Climate Overview
The climate in Qaanaaq Airport is cold. The average annual temperature is -10°C and approximately 349mm of precipitation falls per year. August is the wettest month, receiving around 94mm 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 March, February, January, when temperatures can drop to -24°C. Qaanaaq Airport experiences heavy snowfall, typically from January through December.
Temperature
Temperatures in Qaanaaq Airport vary considerably across the year, with a 31°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. July is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 7°C with a mean of 5°C. March brings the harshest conditions, with lows dropping to -24°C and an average temperature of -23°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 3°C between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between March and April, with a 9°C shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Qaanaaq Airport is a quite dry location, receiving approximately 349mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 29mm per month. The wettest month is August, averaging 94mm of rainfall. June and July also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is January, with just 8mm. That's 85mm 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. Qaanaaq Airport receives heavy snowfall, accumulating around 243cm annually from January through December. The snowiest month is September, with approximately 32cm. Winter travel should account for significant snow cover.
Wind
Qaanaaq Airport is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 2km/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 2km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in May, with average winds dropping to 1km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 1km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
84 days until Autumn
It is currently summer in Qaanaaq Airport, which began on June 21, 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 7°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in March near -24°C. Autumn is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 — 84 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from -24 to -3°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 57mm over the season and a monthly average of 19mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/h. Light layers work well as temperatures warm through the season — a great time to be outdoors.
Summer
Temperatures range from 0 to 7°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 165mm for the season, averaging 55mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/h. Comfortable clothing with a light layer for cooler evenings is all you need.
Autumn
Temperatures range from -16 to -2°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 90mm over the season and a monthly average of 30mm. Expect around 88cm of snow accumulation during this period. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/h. Layered clothing works best as temperatures gradually cool — enjoy the crisp air and changing scenery.
Winter
Temperatures range from -24 to -17°C. Precipitation is minimal, with only around 36mm for the entire season. Expect around 36cm of snow accumulation during this period. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/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.
