Baffin Island is a land of extremes!  It's short summers see average temperatures of only 66 degrees farenheit, while it's long cold winter temperatures can plummet to a biting -30 degrees. Travel conditions to this region are at their best from May through September, but when planning your trip you will need to consider the optimum time for what you want to see and do.   With it's dramatic landscapes and ice formations, it's unique and rare wildlife and incredible Natural phenomenon like the midnight sun or Northern lights, visiting the Baffin Island at any time is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

​

Picking the time of year to travel is one of the most important things to consider when planning your Arctic adventure. as conditions are constantly changing and evolving.

​

April through early June are often considered the best months to visit Baffin Island, with long daylight hours and pleasant temperatures.  The high mountains offer year round opportunities for back country skiing and snowboarding.  By mid June most of the snow has melted on land, but it's still too early to travel by boat as the ice is still breaking up.  On the upside, in June you can experience the midnight sun, with 24 hours of sunlight.

 

July and August are the summer months. Activities like canoeing and kayaking are possible on the rivers and Fjords.

 

September thru December days get shorter, weather is less predictable, and temperatures start to drop.  

 

October through April is extremely cold with very few hours of daylight. During this time, however, Baffin Island is one of the best places in Canada to view the Northern Lights.  This is because there is very little light pollution to interfere with their viewing. Temperatures can range from 14 to -25.6°F, so viewing them is not for the fainthearted, but is totally worth it.

​

Besides the temperature the midnight sun of summertime can be a difficult thing to adjust to. However, the permanent light can be a huge benefit to expeditions: hiking, canoe trips, and camping in that they are not limited to “daytime” hours for travel and exploration.  This phenomenon is more pronounced the further north you travel.

Regardless of the season, unfavourable weather can materialize at any given moment, and it's always a good idea to have a back-up plan, have alternatives and keep your expectations flexible.   Adventure companies are always prepared to work with the conditions, make necessary adjustments, or find alternative activities. However, whatever happens,  one thing is certain - it will be an adventure.
 

 

 

​

​