Yellowknife in March
In March, Yellowknife averages -12°C (10°F) during the day and -20°C (-3°F) at night, with around 9 days of rain (12 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are deeply cold — proper winter gear is essential. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
March 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 March compares to the rest of the year in Yellowknife
March is in the middle of the year for warmth in Yellowknife (9th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 12°C below the annual average (0°C). March runs 9°C warmer than February (-22°C) and warms a further 10°C into April (-2°C).
March sunrise & sunset in Yellowknife
Times shown for Yellowknife local time (America/Yellowknife), calculated for the 15th of March. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Yellowknife — March
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of March, in Yellowknife's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Yellowknife in March
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 March's tier (Off-peak) and Yellowknife's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — March 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 — March 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 March
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 March weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Yellowknife in March →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Yellowknife in March?
In March, Yellowknife averages a high of -12°C (10°F) and a low of -20°C (-3°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Yellowknife in March?
March sees occasional rain in Yellowknife, with about 9 rainy days on average.
Is March a good time to visit Yellowknife?
March 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 March?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves. See the full March packing list for Yellowknife for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.