Yellowknife in February
In February, Yellowknife averages -22°C (-7°F) during the day and -28°C (-19°F) at night, with around 9 days of rain (7 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are deeply cold — proper winter gear is essential. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
February in Yellowknife is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How February compares to the rest of the year in Yellowknife
February is one of the coolest months in Yellowknife (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 22°C below the annual average (0°C). February runs 1°C cooler than January (-21°C) and warms a further 9°C into March (-12°C).
February sunrise & sunset in Yellowknife
Times shown for Yellowknife local time (America/Yellowknife), calculated for the 15th of February. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Yellowknife — February
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of February, in Yellowknife's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Yellowknife in February
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on February's tier (Off-peak) and Yellowknife's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — February in Yellowknife
This is off-peak for Yellowknife — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — February in Yellowknife
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
🥶 Bitter cold — Yellowknife in February
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
Yellowknife in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -21°C / -5°F | -26°C / -15°F | 15 mm | 12 | — |
| February | -22°C / -7°F | -28°C / -19°F | 7 mm | 9 | — |
| March | -12°C / 10°F | -20°C / -3°F | 12 mm | 9 | — |
| April | -2°C / 28°F | -10°C / 14°F | 12 mm | 9 | — |
| May | 11°C / 51°F | 1°C / 34°F | 25 mm | 10 | — |
| June | 19°C / 65°F | 9°C / 49°F | 33 mm | 13 | — |
| July | 21°C / 70°F | 13°C / 56°F | 40 mm | 12 | — |
| August | 18°C / 65°F | 12°C / 53°F | 54 mm | 18 | — |
| September | 11°C / 52°F | 6°C / 42°F | 28 mm | 14 | — |
| October | 2°C / 36°F | -2°C / 29°F | 25 mm | 15 | — |
| November | -10°C / 15°F | -15°C / 4°F | 20 mm | 12 | — |
| December | -18°C / -1°F | -24°C / -12°F | 14 mm | 9 | — |
Other cities with similar February weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Yellowknife in February →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Yellowknife in February?
In February, Yellowknife averages a high of -22°C (-7°F) and a low of -28°C (-19°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Yellowknife in February?
February sees occasional rain in Yellowknife, with about 9 rainy days on average.
Is February a good time to visit Yellowknife?
February is cold. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Yellowknife in February?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves. See the full February packing list for Yellowknife for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.