When to go · Iqaluit
Iqaluit in December
Mixed month. Outside the best window (Jul–Aug for warmest weather and open water; Apr–May for dog sledding and snow activities). Across Canada: Christmas markets and ski openings; winter tyres required on many BC highways.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- −15°C (6°F)6°F (−15°C) / −23°C (−9°F)−9°F (−23°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 16
- Crowds
- Medium
- Canada overall
- Prices
- High
- Canada overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (Jul–Aug for warmest weather and open water; Apr–May for dog sledding and snow activities). Across Canada: Christmas markets and ski openings; winter tyres required on many BC highways.
Is another month better than December?
December is rated mixed. These months rate higher:
- AprilGreatInside Iqaluit's best window: Jul–Aug for warmest weather and open water; Apr–May for dog sledding and snow activities.
- MayGreatInside Iqaluit's best window: Jul–Aug for warmest weather and open water; Apr–May for dog sledding and snow activities.
- JulyGreatInside Iqaluit's best window: Jul–Aug for warmest weather and open water; Apr–May for dog sledding and snow activities.
- AugustGreatInside Iqaluit's best window: Jul–Aug for warmest weather and open water; Apr–May for dog sledding and snow activities.
Weather in December
- IqaluitHighs around -14.7 °C (6 °F), lows around -23 °C (−9 °F), rain on about 16 daysHighs around 6 °F (-14.7 °C), lows around −9 °F (-23 °C), rain on about 16 days
- The North, Canada · Whitehorse, Yellowknife, Dawson City, Iqaluitcool
Midnight sun in June–July; northern lights and −30 °C (−22 °F) from about November to March.Midnight sun in June–July; northern lights and −22 °F (−30 °C) from about November to March.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Christmas and Boxing Day big impact
25–26 Dec · Canada
Most businesses closed on the 25th; Boxing Day sales.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Canada overall
- Medium
- Prices · Canada overall
- High
Canada overall: Christmas markets and ski openings; winter tyres required on many BC highways.
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Iqaluit, side by side.
Verdict
Dec: Mixed
Apr: Great (better)
Daytime high
Dec: -14.7 °C (6 °F)6 °F (-14.7 °C)
Apr: -8.9 °C (16 °F)16 °F (-8.9 °C)
Night low
Dec: -23 °C (−9 °F)−9 °F (-23 °C)
Apr: -18.1 °C (−1 °F)−1 °F (-18.1 °C)
Rain days
Dec: 16 (better)
Apr: 23
Crowds
Dec: Medium
Apr: Low
Prices
Dec: High
Apr: Low
Festivals listed
Dec: 1
Apr: 0
December: Outside the best window (Jul–Aug for warmest weather and open water; Apr–May for dog sledding and snow activities). Across Canada: Christmas markets and ski openings; winter tyres required on many BC highways.
April: Inside Iqaluit's best window: Jul–Aug for warmest weather and open water; Apr–May for dog sledding and snow activities.
Iqaluit: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket