Northwest Territories Weather in April

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in the Northwest Territories, Canada in April.

Planning a trip to the Northwest Territories, Canada this April? Here's what you need to know about the weather:

What to Expect in the Northwest Territories in April

The Northwest Territories, Canada is a region in Canada. The Northwest Territories, Canada has a wide variety of climate types. During April, you can expect temperatures that range from very cold to cold and low precipitation.

Temperatures

The average maximum daytime temperatures vary from very cold in Inuvik at -5°C (23°F) to cold in Fort Simpson at 7°C (45°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to -7°C (19°F) in Fort Simpson and -15°C (5°F) in Inuvik. In many areas in Canada, April brings with it chilling temperatures. When visiting these parts during this time, it's of utmost importance to be ready. Choose clothing that is both layered and insulating to combat the cold effectively.

For specific regional insights in the Northwest Territories, Canada, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In April, precipitation varies across different areas. From low snowfall in Inuvik with an average of 13 mm (0.5 in) to low snowfall in Fort Simpson with 20 mm (0.8 in). Based on climate data from the last 30 years, Inuvik typically sees the least rain in this month, making it the driest month of the year.

Average sunshine

Plenty of sunshine can be expected in numerous places in April. Inuvik typically receives 246 hours of sunlight, making it ideal for those seeking sunny weather.

Explore the Northwest Territories by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in the Northwest Territories — and find the best time to visit. (based on Inuvik)

Best Places to Visit in the Northwest Territories in April

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across the Northwest Territories.

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).

Popular Destinations in the Northwest Territories

What is the weather like in April for some of the most popular destinations in the Northwest Territories, Canada?

Temperature range in the Northwest Territories (April)

Precipitation variation in the Northwest Territories (April)

Inuvik

In April Inuvik generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -5°C (23°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -15°C (5°F) and low monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

March
April
May
Max temperature
-16°C (3°F)
-5°C (23°F)
7°C (45°F)
Min temperature
-25°C (-13°F)
-15°C (5°F)
-3°C (27°F)
Monthly sun hours
176 hours
246 hours
297 hours
Monthly snowfall
14 mm (0.6 in)
13 mm (0.5 in)
19 mm (0.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
9 days
7 days
Weather conditions

Yellowknife

In April Yellowknife generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 0°C (32°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -11°C (12°F) and low monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

March
April
May
Max temperature
-11°C (12°F)
0°C (32°F)
10°C (50°F)
Min temperature
-21°C (-6°F)
-11°C (12°F)
0°C (32°F)
Monthly sun hours
188 hours
276 hours
335 hours
Monthly snowfall
15 mm (0.6 in)
15 mm (0.6 in)
22 mm (0.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
6 days
6 days
Weather conditions

Hay River

In April Hay River generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 3°C (37°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -7°C (19°F) and low monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

March
April
May
Max temperature
-7°C (19°F)
3°C (37°F)
11°C (52°F)
Min temperature
-17°C (1°F)
-7°C (19°F)
1°C (34°F)
Monthly snow/rainfall
17 mm (0.7 in)
18 mm (0.7 in)
24 mm (0.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
6 days
8 days
Weather conditions

Fort Simpson

In April Fort Simpson generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 7°C (45°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -7°C (19°F) and low monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

March
April
May
Max temperature
-5°C (23°F)
7°C (45°F)
17°C (63°F)
Min temperature
-18°C (0°F)
-7°C (19°F)
3°C (37°F)
Monthly sun hours
181 hours
251 hours
295 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
16 mm (0.6 in)
20 mm (0.8 in)
34 mm (1.3 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
6 days
9 days
Weather conditions

Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve

In April Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -4°C (25°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -10°C (14°F) and low monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

March
April
May
Max temperature
-14°C (7°F)
-4°C (25°F)
4°C (39°F)
Min temperature
-19°C (-2°F)
-10°C (14°F)
-2°C (28°F)
Monthly snowfall
18 mm (0.7 in)
18 mm (0.7 in)
24 mm (0.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
7 days
7 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in the Northwest Territories, in Canada.

In our records: Canada April extremes

Notable April records observed across cities in Canada in our climate database (1976 – 2026). Historic readings can vary in quality, so treat these as illustrative.

  • From our sources, the wettest April day in Canada brought 290 mm (11 in) in Niagara on the Lake on April 27, 1981.

Popular cities in April

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in the Northwest Territories in April.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Inuvik -5°C (23°F) -15°C (5°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Yellowknife 0°C (32°F) -11°C (12°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Hay River 3°C (37°F) -7°C (19°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Fort Simpson 7°C (45°F) -7°C (19°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve -4°C (25°F) -10°C (14°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)

The Northwest Territories weather in April: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in the Northwest Territories, Canada in April?

Expect poor weather across the Northwest Territories, Canada in April. The popular destination of Inuvik averages -5°C (23°F) by day and -15°C (5°F) at night during this month.

What is the average temperature in the Northwest Territories, Canada in April?

Daytime temperatures in Inuvik peak at roughly -5°C (23°F) in April, dropping to about -15°C (5°F) overnight.

Does the Northwest Territories, Canada get a lot of snow in April?

April is on the drier side in the Northwest Territories, Canada. Inuvik averages only about 13 mm (0.5 in), with most days staying dry.

Is April a Good Time to Visit the Northwest Territories, Canada?

Given the typically poor weather conditions in Inuvik, April may not be the ideal time to visit the Northwest Territories, Canada.

Generally speaking, July provides perfect weather in Inuvik. In contrast, January, February, March, April, September, October, November and December tend to have poor weather conditions.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in the Northwest Territories.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Canada? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Canada.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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