Northern Canada, Nunavut, Canada: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Northern Canada, Nunavut, Canada? If you're planning to go to Northern Canada, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Northern Canada
- Important essentials for Northern Canada
- Activities for Northern Canada
- Northern Canada in January: weather and what to pack
- Northern Canada in February: weather and what to pack
- Northern Canada in March: weather and what to pack
- Northern Canada in April: weather and what to pack
- Northern Canada in May: weather and what to pack
- Northern Canada in June: weather and what to pack
- Northern Canada in July: weather and what to pack
- Northern Canada in August: weather and what to pack
- Northern Canada in September: weather and what to pack
- Northern Canada in October: weather and what to pack
- Northern Canada in November: weather and what to pack
- Northern Canada in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Northern Canada, Nunavut, Canada
Based on the climate and weather in Northern Canada, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Northern Canada, Nunavut, Canada
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Northern Canada, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can wear out. An unreadable vaccination card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection possible.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
For families with young children
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most locations, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Northern Canada. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
What to wear/what to pack for Northern Canada, Nunavut, Canada by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Northern Canada is unbearably cold. Temperatures average in the 10+ below zero F (20+ below zero C) during the day. It snows a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Coveralls
We pick:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Neck warmer/cold weather mask
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Thick pajamas
-
Night cap
It's a good idea to wear a cap at night in this climate like this
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Heated gloves
-
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Northern Canada, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect choice.
February
February in Northern Canada is beyond freezing and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20+ below zero F (30+ below zero C). It snows 5-10 days this month. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Heated gloves
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Night cap
It's suggested to wear a head warmer at night here like this
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather face mask
-
Thick pajamas
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Northern Canada, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great option.
March
March in Northern Canada is unbearably cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20+ below zero F (30+ below zero C). It snows a bit less than half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Night cap
It's suggested to wear a cap at night in this climate like this
-
Thick pajamas
-
Heated gloves
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather face mask
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Northern Canada, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great option.
April
April in Northern Canada is unbearably cold and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits below 0 F (20+ below zero C), with a few days below -22 F (30+ below zero C). It snows about a third of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 80% to 90% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Thermal undergarments
We like:
-
Night cap
It's vital to wear a cap at night in this weather like this
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Heated gloves
-
Neck warmer/ski mask
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Thick pajamas
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Northern Canada, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a great option.
May
May in Northern Canada is very cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below -4 F (20+ below zero C). It snows 5-10 days this month. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 80% to 90% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Pajamas
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Lip balm
The best pick: this one
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Northern Canada, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect option.
June
If you vacation in Northern Canada during June, you will probably see that it is pretty cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Northern Canada, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect choice.
July
If you are traveling to Northern Canada in July, you will notice that it is cool and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
August
August in Northern Canada is cold and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
September
In September, Northern Canada is brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 30s F (single digits C) and once in a while jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Northern Canada, with several of the days of the month having rain. In September, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Northern Canada, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a great choice.
October
If you are traveling to Northern Canada in October, you will notice that it is unbearably cold and very snowy. Expect it to snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Pajamas
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Lip balm
The best choice: this
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Northern Canada, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great choice.
November
Traveling to Northern Canada in November, you will notice that it can be bitter cold and somewhat snowy. Expect it to snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather face mask
-
Heated gloves
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Thick pajamas
-
Coveralls
We love:
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Night cap
It's vital to wear something on your head at night here like this
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Northern Canada, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect option.
December
In December, Northern Canada is unbearably cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C) range. At night, lows are in the 20+ below zero F (30+ below zero C). This is also a rainy time for Northern Canada, with of the days of the month having rain. In December, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heated gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather face mask
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Thick pajamas
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Lip balm
Our pick: here
-
Coveralls
We pick:
-
Night cap
It's suggested to wear a cap at night in this weather like this
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Northern Canada, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is an excellent option.
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