Northwest Territories Weather in January

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

Thinking about venturing to the Northwest Territories, Canada this January and curious about the weather conditions to expect? This page holds all the key information you seek, responding to your question:

What to Expect in the Northwest Territories in January

The Northwest Territories, Canada is a region in Canada. January in the Northwest Territories generally has very cold temperatures, with low precipitation. The month of January is in the winter season.

Temperatures

The average maximum temperatures are very cold and range from -22°C (-8°F) in Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve to -17°C (1°F) in Hay River. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to -24°C (-11°F) in Hay River and -27°C (-17°F) in Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve. In general, this month stands out as the coldest period throughout the year. Given the lower temperatures, it's essential to be well-prepared. Packing the right winter clothing and necessary accessories can make a significant difference in ensuring your comfort and well-being during this chilly season.

For a closer look at conditions across the Northwest Territories, Canada, refer to the map below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From low snowfall in Yellowknife with an average of 16 mm (0.6 in) to low snowfall in Fort Simpson with 20 mm (0.8 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine is more limited in many areas during this month. Inuvik receives about 6 hours of sunlight. For sunnier weather, check our weather planner to find destinations with better conditions.

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 January

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 January for some of the most popular destinations in the Northwest Territories, Canada?

Temperature range in the Northwest Territories (January)

Precipitation variation in the Northwest Territories (January)

Inuvik

In January Inuvik generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -21°C (-6°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -28°C (-18°F) and low monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
-20°C (-4°F)
-21°C (-6°F)
-20°C (-4°F)
Min temperature
-26°C (-15°F)
-28°C (-18°F)
-27°C (-17°F)
Monthly sun hours
0 hours
6 hours
67 hours
Monthly snowfall
17 mm (0.7 in)
19 mm (0.7 in)
16 mm (0.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
10 days
9 days
Weather conditions

Yellowknife

In January Yellowknife generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -21°C (-6°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -28°C (-18°F) and low monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
-17°C (1°F)
-21°C (-6°F)
-18°C (0°F)
Min temperature
-24°C (-11°F)
-28°C (-18°F)
-26°C (-15°F)
Monthly sun hours
24 hours
50 hours
107 hours
Monthly snowfall
17 mm (0.7 in)
16 mm (0.6 in)
12 mm (0.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
10 days
9 days
Weather conditions

Hay River

In January Hay River generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -17°C (1°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -24°C (-11°F) and low monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
-14°C (7°F)
-17°C (1°F)
-14°C (7°F)
Min temperature
-21°C (-6°F)
-24°C (-11°F)
-22°C (-8°F)
Monthly snowfall
19 mm (0.7 in)
19 mm (0.7 in)
15 mm (0.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
12 days
9 days
Weather conditions

Fort Simpson

In January Fort Simpson generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -19°C (-2°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -27°C (-17°F) and low monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
-17°C (1°F)
-19°C (-2°F)
-14°C (7°F)
Min temperature
-24°C (-11°F)
-27°C (-17°F)
-23°C (-9°F)
Monthly sun hours
30 hours
55 hours
96 hours
Monthly snowfall
19 mm (0.7 in)
20 mm (0.8 in)
16 mm (0.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
12 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve

In January Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -22°C (-8°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -27°C (-17°F) and low monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
-17°C (1°F)
-22°C (-8°F)
-20°C (-4°F)
Min temperature
-22°C (-8°F)
-27°C (-17°F)
-25°C (-13°F)
Monthly snowfall
20 mm (0.8 in)
18 mm (0.7 in)
15 mm (0.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
11 days
9 days
Weather conditions

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

Popular cities in January

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

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Inuvik -21°C (-6°F) -28°C (-18°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Yellowknife -21°C (-6°F) -28°C (-18°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Hay River -17°C (1°F) -24°C (-11°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Fort Simpson -19°C (-2°F) -27°C (-17°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve -22°C (-8°F) -27°C (-17°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)

The Northwest Territories weather in January: frequently asked questions

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

January in the Northwest Territories, Canada brings poor weather. In Inuvik, daytime temperatures are typically around -21°C (-6°F) and nighttime lows hover near -28°C (-18°F).

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

In Inuvik, the average daytime high in January is -21°C (-6°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to around -28°C (-18°F).

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

Rain is generally moderate to light in the Northwest Territories, Canada during January, with Inuvik averaging close to 19 mm (0.7 in).

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

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

Generally speaking, July provides perfect weather in Inuvik. On the other hand, the months of 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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