City in Northwest Territories, Canada
Yellowknife weather by month and the best time to visit
When to go to Yellowknife
Late Aug–Apr offers aurora; Feb–Mar are clearest but −25°C or colder. Sep brings fall colour and fewer visitors. Summer has near-endless daylight and wildfire smoke risk.
Yellowknife weather by month
Average daily high, rainfall and conditions.
- Jan-26°21 mm
- Feb-23°14 mm
- Mar-14°20 mm
- Apr-3°19 mm
- May10°44 mm
- Jun18°55 mm
- Jul21°62 mm
- Aug18°56 mm
- Sep10°47 mm
- Oct-2°29 mm
- Nov-17°25 mm
- Dec-24°19 mm
Monthly averages
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -26°C-15°F | -34°C-28°F | 21 mm | 95% | Freezing |
| February | -23°C-9°F | -31°C-24°F | 14 mm | 96% | Freezing |
| March | -14°C7°F | -24°C-11°F | 20 mm | 95% | Freezing |
| April | -3°C27°F | -11°C13°F | 19 mm | 91% | Freezing |
| May | 10°C49°F | 2°C35°F | 44 mm | 75% | Cold |
| June | 18°C64°F | 10°C51°F | 55 mm | 68% | Cool |
| July | 21°C70°F | 14°C56°F | 62 mm | 65% | Pleasant |
| August | 18°C64°F | 11°C51°F | 56 mm | 70% | Cool |
| September | 10°C50°F | 4°C39°F | 47 mm | 79% | Cold |
| October | -2°C29°F | -7°C19°F | 29 mm | 89% | Freezing |
| November | -17°C1°F | -24°C-11°F | 25 mm | 95% | Freezing |
| December | -24°C-11°F | -31°C-24°F | 19 mm | 95% | Freezing |
Best months across Canada
| Place | Best months | Warmest month |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | May–Sep | Jul (24°C) |
| Vancouver | Jun–Sep | Jul (24°C) |
| Montreal | May–Sep | Jul (25°C) |
| Banff | Jan–Feb, Jun–Sep | Jul (21°C) |
| Niagara Falls | May–Sep | Jul (26°C) |
| Quebec City | Feb, Jun–Sep | Jul (24°C) |
| Whistler | Jul–Aug, Dec–Mar | Jul (22°C) |
| Ottawa | May–Sep | Jul (26°C) |
| Calgary | Jun–Sep | Jul (25°C) |
| Victoria | May–Sep | Aug (21°C) |
| Jasper | Jun–Sep | Jul (22°C) |
| Halifax | Jun–Sep | Aug (21°C) |
| Tofino | Jun–Sep, Nov–Dec | Aug (18°C) |
| Edmonton | Jun–Sep | Jul (24°C) |
| Kelowna | Jun–Sep | Jul (30°C) |
| Yellowknife | Feb–Mar, Sep | Jul (21°C) |
| Mont-Tremblant | Jan–Mar, Sep–Oct | Jul (24°C) |
| Prince Edward Island | Jun–Sep | Aug (22°C) |
Quick answers
What is the best month to visit Yellowknife?
Feb–Mar, Sep. Late Aug–Apr offers aurora; Feb–Mar are clearest but −25°C or colder. Sep brings fall colour and fewer visitors. Summer has near-endless daylight and wildfire smoke risk.
When is the rainy season in Yellowknife?
Rain peaks in July with about 62 mm. No month averages 150 mm or more.
What is the hottest month in Yellowknife?
July, with average highs of 21°C (70°F).
How cold does Yellowknife get?
The coolest nights are in January, averaging -34°C (-28°F).
More about Yellowknife
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Sources
- NASA POWER climatology (2001–2020)
- City of Yellowknife Transit
- Spectacular NWT (tourism)
- NT Health and Social Services Authority
Climate averages are modelled from NASA POWER (MERRA-2) for 2001–2020 at about 50 km resolution, so coasts and valleys can differ a little. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.