Climate of Northwest Territories, Canada
Area-weighted average across Northwest Territories. For where people actually live and travel, see the cities below.
Northwest Territories, a subdivision of Canada, has a strongly continental climate on average. Area-weighted monthly temperatures across the whole territory range from -27.8°C / -18°F in January to 12.1°C / 53.8°F in July, with rainfall from 11 mm / 0.4 in to 42 mm / 1.7 in depending on the season (266 mm / 10.5 in total across the year). See the city listed below for point-value climate at specific locations — these often differ from the area-weighted average, especially in geographically diverse subdivisions.
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -27.8°C-18°F | 13 mm0.5″ | — |
| February | -26.1°C-15°F | 11 mm0.4″ | — |
| March | -22.2°C-8°F | 12 mm0.5″ | — |
| April | -11.8°C10.8°F | 12 mm0.5″ | — |
| May | -1°C30.2°F | 17 mm0.7″ | — |
| June | 8.5°C47.3°F | 28 mm1.1″ | — |
| July | 12.1°C53.8°F | 40 mm1.6″ | — |
| August | 9.5°C49.1°F | 42 mm1.7″ | — |
| September | 2.9°C37.2°F | 32 mm1.3″ | — |
| October | -6.8°C19.8°F | 27 mm1.1″ | Snowy |
| November | -18.6°C-1.5°F | 18 mm0.7″ | — |
| December | -24.8°C-12.6°F | 14 mm0.6″ | — |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Northwest Territories?
Northwest Territories, Canada does not have a clear sunny-and-dry window by our cutoffs. The warmest month is July at 12.1°C / 53.8°F, and the driest is February at 11 mm / 0.4 in — likely your best travel window. For city-level detail, see the cities section below.
What is the climate of Northwest Territories?
Northwest Territories, Canada has area-weighted monthly average temperatures ranging from -27.8°C / -18°F in January to 12.1°C / 53.8°F in July. Annual rainfall averages about 266 mm / 10.5 in, with the wettest month being August (42 mm / 1.7 in) and the driest February (11 mm / 0.4 in). Because this is an area average across the whole subdivision, local city values can differ substantially.
What is the hottest month in Northwest Territories?
The hottest month in Northwest Territories is July, with an area-wide average temperature of 12.1°C / 53.8°F.
What is the coldest month in Northwest Territories?
The coldest month in Northwest Territories is January, with an area-wide average temperature of -27.8°C / -18°F.
When does it rain most in Northwest Territories?
The wettest month in Northwest Territories is August, averaging about 42 mm / 1.7 in of rainfall. The driest is February with about 11 mm / 0.4 in.