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 » [Resources]