Iqaluit Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Iqaluit, Canada. These values are calculated using 30 years of data (1990–2020) to ensure accuracy. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.

On average, Iqaluit receives a reasonable amount of rain/snowfall, with an annual precipitation of 599 mm (24 in). Despite this overall moderate level, the city experiences distinct dry season during certain months throughout the year, as illustrated in the precipitation charts below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

The climate in Iqaluit shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 90 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation during the wettest month August, distributed over 15 rainy days.

In contrast, February offers drier and sunnier days, with around 22 mm (0.9 in) of snowfall over 11 snowy days.

August, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 11°C (52°F). The city receives 155 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of -22°C (-8°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Iqaluit Temperature page.

Iqaluit's average annual precipitation is 599 mm (24 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Seville, Spain, experiences 541 mm (21 in) of rainfall annually, with wet winters and dry summers typical of southern Spain.

Beijing, China, receives 560 mm (22 in) of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.

Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm (73 in) of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Iqaluit:

• Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
• Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.

• "Ginger" was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical storm, which spun around the open ocean for 28 days in 1971.
• The world's largest snowflake was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, at 38 cm (15 inches) wide and 20 cm (7.9 inches) thick. The snowflake fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, on 28 January 1887.
• The greatest snowfall recorded was on Mt. Rainier, Washington State, USA, over 31.5 meters (103 feet) fell during the winter of 1972.

For more detailed information about Iqaluit's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Iqaluit Climate page.