Last updated: April 22, 2025
January in Yellowknife, Canada is characterized by its bitterly cold temperatures, with a maximum of -7°C (20°F), an average of -24°C (-11°F), and an extreme minimum plunging to -44°C (-47°F). Residents and visitors alike can expect limited daylight and a landscape blanketed in snow. Precipitation is relatively low at 16 mm (0.6 in), occurring over 4 days, contributing to the arctic ambiance. Humidity levels soar to an impressive 98%, accentuating the chill in the air. Despite the harsh conditions, January offers a unique opportunity to experience the serene beauty of the North, making it a month of both challenges and breathtaking winter vistas.
In January, Yellowknife experiences a true winter wonderland with temperatures that can plunge to a chilling -44°C (-47°F) at their lowest and an average temperature settling around -24°C (-11°F). While the mercury occasionally rises to a milder -7°C (20°F), the stark cold can feel quite severe. As the month transitions into February, the lowest temperatures dip even further to -48°C (-54°F), signaling the peak of winter's grasp. However, there's a slow but noticeable warming trend as the region heads into March, where daytime highs can surprisingly reach 7°C (44°F). This gradual rise from the depths of winter lays the foundation for a more welcoming spring, where temperatures continue to climb, making Yellowknife’s January a striking blend of harsh cold and the promise of warmer days ahead.
In January, Yellowknife experiences a relatively low level of precipitation, totaling 16 mm (0.6 in) across just 4 days. This modest amount sets the stage for the drier conditions of February, where precipitation dips further to 11 mm (0.4 in) over merely 2 days. Interestingly, March sees a slight uptick with 18 mm (0.7 in) over 5 days, hinting at the gradual transition towards spring. As the months progress into late spring and summer, precipitation levels rise significantly, showcasing a pattern where July and August stand out with 56 mm (2.2 in) and 55 mm (2.2 in), respectively, evidence of the heavier rainfalls typical of these warmer months. Overall, January serves as a marker for the drier winter months, setting a stark contrast to the wetter summer season that follows.
In Yellowknife, Canada, January stands out with a staggering 98% humidity, creating an atmosphere that feels almost tangible. This peak in moisture lingers until November, where values remain high at 98%. As the year progresses, we observe a gradual decline in humidity, particularly during the warmer months, with May and June experiencing a notable drop to 76% and 69%, respectively. However, summer humidity begins to rise again, peaking at 79% in August. As the seasons change again toward late fall and winter, humidity escalates once more, culminating in December's striking 100%, completing the cycle of moist, chilly air that characterizes Yellowknife's winter months. Overall, the data illustrates a clear trend of high humidity, particularly in the colder months, promoting the region's well-known frigid yet mesmerizing climate.
In January, Yellowknife experiences a low UV Index of 1, with a burn time of 45 minutes—perfect for winter activities without the worry of sun damage. This low exposure persists through February, maintaining the same index level and burn time. As spring approaches in March, the UV Index rises to 3, signaling a shift to moderate exposure, with a reduced burn time of 30 minutes. The trend continues into April and May, where the index gradually increases to an index of 4 and then 5, still in the moderate range. By June and July, residents face higher UV levels of 6, indicating a high exposure category—making it crucial to protect your skin with a burn time of just 25 minutes. As summer fades, the UV Index drops back to 5 in August and then declines to 4 in September, before returning to low levels in the fall months of October through December. For detailed insights on UV exposure throughout the year, visit Yellowknife UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In Yellowknife, Canada, January marks the beginning of the year with only 77 hours of sunshine, casting a cozy, introspective spell over the landscape. As winter wanes into February, daylight begins to increase significantly, doubling to 156 hours and hinting at the promise of spring. By March, the sun shines brighter and longer, totaling 233 hours, invigorating the community with a sense of revival. The trend continues into April, where the sun rewards residents with 271 hours, further melting away the winter chill. The golden rays peak in July, with a remarkable 378 hours of sunshine, illuminating the city and inviting outdoor adventures. As summer gives way to autumn, the light gradually recedes, with September's 209 hours signaling the change of season, and October dropping to 127 hours, a reminder of the impending winter. November and December close the year with the least sunlight—95 and 80 hours respectively—encouraging a warm embrace of community and festive spirit despite the shorter days. Throughout the year, Yellowknife's sunlight trends reflect the rhythm of nature, shifting from the stark stillness of January to the vibrant life of summer, creating a unique tapestry of light and shadow.
In January, the likelihood of sunny weather in Yellowknife, Canada, rests at a modest 24%, marking it as the month with one of the lowest chances for sunshine. This wintery landscape gradually brightens in the following months, with February seeing a noticeable rise to 37%. As spring approaches, March and April maintain a similar level of 30% and 28% respectively, hinting at the slow emergence of clearer skies. The chance for sun peaks in May at 45%, signaling the transition to warmer months where residents can expect more frequent sunny days. This upward trend continues through June and July, reflecting the end of winter's grip and the anticipation of the summer season, only to dip slightly again in August. Overall, while January offers a bleak forecast for sun-lovers, brighter days are just around the corner as the year progresses.
In January, Yellowknife experiences a mere 6 hours of daylight, a stark contrast to the longer days that follow as winter yields to spring. By February, daylight increases to 8 hours, and this upward trend continues, reaching 11 hours in March and blossoming into 14 hours by April. May brings an impressive 17 hours, and the sun shines the brightest in June with 19 hours of daylight. As summer wanes, the days gradually shorten, with July holding onto 18 hours, but by August, daylight drops to 15 hours. September offers 12 hours, leading into the more subdued months of October at 9 hours, and November and December, where daylight dwindles again to 6 hours and 5 hours, respectively. This cyclical dance of daylight reflects the profound seasonal shifts in this northern city, transitioning from long winter nights to the exuberance of summer brightness.
In January, the winds in Yellowknife dance gently, averaging a moderate 3.1 m/s (7 mph). This calmness is part of a trend that sees wind speeds remaining relatively stable through the winter months, only to pick up slightly as spring approaches. As the year progresses into March and April, the average speeds rise to 3.7 m/s (8 mph), hinting at the awakening of the season. By the end of spring, May showcases the highest winds of the spring months at 3.8 m/s (8 mph), before settling back down as summer arrives. The summer months maintain a steady breeze around 3.6 m/s (8 mph), providing a refreshing contrast to the heat. Interestingly, October sees the winds strengthen once more, reaching 4.1 m/s (9 mph), as the transition back to winter begins. This cyclical pattern reveals how Yellowknife's winds reflect the changing seasons, providing a consistent backdrop to the vibrant landscape.
The weather in Yellowknife changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Yellowknife and find detailed weather information for every month.
January and February exhibit harsh winter conditions, though February tends to be slightly colder overall. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of -44°C (-47°F) to a maximum of -7°C (20°F), with an average temperature of -24°C (-11°F) and 16 mm (0.6 in) of precipitation over four days. In comparison, February sees even lower temperatures, with a minimum of -48°C (-54°F) and an average of -25°C (-13°F), while the maximum rises slightly to -1°C (30°F). Precipitation decreases to 11 mm (0.4 in) over just two days. Despite the cold, February offers marginally lower humidity at 97% compared to January’s 98%. For more specific details, you can check Yellowknife weather in February.
In January, the weather in Yellowknife is characterized by extreme cold, with average temperatures hovering around -24°C (-11°F) and minimums dipping to a chilling -44°C (-47°F). The month sees a total of 16 mm (0.6 in) of precipitation over just four days, while humidity remains high at 98%, contributing to the frigid conditions.
By contrast, March brings a significant shift in temperatures, with an average of -17°C (2°F) and maximums reaching as high as 7°C (44°F). Although precipitation slightly increases to 18 mm (0.7 in) over five days, humidity decreases to 94%, making the weather feel somewhat less oppressive than in January. For more details on the changes in weather during this month, you can check Yellowknife weather in March.
In January, temperatures in Yellowknife can plummet to a chilling minimum of -44°C (-47°F), with an average temperature around -24°C (-11°F) and a maximum reaching only -7°C (20°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 98% and receives about 16 mm (0.6 in) of precipitation over four days, making it one of the coldest months of the year. In contrast, April brings a significant shift in weather, where the minimum temperature rises to a less frigid -31°C (-24°F) and the average warms up to -7°C (19°F), with maximums reaching a more comfortable 13°C (55°F). Despite the same amount of precipitation (16 mm or 0.6 in) over four days, the humidity decreases to 86%, heralding the arrival of spring. For more details, you can check Yellowknife weather in April.
In January, the weather is notably harsh with average temperatures hovering around -24°C (-11°F), peaking at a frigid -7°C (20°F) and dipping as low as -44°C (-47°F). The high humidity of 98% adds to the biting cold, despite only 16 mm (0.6 in) of precipitation spread over four days. Conversely, May heralds a much milder climate, where temperatures can range from a minimum of -22°C (-8°F) to a pleasant maximum of 26°C (79°F), averaging 5°C (41°F). Although precipitation slightly increases to 20 mm (0.8 in) over the same four days, the overall humidity drops to a more comfortable 76%. For more details on the weather in May, you can visit Yellowknife weather in May.
In January, Yellowknife experiences extremely frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -44°C (-47°F) and an average around -24°C (-11°F), while the maximum reaches only -7°C (20°F). The month sees very little precipitation, totaling 16 mm (0.6 inches) over just four days, but the humidity remains remarkably high at 98%, contributing to a biting cold that permeates the air. In stark contrast, June brings a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a chilly minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a pleasant maximum of 28°C (83°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F). Precipitation increases to 39 mm (1.5 inches) over seven days, and humidity drops to a more comfortable 69%, making for a much more inviting atmosphere. For more details, you can visit Yellowknife weather in June.
In January, Yellowknife experiences harsh winter conditions, with temperatures plummeting to a minimum of -44°C (-47°F) and an average around -24°C (-11°F). The city sees limited precipitation, only about 16 mm (0.6 in) over four days, and humidity remains high at 98%. In stark contrast, July brings a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F) and an average of 17°C (62°F). Rainfall increases to 56 mm (2.2 in) over nine days, and humidity drops to a more comfortable 73%. For more details, check out Yellowknife weather in July.
The weather in January and August presents a striking contrast, showcasing the extreme seasonal variations. In January, temperatures plummet to a chilling minimum of -44°C (-47°F), with an average of -24°C (-11°F) and a maximum of -7°C (20°F). The month sees low precipitation levels at 16 mm (0.6 in) over just four days, coupled with a high humidity of 98%, creating a frigid environment. In stark contrast, August experiences a much milder climate, with minimum temperatures around 5°C (41°F), an average of 15°C (59°F), and a maximum reaching 32°C (90°F). Precipitation increases to 55 mm (2.2 in) over ten days, and humidity is comparatively lower at 79%, which contributes to a much more comfortable atmosphere. For more details on the weather in August, you can visit Yellowknife weather in August.
January and September present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures plummet, with minimums reaching a chilling -44°C (-47°F) and average highs hovering around -24°C (-11°F), accompanied by high humidity levels of 98%. Precipitation is limited, averaging just 16 mm (0.6 in) over four days. In contrast, September offers a much milder experience, characterized by minimum temperatures of -4°C (25°F) and average highs of 22°C (71°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 28 mm (1.1 in) over six days, while humidity decreases to 86%. For more details about the weather in September, visit Yellowknife weather in September.
January and October present starkly different weather conditions. In January, the temperatures can plunge to a chilling minimum of -44°C (-47°F), with an average low of -24°C (-11°F) and a maximum of only -7°C (20°F). The month sees minimal precipitation, totaling just 16 mm (0.6 in) over 4 days, and humidity is extremely high at 98%. In contrast, October experiences much milder temperatures, with a minimum of -13°C (9°F), an average of 0°C (33°F), and a maximum reaching 12°C (54°F). Precipitation increases to 24 mm (0.9 in) over 7 days, accompanied by slightly lower humidity at 94%. For more detailed information about the October weather, you can visit Yellowknife weather in October.
In January, temperatures in Yellowknife plunge to a chilling minimum of -44°C (-47°F), with an average of -24°C (-11°F) and a maximum reaching only -7°C (20°F). In contrast, November offers a slightly milder experience, where temperatures dip to a minimum of -31°C (-24°F), average around -13°C (8°F), and can even peak at 4°C (40°F). While both months experience high humidity levels at 98%, January sees less precipitation, with only 16 mm (0.6 in) occurring over 4 days, compared to November's 20 mm (0.8 in) over approximately 6 days. For a more detailed look at November's weather, visit Yellowknife weather in November.
In comparing the weather between December and January, January exhibits slightly warmer average temperatures, with a minimum of -44°C (-47°F) and an average of -24°C (-11°F), compared to December's minimum of -42°C (-44°F) and average of -22°C (-8°F). January sees a maximum temperature of -7°C (20°F), while December experiences temperatures rising up to 1°C (34°F); however, both months receive about the same amount of precipitation, with January at 16 mm (0.6 in) and December at 14 mm (0.6 in). Humidity levels remain high in both months, with January at 98% and December at a full 100%. For a closer look at December's weather specifics, you can check Yellowknife weather in December.
January in Yellowknife is characterized by its frigid temperatures and high humidity, setting it apart from other months of the year. With an average temperature that can plunge to a biting -24°C, it’s no wonder that this month is often the coldest. While there are occasional precipitation days, the overall moisture levels remain low, giving the city a crisp and clear atmosphere. As the dry cold bites, it becomes clear why January stands out in the annual weather cycle. For those looking to understand more about what makes Yellowknife's climate unique, explore the details at Yellowknife Climate.