Climate and monthly weather forecastYellowknife, Canada
Climate and monthly weather forecast
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 »Updated: Feb 5, 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
Yellowknife's coldest weather arrives in January, when temperatures average a high of -18.8°C (-1.8°F) and a low of -25.2°C (-13.4°F).
January is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 98%.
In Yellowknife, Canada, during the entire year, the rain falls for 70.2 days and collects up to 207mm (8.15") of precipitation.
January through May, September through December are months with snowfall in Yellowknife.
In Yellowknife, Canada, during the entire year, snow falls for 112.8 days and aggregates up to 564mm (22.2") of snow.
The months with the least sunshine in Yellowknife are January and December, with an average of 1h of sunshine.
The months with the lowest UV index are January through March, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.
February is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 0.3 days and accumulates 4mm (0.16") of precipitation.
On Sunday, 10. March 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from MST to MDT. Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, 03. November 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from MDT to MST.
With an average relative humidity of 52%, June is the least humid month.
In Yellowknife, Canada, snow does not fall in June through August.
The month with the longest days in Yellowknife is June, with an average of 19h and 48min of daylight.
The month with the most sunshine in Yellowknife, Canada, is June, with an average of 13.1h of sunshine.
June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the highest UV index.
July stands out as Yellowknife's warmest month, with an average high-temperature of 20.3°C (68.5°F) and a low-temperature of 12°C (53.6°F).
The month with the most rainfall is August, when the rain falls for 14.5 days and typically aggregates up to 41mm (1.61") of precipitation.
The month with the most snowfall in Yellowknife, Canada, is November, when snow falls for 20.3 days and typically aggregates up to 114mm (4.49") of snow.
With an average of 5h and 12min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
Average temperature
Yellowknife, Canada
- Average high temperature in January:
-18.8°C - Average high temperature in February:
-16.8°C - Average high temperature in March:
-11.1°C - Average high temperature in April:
-2.5°C - Average high temperature in May:
9.8°C - Average high temperature in June:
17.9°C
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (20.3°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (-18.8°C).
- Average low temperature in January:
-25.2°C - Average low temperature in February:
-24.8°C - Average low temperature in March:
-18.8°C - Average low temperature in April:
-9.8°C - Average low temperature in May:
1.6°C - Average low temperature in June:
9.3°C
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (12°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (-25.2°C).
Average pressure
Yellowknife, Canada
- Average pressure in January:
1020mbar - Average pressure in February:
1020.3mbar - Average pressure in March:
1019.4mbar - Average pressure in April:
1017.9mbar - Average pressure in May:
1016.7mbar - Average pressure in June:
1010.7mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1010.1mbar - Average pressure in August:
1009.9mbar - Average pressure in September:
1010.6mbar - Average pressure in October:
1013.4mbar - Average pressure in November:
1014.7mbar - Average pressure in December:
1018.3mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is February (1020.3mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is August (1009.9mbar).
Average wind speed
Yellowknife, Canada
- Average wind speed in January:
12.6km/h - Average wind speed in February:
12.2km/h - Average wind speed in March:
12.9km/h - Average wind speed in April:
13km/h - Average wind speed in May:
13.8km/h - Average wind speed in June:
13.6km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
12.9km/h - Average wind speed in August:
13.4km/h - Average wind speed in September:
14.9km/h - Average wind speed in October:
14.3km/h - Average wind speed in November:
14.5km/h - Average wind speed in December:
13.1km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is September (14.9km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is February (12.2km/h).
Average humidity
Yellowknife, Canada
The month with the highest relative humidity is January (98%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is June (52%).
Average rainfall
Yellowknife, Canada
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (41mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (4mm).
Average rainfall days
Yellowknife, Canada
- Average rainfall days in January:
0.5 days - Average rainfall days in February:
0.3 days - Average rainfall days in March:
2.8 days - Average rainfall days in April:
4.7 days - Average rainfall days in May:
5.9 days - Average rainfall days in June:
10.5 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
14 days - Average rainfall days in August:
14.5 days - Average rainfall days in September:
10.2 days - Average rainfall days in October:
5.5 days - Average rainfall days in November:
0.6 days - Average rainfall days in December:
0.7 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (14.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (0.3 days).
Average snowfall
Yellowknife, Canada
The month with the highest snowfall is November (114mm).
The months with the least snowfall are June, July and August (0mm).
Average snowfall days
Yellowknife, Canada
- Average snowfall days in January:
15.3 days - Average snowfall days in February:
12.1 days - Average snowfall days in March:
14 days - Average snowfall days in April:
12 days - Average snowfall days in May:
3.3 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
2.5 days - Average snowfall days in October:
14 days - Average snowfall days in November:
20.3 days - Average snowfall days in December:
19.3 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is November (20.3 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July and August (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Yellowknife, Canada
- Average daylight in January:
6h and 12min - Average daylight in February:
8h and 54min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 54min - Average daylight in April:
14h and 54min - Average daylight in May:
17h and 54min - Average daylight in June:
19h and 48min
- Average daylight in July:
18h and 48min - Average daylight in August:
15h and 54min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 54min - Average daylight in October:
9h and 54min - Average daylight in November:
7h and 0min - Average daylight in December:
5h and 12min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 19h and 48min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 5h and 12min).
- Average sunshine in January:
1h and 0min - Average sunshine in February:
1h and 24min - Average sunshine in March:
1h and 54min - Average sunshine in April:
4h and 48min - Average sunshine in May:
10h and 12min - Average sunshine in June:
13h and 6min
- Average sunshine in July:
11h and 54min - Average sunshine in August:
9h and 30min - Average sunshine in September:
6h and 48min - Average sunshine in October:
3h and 0min - Average sunshine in November:
1h and 48min - Average sunshine in December:
1h and 0min
The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 13h and 6min).
The months with the least sunshine are January and December (Average sunshine: 1h and 0min).
Average sunshine days
Yellowknife, Canada
- Average sunshine days in January:
17.8 days - Average sunshine days in February:
18.3 days - Average sunshine days in March:
16.8 days - Average sunshine days in April:
16.2 days - Average sunshine days in May:
21.2 days - Average sunshine days in June:
17.3 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
14.1 days - Average sunshine days in August:
15.1 days - Average sunshine days in September:
16.3 days - Average sunshine days in October:
13.6 days - Average sunshine days in November:
11.5 days - Average sunshine days in December:
13.8 days
The month with the most sunshine days is May (21.2 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is November (11.5 days).
Average UV index
Yellowknife, Canada
The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, October, November and December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Yellowknife, Canada
The months with the most cloud cover are January and December (Cloud cover 87).
The months with the least cloud cover are June and July (Cloud cover 37).
Average visibility
Yellowknife, Canada
The months with the highest visibility are May, June and July (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January and February (5km).
