• Getting Here and Around
  • Traveling to Nunavut
  • Traveling in Nunavut
• Safe Travel
  • Safe Travel
  • Polar Bear Safety
  • Suggested Resources
• Registration & Permits
  • Registration
  • Permits
• Visitor Centres
• Weather

Weather

ARCTIC ENVIRONMENT

The Arctic experiences long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Although summer brings long hours of daylight throughout Nunavut, there are areas where the sun never rises during winter. Because of greatly reduced hours of daylight and extreme cold, it is very uncommon for visitors to travel in winter in most of Nunavut. Only people with specialized skills and equipment should attempt winter travel.

Winds of 15 to 20 kilometers per hour are common year round throughout Nunavut. Winds are stronger from late summer to early winter and can reach extremes of over 100 kilometers per hour very quickly. Beware of blowing sand in summer and white out conditions when there is snow.

Know the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and how to treat it. Know how to prevent hypothermia by staying warm, dry, well fed and hydrated. Carry plenty of water with you year round to avoid dehydration. Freezing temperatures and snow are possible at any time of year.

Think carefully about the clothing that you will bring.

• Windproof gloves, over-mitts, a warm hat, scarf, balaclava or neck gaiter and wool socks are standard gear year round.
• Varying temperatures and vigorous outdoor activity require layered clothing. Start with long underwear bottoms and tops followed by additional upper and lower layers.
• Depending on the weather, cover up with either windproof or breathable waterproof jackets and pants.
• Do not wear cotton. When cotton gets wet from rain, snow or perspiration it cools your body temperature, potentially leading to hypothermia.
• Bring a warm parka with a hood.
• Bring sturdy hiking boots, running shoes for around your camp, and neoprene booties with water sandals if you plan to travel on water, as well as for creek and river crossings.
• Traveling by boat, your feet will be in contact with the hull of the boat where the temperature is usually close to freezing. Bring insulated rubber boots or oversized regular rubber boots with layers of wool or pile socks inside.
• Wear a hat as well as sunscreen with high sun protection factor.
• Protect your eyes with high ultraviolet filter sunglasses.