Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Canada: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Canada? If you're planning to go to Rankin Inlet, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Canada

Based on the climate and weather in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Canada, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Canada

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Rankin Inlet, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Canada by month

January

January in this region is beyond freezing. Temperatures average in the 10+ below zero F (20+ below zero C) during the day. It snows about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rankin Inlet. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the right type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

February

February in Rankin Inlet is biting 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 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rankin Inlet. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

March

March in Rankin Inlet is unbearably cold and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20+ below zero F (20+ below zero C). It snows about a third 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rankin Inlet. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

April

April in this region can be bitter cold. Temperatures average in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C) during the day. It snows regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rankin Inlet. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the necessary kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

May

May in Rankin Inlet can be dangerously cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows regularly. 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rankin Inlet. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the correct type. A lot of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

June

June in Rankin Inlet can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C), with a few days below 28 F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain about a third 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rankin Inlet. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

July

If you visit Rankin Inlet during July, you may find that it is crisp and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rankin Inlet. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the correct type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

August

If you visit Rankin Inlet during August, you might notice that it is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally around 70.6 during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rankin Inlet. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the right type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

September

September in Rankin Inlet can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C), with a few days below 28 F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain about a third of the time. It also snows occasionally. 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rankin Inlet. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct kind. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

October in Rankin Inlet is freezing and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain once in a while. It also snows about half 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rankin Inlet. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the right kind. Many adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

November

November in this region is beyond freezing and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the single digits F (10+ below zero C) during the day. It snows regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rankin Inlet. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the correct kind. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

December

If you go to Rankin Inlet in December, you will notice that it is beyond freezing and somewhat snowy. Expect it to snow 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the single digits below 0 F (20+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rankin Inlet. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the right kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

What to do in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Canada

Rankin Inlet, located on the northwestern coast of Hudson Bay, is a vibrant community in the territory of Nunavut, Canada. This remote town offers a unique cultural experience and plenty of outdoor activities that draw visitors from all over the world. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Rankin Inlet.

1. Rankin Inlet Heritage Centre: This museum offers an impressive collection of Inuit artifacts, cultural displays, and contemporary Inuit art. Visitors can learn about the history and traditions of the Inuit people and their survival in a challenging Arctic environment.

2. Rankin Inlet Co-Op: The Co-Op is a great place to shop for souvenirs, traditional crafts, and locally sourced goods. Visitors can find beautifully crafted items such as sealskin boots, kamiks (traditional boots), carvings, woven baskets, and more.

3. Whale Watching: The surrounding waters of Rankin Inlet are home to several species of whales, including beluga and bowhead whales. Visitors can take a boat tour or kayak to witness these magnificent creatures up close.

4. Hamlet Park: Hamlet Park is a great place for visitors to relax and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding Rankin Inlet. There are several walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground for children.

5. Arctic Char Fishing: The nearby lakes and rivers in Rankin Inlet offer excellent opportunities for Arctic char fishing. Visitors can take a guided fishing tour to experience this local pastime.

6. Northern Lights Viewing: Rankin Inlet is one of the best places in Nunavut to view the Aurora Borealis. The lights can be seen from August to April and provide a stunning natural display in the night sky.

7. Ulukhaktok: Visitors can take a short plane ride to the nearby community of Ulukhaktok, known for its traditional arts and crafts. The community is famous for its carvings, paintings, and prints depicting the Arctic landscape and the local wildlife.

In conclusion, Rankin Inlet is a destination that offers a unique blend of Inuit culture and stunning natural beauty. Visitors to this remote town in Nunavut can experience traditional crafts, whale watching, fishing, and northern lights viewing. It's a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an adventure in Canada's arctic region.

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Tana, Norway, Vannes, France, Llanddona, Wales, United Kingdom, Hobart, Oklahoma, United States of America, Škofja Loka, Slovenia, Chersonissos, Greece, Orem, Utah, United States of America, Harper, Liberia, Agdam, Nagorno-Karabakh, Gedser, Denmark, and San Francisco, Panama.