Last updated: January 18, 2025
Manitoba, Canada, exhibits a unique climate profile characterized by its Dfb and Dfc Köppen-Geiger climate classes. The region experiences extreme temperature variations, with winter minimums plunging to -44°C (-46°F) in January, contrasted by summer maximums soaring to 40°C (105°F) in June. On average, the annual temperature hovers around 3°C (37°F), highlighting the stark seasonal shifts that define Manitoba's climate. This broad range of temperatures, coupled with the distinct seasonal changes, underscores the dynamic nature of Manitoba's weather patterns.
Manitoba's temperature patterns showcase drastic seasonal shifts, indicative of its continental climate. Winter months (December to February) are marked by extreme cold, with January witnessing minimum temperatures plunging to -44°C (-46°F) and average lows around -15°C (6°F). As spring arrives, temperatures gradually rise, with March reaching a maximum of 21°C (71°F), signaling a transition towards warmer weather. By the time summer peaks in June and July, temperatures soar, demonstrating remarkable highs of 40°C (105°F) and an average of approximately 20°C (69°F). Autumn evokes a swift retreat from summer warmth, as September’s mild averages give way to October’s cooler temperatures, culminating in a notable drop by November, where the month starts to approach freezing once again. This cyclical progression highlights Manitoba's stark temperature contrasts, shaping the region's distinct seasons.
Churchill experiences a wide temperature range throughout the year, with frigid winters and mild summers. In February, temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -41°C (-42°F), while in July, they can peak at a maximum of 26°C (78°F). For more detailed monthly temperatures, visit monthly temperatures in Churchill.
Precipitation in Manitoba presents a distinct seasonal pattern, with the winter months (January through March) recording relatively low rainfall, ranging from 15 mm (0.6 in) in February to 23 mm (0.9 in) in March. These months are characterized by a few precipitation days, averaging about 4 days. As spring transitions into summer, rainfall increases significantly, peaking in June with 81 mm (3.2 in) over approximately 10 days of precipitation. This rise in moisture is essential for agricultural activities, providing a crucial supply of water during the growing season.
Throughout the summer months, precipitation remains substantial, with July and August receiving 69 mm (2.7 in) and 66 mm (2.6 in), respectively, while September continues the trend with 79 mm (3.1 in). This peak in rainfall is vital for sustaining the region's ecosystems and crops. Following the summer, fall sees a gradual decline, with October recording 55 mm (2.2 in) and fewer precipitation days, leading towards the winter months once again. Overall, Manitoba's precipitation patterns reflect a clear seasonal cycle, influencing both the natural environment and human activities throughout the year.
Manitoba's sunshine duration illustrates a clear seasonal progression, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from the dark winter months to the bright days of summer. January begins the year with a modest 133 hours of sunshine, but as winter gives way to spring, the sun graces the province with more light—February sees 204 hours, followed by a notable rise to 248 hours in March. By April, sunshine hours reach 281, and the light truly begins to flourish as May ushers in the warmth with 319 hours. This upward trend highlights the transition from the dreariness of winter to the vibrancy of spring.
The peak sunshine is experienced in July, with an impressive 380 hours illuminating Manitoba’s landscapes, making it the sunniest month of the year. August maintains a strong showing with 326 hours, though a gradual decline begins in September as students return to school and days shorten. By October, sunshine hours drop to 189, leading into the more subdued light of late fall and winter months. November and December bring just 150 and 156 hours of sunshine, respectively, illustrating the stark contrast against the sun-filled summer months. This seasonal fluctuation in sunshine hours not only shapes Manitoba's climate but also significantly influences outdoor activities and the overall mood of its residents throughout the year.
The UV Index in Manitoba exhibits a distinct seasonal trend, reflecting the changes in sunlight exposure throughout the year. During the winter months, particularly January and February, the UV Index remains low to moderate, with values of 2 and 4, respectively. This results in a safer exposure category, allowing for burn times of up to 45 minutes in January and 30 minutes in February. As spring unfolds, the index begins to climb, reaching 5 in March and peaking at 8 in both April and May, categorizing these months under very high exposure risks with burn times decreasing to just 15 minutes.
The peak UV levels occur in June and July, when the index hits 9, underscoring the critical importance of sun protection during these months. August sees a slight reduction to 8, while September decreases to 7, transitioning to high exposure. As the year progresses into fall and winter, the UV Index drops again, with moderate readings of 4 in October, followed by low levels of 2 in November and December. This variation underscores the necessity for residents and visitors in Manitoba to be vigilant about sun safety, particularly during the summer months when the risk of UV damage is significantly higher.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Manitoba exhibits a remarkable seasonal rhythm, beginning with the shorter days of winter. In January, residents experience only 8 hours of daylight, a trend that continues into November and December, reflecting the cold season's inherent darkness. As February arrives, daylight begins to extend to 10 hours, signaling the slow return of the sun. This upward trend becomes more pronounced in March, with 11 hours, and culminates in the longer daylight hours of spring and summer, peaking in June at an impressive 16 hours.
As summer transitions into fall, daylight hours gradually decrease, yet the months remain relatively generous. July also holds 15 hours of daylight, while August sees a slight drop to 14 hours. By September, the duration declines to 12 hours, and daylight returns to 10 hours in October. This cyclical pattern highlights the varying lengths of day throughout the year in Manitoba, revealing the dramatic contrasts between winter's long nights and summer's radiant days, which significantly influence the region's activities and lifestyle.
Churchill, Canada, experiences a harsh subarctic climate characterized by long, frigid winters and short, cool summers. January and February see average temperatures plummet to about -24°C (-10°F) and -25°C (-13°F), with nighttime lows nearing -41°C (-42°F). Precipitation peaks during the summer months, particularly in August with 106 mm (4.2 in), while sunshine hours reach their maximum in July at 349 hours. Despite the cold, Churchill's clear skies provide bright days, especially in spring. For more details, visit Churchill climate.
In conclusion, Manitoba's climate features distinct seasonal variations, significantly impacting temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The region experiences harsh winters with extreme cold and limited sunlight, while summers bring warm temperatures, abundant sunshine, and higher UV exposure, necessitating sun protection. Precipitation patterns facilitate agriculture and sustain natural ecosystems, particularly during the peak growing months. This richness in climatic diversity underscores the importance of understanding seasonal trends, enabling residents and visitors to adapt their activities and behaviors in harmony with Manitoba's unique environmental rhythms. As such, appreciating this dynamic climate fosters a deeper connection to the land and its seasonal cycles.