Yukon Climate

Last updated: January 18, 2025

Yukon, Canada, showcases a complex climate characterized by a blend of Köppen-Geiger climate classes: Dsc (Snowy, Subarctic), ET (Tundra), and Dfc (Subarctic). The region experiences a striking temperature range, with minimums plunging to -48°C (-55°F) in January, coupled with an average temperature of -2°C (28°F). The warmest month, June, can bring maximums soaring to 34°C (94°F), illustrating the dramatic seasonal variability that shapes the Yukon's unique environmental landscape.

Yukon temperature by month

Yukon, Canada, experiences pronounced seasonal temperature fluctuations that highlight its extreme climate. The winter months, particularly January and February, are marked by bitterly cold temperatures, with minimums reaching as low as -48°C (-55°F) and averages around -20°C (-4°F). As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, with March and April seeing averages climb to -10°C (14°F) and -1°C (30°F), respectively, and maximums soaring to 17°C (62°F) in April. The summer months of June and July bring warmth, producing average temperatures of 13°C (55°F) and highs peaking at 34°C (94°F). However, this warmth is short-lived, as the onset of autumn results in a noticeable drop, with September dipping to an average of 7°C (45°F) and the return of chillier conditions in October amid increasing night-time lows. The cycle concludes with December's return to frigid extremes, with temperatures plunging to -47°C (-52°F). This stark transition between seasons emphasizes Yukon's climatic volatility and its remarkable ability to encompass both frigid winters and warm summers within a single year.

Monthly Temperatures in Yukon, Canada

The chart illustrates Yukon's temperature patterns throughout the year, with values aggregated from various locations across the region. It highlights seasonal variations and temperature changes across the months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec-4-2133046555955443071
Data source: Yukon temperature data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

Dawson City and Haines Junction experience frigid January temperatures as low as -48°C (-55°F), while Whitehorse is slightly milder at a minimum of -46°C (-50°F). In the summer months, all three locations see maximum temperatures reaching the mid to high 20s Celsius, with Dawson City peaking at 30°C (85°F) in August, and Haines Junction and Whitehorse both hitting 29°C (85°F) and 29°C (84°F) in July, respectively. For more detailed monthly temperature averages, visit monthly temperatures in Dawson City, monthly temperatures in Haines Junction, and monthly temperatures in Whitehorse.

Precipitation Patterns in Yukon

Yukon, Canada, exhibits a notable variation in precipitation throughout the year, with rainfall and snowfall patterns closely tied to seasonal changes. Winter months such as January and February receive relatively low precipitation, averaging around 26 mm (1.0 in) and 24 mm (0.9 in), respectively, usually falling over approximately 5 days each month. As spring transitions into summer, the precipitation begins to increase, peaking in the warmer months. June often experiences the highest rainfall at 68 mm (2.7 in), contributing to a total of 14 wet days, while July and August continue this trend with 60 mm (2.4 in) and 73 mm (2.9 in), respectively.

This pattern suggests that Yukon's wet season is concentrated during the summer, providing much-needed moisture for the region's flora and fauna. September sees a reduction in precipitation to 41 mm (1.6 in) over 9 days, while October and November bring averages of 51 mm (2.0 in) and 42 mm (1.7 in), respectively. The year ends with December showing 45 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation across 9 days, signaling a continuation of winter's presence. Overall, this cyclical precipitation pattern underscores Yukon's dynamic climate, exhibiting both stark seasonal contrasts and a critical reliance on summer rainfall to nourish its ecosystems.

Monthly Average Precipitation in Yukon, Canada

The average monthly precipitation in Yukon, providing insights into seasonal rainfall patterns and the region's precipitation trends throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec262424214168607341514245
Data source: Yukon precipitation data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

Sunshine Duration in Yukon

Yukon, Canada, presents a fascinating pattern of sunshine duration that reflects its unique seasonal shifts. During the depths of winter, the region experiences limited sunlight, with January and December garnering only 57 hours and 58 hours, respectively. February begins a gradual ascent, nearly doubling the sunshine to 140 hours. As spring unfolds, March and April see substantial increases, with sunshine reaching 237 hours in March and peaking at 309 hours in April. This upward trend not only marks the transition into warmer seasons but also heralds the return of longer days, creating a significant boost in daylight hours for Yukon's residents and ecosystems.

The summer months are the crown jewels of sunshine in Yukon, with July achieving the highest total of 363 hours of sun, closely followed by June and August at 350 hours and 281 hours, respectively. This abundance of sunshine supports vibrant growth in the local flora and fauna. However, as autumn advances, sunshine hours diminish, dropping to 228 hours in September and continuing to decline through October to just 133 hours. November offers another sharp reduction with only 79 hours of sunlight, effectively signaling the approach of winter once more. Overall, Yukon's sunshine duration reveals a clear seasonal cycle of increasing light during warmer months, contrasting sharply with the long, dark winters that define the region.

Monthly Sunshine in Yukon, Canada

Monthly sunshine duration represents the total hours of direct sunlight Yukon receives each month, excluding periods when the sun is obscured by clouds or other obstructions.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec57h140h237h309h360h350h363h281h228h133h79h58h
Data source: Yukon sunshine duration data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.

Yukon UV Index Trends

The UV Index in Yukon, Canada, reflects a distinct seasonal pattern, emphasizing the importance of sun safety throughout the year. During the winter months, January and February maintain a low UV Index of 1 and 2, which suggests minimal risk of harm from sun exposure; however, the burn time remains relatively high at 45 minutes. As spring arrives, a noticeable shift occurs, particularly in March and April, where the UV Index rises to 3 (moderate) and 5 (moderate) respectively. This increase signifies a greater need for sun protection, with burn times decreasing to 30 minutes as the sun's intensity begins to strengthen.

The summer months are characterized by a high UV Index, peaking at 7 from May through July, which indicates a substantial risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. During this period, achieving a tan or getting sunburned can occur in as little as 25 minutes of exposure. As August transitions into early autumn, the UV Index subsides slightly to 6, then descends back to 5 and 3 in September and October, respectively. By the time winter returns in November and December, the UV Index falls back to 1, reinforcing the need for awareness regarding UV exposure during all seasons, particularly when the snow reflects sunlight. Understanding these trends can help residents and visitors effectively manage their sun exposure throughout the year.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Yukon, Canada

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Yukon. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec123577765311
Data source: Yukon UV Index data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Daylight Hours in Yukon

Yukon, Canada, experiences remarkable fluctuations in daylight duration throughout the year, directly reflecting its northern latitude. During the winter months, daylight is limited, with January offering only 6 hours and December even less at 5 hours. February sees a slight increase to 8 hours, while March marks a significant shift as days lengthen to 11 hours. This gradual return of daylight signals the approach of warmer seasons, bringing relief from the long, dark winters.

As spring transitions into summer, Yukon enjoys extended daylight hours, peaking in June with an impressive 19 hours of daylight. July, while slightly shorter at 18 hours, still provides a wealth of natural light ideal for outdoor activities. The gradual decline begins in August with 15 hours of daylight, tapering off to 12 hours by September. Autumn continues the trend, reducing daylight to 9 hours in October and back to 6 hours in November. This cyclical pattern highlights how Yukon's unique geography influences not just climate, but also daily life through varying lengths of daylight across the seasons.

Average Monthly Daylight Hours in Yukon, Canada

This chart shows the total daylight hours Yukon receives each month, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec376h535h712h893h1066h1174h1111h946h768h590h419h316h
Data source: Yukon daylight hours, calculated based on aggregated data for various regional locations, determined by the times between sunrise and sunset.

Climate Highlights of Yukon's Popular Destinations

Dawson City, Canada, experiences extreme temperature variations throughout the year. In winter, temperatures plummet, with January averages around -24°C (-12°F) and December lows reaching -44°C (-46°F). Summer brings warmer weather, with July and August highs close to 30°C (85°F). Precipitation is relatively low in winter, increasing to about 77 mm (3.0 in) in June, while sunshine hours peak in July with 392 hours. For more detailed information, visit Dawson City climate.

Haines Junction, Canada, experiences a subarctic climate characterized by long, harsh winters and short, mild summers. January and February feature extreme cold, with average temperatures around -19°C (-2°F) and -18°C (0°F), respectively, and notable snowfall. Temperatures gradually rise in spring, peaking in July at an average of 13°C (55°F), while precipitation is highest in August and October, with 78 mm (3.1 in) and 82 mm (3.2 in) respectively. The town enjoys significant sunshine, particularly in May and June, with over 340 hours of sunlight each month. For more information, visit Haines Junction climate.

Mayo, Canada experiences extreme cold temperatures in winter, with January averages plummeting to -22°C (-7°F) and highs barely reaching -3°C (27°F). The climate shifts significantly in summer, where temperatures rise to an average of 16°C (61°F) in July, peaking at 29°C (84°F). Precipitation is relatively moderate, with June and August receiving the highest amounts, around 62 mm (2.4 in) and 67 mm (2.6 in), respectively. Sunshine hours peak in May with 373 hours, indicating a bright summer ahead. For more detailed information, visit Mayo climate.

Watson Lake, Canada experiences extreme temperature variations throughout the year, with January averaging a frigid -18°C (-1°F) and highs peaking at 34°C (94°F) in June. The region is characterized by low to moderate precipitation, with the wettest months being June and August, which receive 72 mm and 78 mm, respectively. Sunshine hours maximize in July, reaching 353 hours, while winter months see significantly less sunlight. The overall climate presents a dramatic contrast between frigid winters and warm summers, making it a unique location. For more details, visit Watson Lake climate.

Whitehorse, Canada, experiences a subarctic climate characterized by long, cold winters and short, warm summers. January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures around -16°C (3°F) and minimums dropping as low as -46°C (-50°F). As summer approaches, temperatures rise significantly, peaking in July with averages of 14°C (58°F) and maximums reaching 29°C (84°F). Precipitation is moderate throughout the year, with the summer months receiving the most rainfall, while sunshine hours vary greatly, peaking in May and June with over 350 hours. For more details, visit Whitehorse climate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the climatic and daylight characteristics of Yukon, Canada, illustrate a striking contrast between the harsh winters and the vibrant summers that define the region. With extreme temperature ranges, variable precipitation patterns, significant fluctuations in sunshine and UV exposure, and the notable changes in daylight duration, Yukon's environment is a testament to the complexities of northern climates. Understanding these seasonal trends is crucial for residents and visitors alike, as it informs not only lifestyle choices and outdoor activities but also highlights the delicate balance of nature in this unique part of the world. By recognizing the rhythms of Yukon's climate, individuals can better appreciate the beauty and challenges presented by its dynamic landscape.

Discover the Climate of Yukon's Places

D H M W