Whitehorse (YT) Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. The figures are based on a 30-year period (1990–2020) to provide a reliable average. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.

Whitehorse typically sees modest rain/snowfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of 494 mm (19 in). The city experiences a distinct dry season during certain months, as illustrated in the graph below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The seasons in Whitehorse, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, July, receives moderate rainfall, with an average of 61 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 13 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, April, experiences much less snow/rainfall, totaling 21 mm (0.8 in) over 5 snowy/rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.

July, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 20°C (68°F). The city receives 251 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month April you can expect a temperature of 6°C (43°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Whitehorse Temperature page.

Whitehorse's average annual precipitation is 494 mm (19 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Chicago, USA, sees an annual precipitation of 1062 mm (42 in), with rain and snow contributing to its humid climate.

In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.

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 Whitehorse (YT):

• 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 Whitehorse (YT)'s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Whitehorse (YT) Climate page.