Climate Overview
The climate in Hay River/Merlyn Carter Airport is cold. The average annual temperature is -2°C and approximately 334mm of precipitation falls per year. July is the wettest month, receiving around 64mm of rainfall. Hay River/Merlyn Carter Airport is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: July, August, September. The coldest months are February, January, December, when temperatures can drop to -22°C. Snowfall occurs from January to December, with around 80cm accumulating over the season.
Temperature
Hay River/Merlyn Carter Airport has a wide annual temperature range, spanning 43°C from the coldest to warmest months. July is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 21°C with a mean of 18°C. February brings the harshest conditions, with lows dropping to -22°C and an average temperature of -20°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 5°C between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between October and November, with a 11°C shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Hay River/Merlyn Carter Airport is a quite dry location, receiving approximately 334mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 28mm per month. The wettest month is July, averaging 64mm of rainfall. August and September also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is February, with just 11mm. That's 53mm less than July, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic. Snowfall is a regular feature from January to December, with around 80cm accumulating over the season. November typically sees the most snow at around 15cm.
Wind
Hay River/Merlyn Carter Airport is moderately windy, with an average annual wind speed of 20km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is October, averaging 23km/h, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in January, with average winds dropping to 17km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 6km/h between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to pick up during the summer months. The seasonal averages are 18km/h in winter, 20km/h in spring, 21km/h in summer, 23km/h in autumn.
Seasons
89 days until Summer
It is currently spring in Hay River/Merlyn Carter Airport, which began on March 20, 2026. Hay River/Merlyn Carter Airport is in the Northern Hemisphere, where spring begins in March, summer in June, autumn in September, and winter in December. The warmest period peaks in July at around 21°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in February near -22°C. Summer is next, beginning on June 21, 2026 — 89 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from -16 to 7°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 48mm over the season and a monthly average of 16mm. Winds are moderate at around 20km/h. Light layers work well as temperatures warm through the season — a great time to be outdoors.
Summer
Temperatures range from 9 to 21°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 160mm for the season, averaging 53mm per month. Winds are moderate at around 21km/h. Comfortable clothing with a light layer for cooler evenings is all you need.
Autumn
Temperatures range from -10 to 14°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 83mm over the season and a monthly average of 28mm. Expect around 22cm of snow accumulation during this period. Winds are moderate at around 23km/h. Layered clothing works best as temperatures gradually cool — enjoy the crisp air and changing scenery.
Winter
Temperatures range from -22 to -15°C. Precipitation is minimal, with only around 44mm for the entire season. Expect around 35cm of snow accumulation during this period. Winds are moderate at around 18km/h. Heavy layering and insulated outerwear are essential — exposed skin should be minimised outdoors.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Hay River/Merlyn Carter Airport is during July and August, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 17°C with modest rainfall averaging 62mm per month. By contrast, February can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to -22°C. A light rain jacket is recommended, though showers are generally brief and shouldn't disrupt your plans.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Hay River/Merlyn Carter Airport based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Snow is measured in centimetres (cm) and reflects average monthly snowfall accumulation. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.
