada

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (17.8°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (-11.3°C).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (6.7°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (-17.5°C).

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Average pressure
Whitehorse, Canada

Average pressure - Whitehorse, Canada

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is February (1016.6mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is September (1010.7mbar).

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Average wind speed
Whitehorse, Canada

Average wind speed - Whitehorse, Canada

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is September (9.9km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is February (8.6km/h).

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Average humidity
Whitehorse, Canada

Average humidity - Whitehorse, Canada

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (95%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is June (58%).

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Average rainfall
Whitehorse, Canada

Average rainfall - Whitehorse, Canada

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (39mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (12mm).

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Average rainfall days
Whitehorse, Canada

Average rainfall days - Whitehorse, Canada

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (16.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (5.7 days).

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Average snowfall
Whitehorse, Canada

Average snowfall - Whitehorse, Canada

The month with the highest snowfall is January (148mm).
The months with the least snowfall are June and July (0mm).

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Average snowfall days
Whitehorse, Canada

Average snowfall days - Whitehorse, Canada

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is November (19.6 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June and July (0 days).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Whitehorse, Canada

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Whitehorse, Canada

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 19h and 0min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 5h and 48min).

The month with the most sunshine is May (Average sunshine: 12h and 30min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 2h and 42min).

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Average sunshine days
Whitehorse, Canada

Average sunshine days - Whitehorse, Canada

The month with the most sunshine days is May (15.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is November (10.5 days).

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Average UV index
Whitehorse, Canada

Average UV index - Whitehorse, Canada

The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 4).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index 1).

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Average visibility
Whitehorse, Canada

Average visibility - Whitehorse, Canada

The months with the highest visibility are May, June and July (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March and December (6km).

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Whitehorse, Canada

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