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Iqaluit Weather in January

Iqaluit in January sees very low daytime temperatures of -21°C (-6°F) and nighttime lows of -28°C (-18°F). Low snowfall is typical, with around 25 mm (1 in) for the month.

Rainfall in Iqaluit in January

Expect around 11 days of snow based on historical data, with 25 mm (1 in) average. A fairly balanced picture this month, some wet days but nothing too extreme in terms of intensity.

Temperature in Iqaluit in January

Iqaluit in January gets highs of -21°C (-6°F) during the day and drops to -28°C (-18°F) at night. January is part of the winter season. Cold conditions tend to persist from morning through evening, so be prepared for winter weather. Nights drop below freezing to -28°C (-18°F). An extra blanket is worth packing if you're unsure about the heating where you're staying. This month is known for its biting cold, so make sure to dress warmly. Proper preparation can help you stay cozy.

Sunshine in Iqaluit in January

The area experiences limited sunny days, amounting to roughly 34 hours of sunshine. This makes it perfect for those who lean towards cooler, cloudier settings rather than intense sunlit days.

Wind Speed in Iqaluit in January

January sees wind speeds averaging 4 m/s (8 knots). You'll experience variable conditions with moderate winds that create small waves on water and keep branches moving. Conditions range from light winds to moderate breezes throughout the month.

January in Iqaluit has its charm. However, if you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather, our weather planner can help you explore other destinations in the world.

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For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Canada, check out our Iqaluit's climate page.

Iqaluit Temperature in January

Min TemperatureMin Temperature -28°C (-18°F)  
Max TemperatureMax Temperature -21°C (-6°F)  
Chance of RainChance of Rain 37%  
PrecipitationPrecipitation 25 mm (1 in)  
Rainy daysRainy days 11 days  
HumidityHumidity 69%  
WindspeedWindspeed 4 m/s (8 knots)  
SunshineSunshine 34 hours  
Percentage SunshinePercentage Sunshine 19%  

Daily Historical Temperatures

51-year average (1976-2026)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Iqaluit typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around -21°C (-6°F). Nights are very cold, with lows typically ranging from -30°C (-22°F) to -26°C (-15°F).

Average temperatures in January

Historical weather for Iqaluit in January

Browse day-by-day weather records for Iqaluit spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Iqaluit historical weather extremes in January

The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Iqaluit from 1976 through 2025.

  • The lowest overnight temperature recorded in January was -44°C (-47°F) (January 27, 1992).

Best Places in Canada in January

Find out more about the weather in Canada and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Canada in January →

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Legend perfect weather pleasant tolerable unpleasant poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

What to Wear in Iqaluit in January

Winter clothing is essential for visiting Iqaluit in January. If you have a heavy coat, waterproof boots with good traction, and plenty of warm layers it's smart to bring them. Pack cloths like thermal underwear, wool socks, and insulated gloves. Pack a light rain jacket or compact umbrella for occasional showers. Sunglasses aren't essential this month, though you might want them for the occasional bright moment.

What To Do in Iqaluit in January

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

Swimming
1/10
Cycling
1/10
Walking
1/10
Camping
2/10
Outdoor sports
1/10

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Canada, check out our Iqaluit's climate page.

More climate data for Iqaluit