Climate Overview
The climate in Qaanaaq Airport is cold. The average annual temperature is -10°C and approximately 282mm of precipitation falls per year. August is the wettest month, receiving around 72mm of rainfall. Qaanaaq Airport is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: July, August, June. The coldest months are February, January, March, when temperatures can drop to -23°C. Snowfall occurs from January to December, with around 146cm accumulating over the season.
Temperature
Temperatures in Qaanaaq Airport vary considerably across the year, with a 28°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. July is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 5°C with a mean of 3°C. February brings the harshest conditions, with lows dropping to -23°C and an average temperature of -22°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 3°C between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between April and May, with a 8°C shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Qaanaaq Airport is a quite dry location, receiving approximately 282mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 23mm per month. The wettest month is August, averaging 72mm of rainfall. September and July also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is February, with just 4mm. That's 68mm less than August, 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 146cm accumulating over the season. October typically sees the most snow at around 25cm.
Wind
Qaanaaq Airport is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 11km/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 14km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in May, with average winds dropping to 8km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 6km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
89 days until Summer
It is currently spring in Qaanaaq Airport, which began on March 20, 2026. Qaanaaq 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 5°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in February near -23°C. Summer is next, beginning on June 21, 2026 — 89 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from -22 to -4°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 48mm over the season and a monthly average of 16mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 10km/h. Light layers work well as temperatures warm through the season — a great time to be outdoors.
Summer
Temperatures range from 0 to 5°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 130mm over the season and a monthly average of 43mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 11km/h. Comfortable clothing with a light layer for cooler evenings is all you need.
Autumn
Temperatures range from -15 to -1°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 84mm over the season and a monthly average of 28mm. Expect around 57cm of snow accumulation during this period. Winds are generally light, averaging 13km/h. Layered clothing works best as temperatures gradually cool — enjoy the crisp air and changing scenery.
Winter
Temperatures range from -23 to -16°C. Precipitation is minimal, with only around 20mm for the entire season. Expect around 21cm of snow accumulation during this period. Winds are generally light, averaging 11km/h. Heavy layering and insulated outerwear are essential — exposed skin should be minimised outdoors.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Qaanaaq 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.
