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Northwest Territories

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Northwest Territories Weather, Climate and Best Time to Visit

Data source：Meteostat
Update date：2025-09

Northwest Territories year round climate

  • Spring (March–May): Average -4.0–8.2°C, cold climate, windy, rainfall gradually increases. Common activities: Aurora viewing (if later in spring), snow activities (e.g., snowshoeing, depending on snow conditions). Recommended clothing: Warm jacket, hat, scarf, gloves, waterproof pants and shoes.
  • Summer (June–August): Average 10.9–15.5°C, cool climate, June has the most rainfall, which gradually decreases afterwards. Common activities: Hiking, boating, fishing, wildlife viewing. Recommended clothing: Lightweight warm jacket, long pants, waterproof jacket.
  • Autumn (September–November): Average 10.2–-4.9°C, cold climate, decreasing rainfall, snow begins to fall. Common activities: Aurora viewing, autumn hiking (depending on weather conditions). Recommended clothing: Warm jacket, hat, scarf, gloves, waterproof pants and shoes.
  • Winter (December–February): Average -6.8–-5.3°C, very cold climate, dry, little snowfall. Common activities: Snow activities (sledding, snowmobiling), aurora viewing. Recommended clothing: Heavy warm jacket, hat, scarf, gloves, waterproof pants and shoes, layered clothing.

Northwest Territories climatological average

Annual average temperature: approx. 3.2°C / Annual rainfall: approx. 603 mm / Summer humidity: 60%–70% / Rainiest month: June

Northwest Territories monthly average temperature and precipitation

Month
Air temperature (°C)
Precipitation (mm)
January
-6.8°C
17
February
-5.3°C
25.3
March
-4°C
17.1
April
1.5°C
30.1
May
8.2°C
101.5
June
10.9°C
159.7
July
15.5°C
67.5
August
14.6°C
65.8
September
10.2°C
20.9
October
4.6°C
51.1
November
-4.9°C
37.3
December
-6°C
10.4

Northwest Territories weather for the next seven days

5/16
Saturday
Sunny
-1.9°C/-11.1°C
5/17
Sunday
Sunny
4.9°C/-7°C
5/18
Monday
Patchy rain nearby
12.4°C/0°C
5/19
Tuesday
Patchy rain nearby
8.8°C/2.6°C
5/20
Wednesday
Patchy rain nearby
6.4°C/-0.2°C
5/21
Thursday
Patchy rain nearby
2.9°C/0.1°C
5/22
Friday
Sunny
4°C/-3.1°C

Northwest Territories Frequently Asked Questions and Useful Information for Travel

When is the best time to visit the Northwest Territories?

Winter (November-April) offers stunning snow-covered landscapes and activities like skiing, snowboarding, and dog sledding. Spring (May) is a shoulder season with milder weather and fewer crowds, making it a beautiful time for exploration.

How can I travel to the Northwest Territories?

Access to specific parks like Tuktut Nogait, Aulavik, and Ivvavik is typically via chartered flights from Inuvik. You can fly to Inuvik through scheduled services from cities like Edmonton, Vancouver, Yellowknife, or Whitehorse. Alternatively, the Dempster Highway offers a scenic driving route.

What wildlife can I expect to see in the Northwest Territories?

The Northwest Territories is home to a significant population of grizzly bears, estimated between 4,000-5,000, with a high concentration in the Mackenzie Mountains. These bears have extensive home ranges, with males covering over 2000 km² and females about half that.

Is Yellowknife a worthwhile destination?

Yellowknife is an exceptional destination, particularly for viewing the Northern Lights due to its location beneath the Auroral Oval. Beyond the aurora, it boasts a rich gold rush history, vibrant Indigenous culture, unique shops, local cuisine, and the memorable Aurora Village experience.

What are some unique experiences in the Northwest Territories?

Beyond the world-class aurora viewing opportunities, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich Indigenous culture, explore vast wilderness areas, witness unique wildlife, and experience the profound silence and beauty of the subarctic landscape. Activities range from dog sledding and ice fishing in winter to canoeing and hiking in the warmer months.