Home › Destinations › Whitehorse
Weather in Whitehorse
Yukon gold rush and aurora skies
—
Loading live weather...
About Whitehorse
Whitehorse sits beside the Yukon River at the boreal forest edge, serving as a gateway to the North's wilderness and Aurora Borealis. The city buzzes with outdoor enthusiasts and gold rush history. Winter brings aurora displays.
Best months to visit
Year-round
Things to do in Whitehorse
Hike trails in the surrounding boreal forest
Watch the Aurora Borealis in winter (September-April)
Paddleboard the Yukon River
Visit the Yukon Transportation Museum
Explore the MacBride Museum of Yukon history
Cross-country ski in winter or mountain bike in summer
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
-9C
Cold, with occasional showers.
February
-9C
Cold, with occasional showers.
March
-2C
Cold, with occasional showers.
April
5C
Cold, with occasional showers.
May
13C
Cool, with occasional showers.
June
18C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
July
20C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
August
18C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
September
12C
Cool, with some rainy days.
October
5C
Cold, with some rainy days.
November
-5C
Cold, with some rainy days.
December
-9C
Cold, with occasional showers.
Whitehorse is the Yukon's only city of any size, a small riverside town surrounded by an overwhelming amount of wilderness and dramatic northern skies. It grew up around the Klondike gold rush and the Alaska Highway, and still feels like a frontier outpost — log cabin architecture, a paddlewheeler dry-docked by the river, and easy access to hiking, dog-sledding and some of the best aurora viewing in North America. Most visitors use it as a launchpad rather than a destination in itself.
Best areas to stay in Whitehorse
Downtown Whitehorse
A compact grid of restaurants, outfitters and the historic SS Klondike riverboat along the Yukon River.
Riverdale
A residential area across the river with walking trails and views back toward downtown.
Takhini area
Home to the Takhini Hot Springs, a popular soak especially during winter aurora season.
Alaska Highway corridor
The route out of town toward Kluane National Park and other wilderness destinations.
Getting to Whitehorse
✈
Flights
Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport has connections via Vancouver, Calgary and seasonal routes from Frankfurt.
⏱
From London
~2.5 hours by air from Vancouver.
🚕
Getting around
A car is essential for reaching trailheads, hot springs and aurora viewpoints outside the small walkable downtown.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Whitehorse?
Summer (June-August) brings near-endless daylight for hiking and road trips, while September to March offers strong aurora viewing on clear, dark nights.
Is Whitehorse a good place to see the northern lights?
Yes — its northern latitude, low light pollution and frequent clear winter skies make it one of the most reliable aurora destinations in Canada.
What is there to do in Whitehorse itself?
The SS Klondike paddlewheeler, the MacBride Museum, and short riverside walks cover the city in a day; most activities are short drives into the surrounding wilderness.
Do I need a car in Whitehorse?
Yes — while the small downtown is walkable, reaching trailheads, hot springs and aurora viewpoints requires a vehicle.
How cold does it get in winter?
Temperatures regularly drop below -20°C (-4°F) from December to February, so serious cold-weather gear is essential for winter visits.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Saw the northern lights three nights out of five from just outside the city — soaking in the Takhini Hot Springs under a green sky was the highlight of the trip.
Soren K. · February 2024
★★★★★
Used Whitehorse as a base for a road trip toward Kluane National Park — the scale of the landscape out there is hard to describe.
Phoebe R. · July 2023
★★★★☆
Small town but a great vibe — the SS Klondike and gold rush history gave good context before heading further north.
Aaron L. · September 2024
Ready to visit Whitehorse?
Find the best hotels and experiences for your trip.
More dream destinations
