Weather

Churchill, Manitoba is classified as humid subarctic continental climate with overall cool summers and no dry season. The surrounding area within 25 miles of Churchill is covered by 45% tundra, 44% oceans and seas, 7% shrub-lands and 3% lakes and rivers. All these features have an influence on the year – round weather patterns of the region.

Throughout the year, temperatures normally vary from -22°F to 64°F and rarely fall below-34°F or above 78°F. However, periods of intense cold as well as summertime “heatwaves” often set records for above or below maximum temperatures.

Daily High and Low Temperature

The Churchill “warm season” runs roughly from June 9 to September 14 with an average daily high temperature ranging above 50°F. Typically the hottest day of the year, with an average high of 64°F, is July 27.

Natural Habitat travelers swimming in the Churchill River in Churchill, Manitoba. Steve Selden photo.

Natural Habitat travelers swimming in the Churchill River. Steve Selden photo.

The cold season in Churchill is somewhat longer and lasts from November 30 to March 18 with temperatures averaging below 7°F. The coldest day of the year is January 22, with an average low of -22°F.

Snow sampling at the Churchill Northern Studies Center in Churchill, Manitoba.

Snow sampling at the Churchill Northern Studies Center. Karen Walker photo.

Sun

Sunshine has a distinct effect on the temperatures in Churchill. Daylight hours vary significantly over the course of the year. The shortest day is December 21st with just over six hours of daylight and the longest day is June 20th with just over 18 hours of daylight.

Inukshuk with a sun dog in the background in Churchill, Manitoba.

A sun dog behind the inukshuk on the Hudson Bay. Brad Josephs photo.

Wind

With exposure to the north from the expanse of the vast Hudson Bay, Churchill feels the brunt of continuous north winds over the water. Most of these winds produce cooler air as well as snow affects from the moisture in the air. Spruce trees exposed to the tenacious prevailing north winds are prone to krumholz effect. This prevalent condition is caused from freezing, icy winds stunting growth on the exposed side of the trees.

Krumholz effect and Precambrian shield

Prevailing north winds create krumholz effect on trees from continuous freezing winds. Rhonda Reid photo.

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