Geography of Nunavut

The Canadian territory of Nunavut covers about 1.9 million square kilometres (733,594 sq. miles) of land and water including part of the mainland, most of the Arctic islands, and all of the islands in Hudson Bay, James Bay, and Ungava Bay (including the Belcher Islands) which belonged to the Northwest Territories. This makes it the fifth largest country subdivision in the world. If Nunavut were a country, it would rank 13th in area, after the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Nunavut has land borders with Manitoba, the Northwest Territories on several islands as well as the mainland, and a tiny land border with Newfoundland and Labrador on Killiniq Island.

Physical geography
Nunavut

The mountains on the easternmost coasts of Nunavut are part of the Arctic Cordillera which stretches from northernmost Ellesmere Island to the northernmost tip of Labrador. The highest point is Barbeau Peak which offers some of the world's most spectacular scenery.

Geologically, Nunavut lies on the Canadian Shield, with very thin soil lying on top of the bedrock, and many bare outcrops. The multitude of rivers and lakes in the entire region is caused by the watersheds of the area being so young and in a state of sorting themselves out with the added effect of post-glacial rebound. Virtually all of Nunavut's rivers drain into the Hudson Bay or the Arctic Ocean.

Arctic tundra (Köppen climate classification ET) covers virtually all of Nunavut, the only exceptions being the area roughly between the Four Corners and Ennadai and Nueltin Lakes, where a marginal taiga forest exists, and small zones of permanent ice caps, found on some of the larger Arctic Islands (especially Baffin, Devon and Ellesmere) at sites having a relatively high elevation. Nunavut's vegetation is partially composed of rare berries, lichens, Arctic Willows, moss, tough grass, and small willow shrubs.

Climate and climate data
Köppen climate types in Nunavut

Nunavut experiences a polar climate in most regions, owing to its high latitude and lower continental summertime influence than areas to the west. In more southerly continental areas, very cold subarctic climates can be found, due to July being slightly milder than the required 10 °C (50 °F).

Average daily maximum and minimum temperatures for selected locations in Nunavut
City July (°C) July (°F) January (°C) January (°F)
High Low High Low High Low High Low
Alert[1]614333−29−36−20−33
Baker Lake[2]1766343−28−35−18−31
Cambridge Bay[3]1355541−29−35−19−32
Eureka[4]934937−33−40−27−40
Iqaluit[5]1245439−23−31−9−24
Kugluktuk[6]1666043−23−31−10−25
Rankin Inlet[7]1565943−27−34−17−30
Climate data for Alert (Alert Airport)
Climate ID: 2400300; coordinates 82°31′04″N 62°16′50″W; elevation: 30.5 m (100 ft); 1981–2010 normals, extremes 1950–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high humidex 0.0 0.0 −2.4 −1.1 6.6 18.1 19.4 23.8 8.4 3.9 −1.1 1.4 23.8
Record high °C (°F) 0.0
(32.0)		 1.1
(34.0)		 −2.2
(28.0)		 −0.2
(31.6)		 10.0
(50.0)		 18.8
(65.8)		 21.0
(69.8)		 19.5
(67.1)		 11.2
(52.2)		 5.3
(41.5)		 0.6
(33.1)		 3.2
(37.8)		 21.0
(69.8)
Average high °C (°F) −28.6
(−19.5)		 −29.4
(−20.9)		 −28.4
(−19.1)		 −20.4
(−4.7)		 −8.4
(16.9)		 2.0
(35.6)		 6.1
(43.0)		 3.3
(37.9)		 −5.3
(22.5)		 −15.3
(4.5)		 −22.3
(−8.1)		 −25.6
(−14.1)		 −14.4
(6.1)
Daily mean °C (°F) −32.2
(−26.0)		 −33.2
(−27.8)		 −32.4
(−26.3)		 −24.3
(−11.7)		 −11.5
(11.3)		 −0.4
(31.3)		 3.4
(38.1)		 0.8
(33.4)		 −8.4
(16.9)		 −18.9
(−2.0)		 −26.0
(−14.8)		 −29.4
(−20.9)		 −17.7
(0.1)
Average low °C (°F) −35.8
(−32.4)		 −37.0
(−34.6)		 −36.3
(−33.3)		 −28.1
(−18.6)		 −14.5
(5.9)		 −2.7
(27.1)		 0.7
(33.3)		 −1.8
(28.8)		 −11.5
(11.3)		 −22.4
(−8.3)		 −29.6
(−21.3)		 −33.1
(−27.6)		 −21.0
(−5.8)
Record low °C (°F) −48.9
(−56.0)		 −50.0
(−58.0)		 −49.4
(−56.9)		 −45.6
(−50.1)		 −29.0
(−20.2)		 −14.3
(6.3)		 −6.3
(20.7)		 −15.0
(5.0)		 −28.2
(−18.8)		 −39.4
(−38.9)		 −43.5
(−46.3)		 −46.1
(−51.0)		 −50.0
(−58.0)
Record low wind chill −64.7 −60.5 −59.5 −56.8 −40.8 −21.1 −10.3 −19.2 −36.9 −49.4 −53.7 −57.3 −64.7
Average precipitation mm (inches) 7.2
(0.28)		 7.0
(0.28)		 7.5
(0.30)		 10.6
(0.42)		 11.6
(0.46)		 12.0
(0.47)		 31.8
(1.25)		 17.9
(0.70)		 22.3
(0.88)		 13.4
(0.53)		 10.4
(0.41)		 6.8
(0.27)		 158.3
(6.23)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.8
(0.03)		 13.0
(0.51)		 3.5
(0.14)		 0.1
(0.00)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 17.4
(0.69)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 9.0
(3.5)		 8.1
(3.2)		 8.7
(3.4)		 12.6
(5.0)		 18.0
(7.1)		 13.5
(5.3)		 20.0
(7.9)		 16.9
(6.7)		 33.1
(13.0)		 20.2
(8.0)		 15.2
(6.0)		 9.3
(3.7)		 184.6
(72.7)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) 9.0 7.7 7.3 8.5 7.5 7.4 10.9 9.2 10.1 10.5 8.7 9.2 106.1
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 1.0 6.9 2.5 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.6
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) 9.1 8.6 8.3 9.1 9.4 6.9 6.3 7.4 11.3 12.2 9.7 9.9 108.0
Average relative humidity (%) 66.8 66.6 66.9 71.1 81.5 87.1 85.1 86.1 84.6 75.7 70.3 67.2 75.8
Mean monthly sunshine hours 0.0 0.0 110.4 323.6 428.6 333.0 321.6 269.1 111.4 3.9 0.0 0.0 1,901.6
Percent possible sunshine — — 33.1 46.8 57.6 46.3 43.2 36.2 21.9 4.1 — — 36.1
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada[1][8][9][10][11][12]
Climate data for Iqaluit (Iqaluit Airport)
WMO ID: 71909; coordinates 63°45′N 68°33′W; elevation: 33.5 m (110 ft); 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1946–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high humidex 3.3 5.2 4.3 5.1 13.3 21.7 27.8 27.6 18.8 8.6 4.8 3.4 27.8
Record high °C (°F) 3.9
(39.0)		 5.7
(42.3)		 4.2
(39.6)		 7.2
(45.0)		 13.3
(55.9)		 22.7
(72.9)		 26.8
(80.2)		 25.5
(77.9)		 18.4
(65.1)		 9.1
(48.4)		 5.6
(42.1)		 3.8
(38.8)		 26.8
(80.2)
Average high °C (°F) −22.0
(−7.6)		 −22.9
(−9.2)		 −17.6
(0.3)		 −8.9
(16.0)		 −0.3
(31.5)		 7.0
(44.6)		 12.0
(53.6)		 11.1
(52.0)		 5.6
(42.1)		 −0.5
(31.1)		 −7.5
(18.5)		 −14.7
(5.5)		 −4.9
(23.2)
Daily mean °C (°F) −26.0
(−14.8)		 −27.0
(−16.6)		 −22.4
(−8.3)		 −13.5
(7.7)		 −3.2
(26.2)		 3.9
(39.0)		 8.1
(46.6)		 7.5
(45.5)		 2.9
(37.2)		 −3.2
(26.2)		 −11.1
(12.0)		 −18.9
(−2.0)		 −8.6
(16.5)
Average low °C (°F) −29.9
(−21.8)		 −31.0
(−23.8)		 −27.2
(−17.0)		 −18.1
(−0.6)		 −6.1
(21.0)		 0.7
(33.3)		 4.2
(39.6)		 3.8
(38.8)		 0.2
(32.4)		 −5.8
(21.6)		 −14.7
(5.5)		 −23.0
(−9.4)		 −12.2
(10.0)
Record low °C (°F) −45.0
(−49.0)		 −45.6
(−50.1)		 −44.7
(−48.5)		 −34.2
(−29.6)		 −26.1
(−15.0)		 −10.2
(13.6)		 −2.8
(27.0)		 −2.5
(27.5)		 −12.8
(9.0)		 −27.1
(−16.8)		 −36.2
(−33.2)		 −43.4
(−46.1)		 −45.6
(−50.1)
Record low wind chill −64.0 −65.6 −62.1 −53.1 −36.0 −18.8 −7.2 −8.6 −18.6 −42.9 −56.8 −60.1 −65.6
Average precipitation mm (inches) 16.3
(0.64)		 14.0
(0.55)		 21.4
(0.84)		 22.7
(0.89)		 21.0
(0.83)		 48.7
(1.92)		 39.8
(1.57)		 61.7
(2.43)		 50.8
(2.00)		 30.2
(1.19)		 18.5
(0.73)		 16.2
(0.64)		 361.2
(14.22)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.2
(0.01)		 3.1
(0.12)		 23.8
(0.94)		 51.9
(2.04)		 68.6
(2.70)		 42.2
(1.66)		 6.8
(0.27)		 0.6
(0.02)		 0.0
(0.0)		 197.2
(7.76)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 21.7
(8.5)		 21.0
(8.3)		 21.6
(8.5)		 31.5
(12.4)		 27.6
(10.9)		 9.3
(3.7)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.9
(0.4)		 13.2
(5.2)		 29.4
(11.6)		 29.7
(11.7)		 23.4
(9.2)		 229.3
(90.3)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) 12.1 10.7 12.4 12.8 10.6 12.3 12.4 14.3 15.7 13.2 12.5 12.8 151.5
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.3 1.4 7.4 12.7 16.7 10.6 2.2 0.3 0.0 51.6
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) 12.2 11.6 12.7 13.4 12.0 3.9 0.1 0.5 7.2 13.7 13.8 12.3 113.5
Average relative humidity (%) 65.3 64.6 65.4 72.8 76.4 72.6 69.4 72.6 75.6 78.1 76.6 71.5 71.7
Mean monthly sunshine hours 32.4 94.0 172.2 216.5 180.5 200.2 236.8 156.8 87.9 51.4 35.6 12.6 1,476.8
Percent possible sunshine 18.5 39.0 47.4 48.2 31.9 32.5 39.3 31.0 22.4 16.8 17.7 8.9 29.5
Average ultraviolet index 0 0 1 2 4 4 4 3 2 1 0 0 2
Source 1: Environment and Climate Change Canada[13] (rain/rain days, snow/snow days, humidex, wind chill, humidity 1981–2010)[5]
Source 2: Weather Atlas[14]
Climate data for Cambridge Bay (Cambridge Bay Airport)
WMO ID: 71925; coordinates 69°06′29″N 105°08′18″W; elevation: 31.1 m (102 ft); 1991–2020 normals
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high humidex −5.0 −9.7 −4.1 3.9 10.5 25.3 30.8 28.6 16.3 5.8 −1.4 −3.5 30.8
Record high °C (°F) −4.9
(23.2)		 −9.4
(15.1)		 −4.0
(24.8)		 6.1
(43.0)		 11.5
(52.7)		 23.3
(73.9)		 28.9
(84.0)		 26.1
(79.0)		 16.4
(61.5)		 6.9
(44.4)		 0.0
(32.0)		 −3.4
(25.9)		 28.9
(84.0)
Average high °C (°F) −27.7
(−17.9)		 −28.6
(−19.5)		 −24.9
(−12.8)		 −16.2
(2.8)		 −5.2
(22.6)		 6.0
(42.8)		 13.3
(55.9)		 10.3
(50.5)		 2.6
(36.7)		 −6.6
(20.1)		 −17.5
(0.5)		 −24.3
(−11.7)		 −9.9
(14.2)
Daily mean °C (°F) −31.2
(−24.2)		 −32.1
(−25.8)		 −28.8
(−19.8)		 −20.7
(−5.3)		 −8.9
(16.0)		 3.0
(37.4)		 9.4
(48.9)		 7.4
(45.3)		 0.5
(32.9)		 −9.5
(14.9)		 −21.1
(−6.0)		 −27.8
(−18.0)		 −13.3
(8.1)
Average low °C (°F) −34.6
(−30.3)		 −35.6
(−32.1)		 −32.7
(−26.9)		 −25.1
(−13.2)		 −12.6
(9.3)		 0.0
(32.0)		 5.4
(41.7)		 4.3
(39.7)		 −1.7
(28.9)		 −12.3
(9.9)		 −24.7
(−12.5)		 −31.3
(−24.3)		 −16.7
(1.9)
Record low °C (°F) −52.8
(−63.0)		 −50.6
(−59.1)		 −48.3
(−54.9)		 −42.8
(−45.0)		 −35.0
(−31.0)		 −17.8
(0.0)		 −8.2
(17.2)		 −8.9
(16.0)		 −17.2
(1.0)		 −33.0
(−27.4)		 −43.9
(−47.0)		 −49.4
(−56.9)		 −52.8
(−63.0)
Record low wind chill −73.4 −72.6 −69.8 −60.1 −43.2 −29.2 −7.9 −13.1 −28.6 −49.4 −60.7 −66.3 −73.4
Average precipitation mm (inches) 5.6
(0.22)		 5.9
(0.23)		 9.2
(0.36)		 6.9
(0.27)		 6.7
(0.26)		 16.4
(0.65)		 28.0
(1.10)		 23.5
(0.93)		 18.4
(0.72)		 14.8
(0.58)		 8.9
(0.35)		 6.2
(0.24)		 150.4
(5.92)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 1.0
(0.04)		 10.0
(0.39)		 23.9
(0.94)		 23.9
(0.94)		 12.7
(0.50)		 0.6
(0.02)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 72.1
(2.84)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 6.7
(2.6)		 5.9
(2.3)		 8.4
(3.3)		 6.9
(2.7)		 7.2
(2.8)		 3.8
(1.5)		 0.1
(0.0)		 1.8
(0.7)		 6.8
(2.7)		 15.9
(6.3)		 9.8
(3.9)		 6.8
(2.7)		 80.2
(31.6)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) 8.4 7.5 11.7 7.9 6.9 9.4 11.1 12.3 12.0 13.8 10.8 8.6 120.5
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.9 5.9 10.7 12.5 7.1 0.6 0.0 0.0 37.8
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) 7.4 6.9 9.8 7.1 7.3 3.4 0.1 1.2 6.3 12.5 9.5 8.3 79.8
Average relative humidity (%) 65.3 66.4 70.5 76.2 83.8 77.2 68.2 73.6 82.3 86.2 76.5 70.0 74.7
Mean monthly sunshine hours 7.3 73.7 169.6 275.9 245.1 291.6 333.8 186.6 71.7 56.8 17.6 0.0 1,729.7
Percent possible sunshine 11.7 35.4 47.1 57.7 36.6 40.5 45.9 33.6 17.8 20.0 13.5 0.0 30.0
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada[15] (rain/rain days, snow/snow days, humidex, wind chill, humidity 1981–2010)[3]
Climate data for Eureka (Eureka Aerodrome)
WMO ID: 71917; coordinates 79°59′N 85°56′W; elevation: 10.4 m (34 ft); 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1947–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) −1.1
(30.0)		 −1.1
(30.0)		 −8.0
(17.6)		 −2.8
(27.0)		 7.5
(45.5)		 18.5
(65.3)		 20.9
(69.6)		 17.6
(63.7)		 9.3
(48.7)		 5.0
(41.0)		 −1.7
(28.9)		 −2.1
(28.2)		 20.9
(69.6)
Average high °C (°F) −32.3
(−26.1)		 −33.0
(−27.4)		 −32.3
(−26.1)		 −21.9
(−7.4)		 −6.7
(19.9)		 5.8
(42.4)		 10.1
(50.2)		 5.7
(42.3)		 −3.3
(26.1)		 −15.9
(3.4)		 −24.3
(−11.7)		 −29.2
(−20.6)		 −14.8
(5.4)
Daily mean °C (°F) −35.9
(−32.6)		 −36.8
(−34.2)		 −35.9
(−32.6)		 −25.9
(−14.6)		 −9.9
(14.2)		 3.1
(37.6)		 6.8
(44.2)		 3.4
(38.1)		 −5.8
(21.6)		 −19.5
(−3.1)		 −28.0
(−18.4)		 −32.8
(−27.0)		 −18.1
(−0.6)
Average low °C (°F) −39.5
(−39.1)		 −40.5
(−40.9)		 −39.4
(−38.9)		 −29.8
(−21.6)		 −13.1
(8.4)		 0.5
(32.9)		 3.5
(38.3)		 1.2
(34.2)		 −8.2
(17.2)		 −23.1
(−9.6)		 −31.6
(−24.9)		 −36.3
(−33.3)		 −21.4
(−6.5)
Record low °C (°F) −53.3
(−63.9)		 −55.3
(−67.5)		 −52.8
(−63.0)		 −48.9
(−56.0)		 −31.1
(−24.0)		 −13.9
(7.0)		 −2.2
(28.0)		 −12.9
(8.8)		 −31.7
(−25.1)		 −41.7
(−43.1)		 −48.2
(−54.8)		 −51.7
(−61.1)		 −55.3
(−67.5)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 2.6
(0.10)		 2.6
(0.10)		 2.6
(0.10)		 3.6
(0.14)		 3.3
(0.13)		 8.6
(0.34)		 14.4
(0.57)		 17.9
(0.70)		 8.2
(0.32)		 6.6
(0.26)		 3.7
(0.15)		 3.5
(0.14)		 77.6
(3.06)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 5.3
(0.21)		 14.5
(0.57)		 11.7
(0.46)		 1.0
(0.04)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 32.5
(1.28)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 3.1
(1.2)		 3.9
(1.5)		 2.8
(1.1)		 4.6
(1.8)		 4.2
(1.7)		 3.0
(1.2)		 0.7
(0.3)		 4.8
(1.9)		 11.3
(4.4)		 10.9
(4.3)		 5.7
(2.2)		 5.4
(2.1)		 60.3
(23.7)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) 4.4 4.4 5.3 4.9 3.9 5.2 7.8 7.9 6.8 8.6 5.9 5.4 70.6
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.1 7.7 5.9 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 17.3
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) 4.7 4.7 4.2 5.2 4.0 2.4 0.7 2.9 7.9 9.6 6.0 5.0 57.4
Average relative humidity (%) 63.4 66.3 65.8 67.2 75.0 71.1 69.3 76.2 82.0 74.3 65.8 64.6 70.1
Mean monthly sunshine hours 0.0 0.0 120.2 353.8 486.3 386.4 360.5 238.9 98.4 12.5 0.0 0.0 2,057
Percent possible sunshine 0.0 0.0 34.9 54.5 65.4 53.7 48.5 32.2 21.4 8.4 0.0 0.0 39.9
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada[4][16][17][18][19]
Climate data for Kugluktuk (Kugluktuk Airport)
WMO ID: 71938; coordinates 67°49′00″N 115°08′38″W; elevation: 22.6 m (74 ft); 1981–2010 normals, extremes 1930–present[lower-alpha 1]
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 0.8
(33.4)		 1.1
(34.0)		 0.0
(32.0)		 9.8
(49.6)		 23.3
(73.9)		 32.5
(90.5)		 34.9
(94.8)		 30.3
(86.5)		 26.1
(79.0)		 13.9
(57.0)		 4.4
(39.9)		 −0.5
(31.1)		 34.9
(94.8)
Average high °C (°F) −23.2
(−9.8)		 −23.4
(−10.1)		 −20.7
(−5.3)		 −11.4
(11.5)		 −1.3
(29.7)		 9.9
(49.8)		 15.6
(60.1)		 13.1
(55.6)		 6.5
(43.7)		 −3.5
(25.7)		 −14.8
(5.4)		 −20.3
(−4.5)		 −6.1
(21.0)
Daily mean °C (°F) −27.3
(−17.1)		 −27.7
(−17.9)		 −25.3
(−13.5)		 −16.3
(2.7)		 −5.3
(22.5)		 5.5
(41.9)		 10.9
(51.6)		 9.0
(48.2)		 3.3
(37.9)		 −6.6
(20.1)		 −18.7
(−1.7)		 −24.5
(−12.1)		 −10.3
(13.5)
Average low °C (°F) −31.4
(−24.5)		 −32.0
(−25.6)		 −29.8
(−21.6)		 −21.2
(−6.2)		 −9.2
(15.4)		 1.0
(33.8)		 6.1
(43.0)		 4.8
(40.6)		 0.1
(32.2)		 −9.8
(14.4)		 −22.6
(−8.7)		 −28.6
(−19.5)		 −14.4
(6.1)
Record low °C (°F) −47.8
(−54.0)		 −50.0
(−58.0)		 −48.9
(−56.0)		 −43.9
(−47.0)		 −30.2
(−22.4)		 −15.0
(5.0)		 −0.8
(30.6)		 −4.4
(24.1)		 −20.0
(−4.0)		 −35.4
(−31.7)		 −41.1
(−42.0)		 −45.0
(−49.0)		 −50.0
(−58.0)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 10.4
(0.41)		 8.4
(0.33)		 9.9
(0.39)		 10.0
(0.39)		 14.6
(0.57)		 16.6
(0.65)		 44.5
(1.75)		 45.1
(1.78)		 37.8
(1.49)		 26.5
(1.04)		 13.0
(0.51)		 10.4
(0.41)		 247.2
(9.73)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 0.1
(0.00)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.1
(0.00)		 4.3
(0.17)		 14.6
(0.57)		 44.4
(1.75)		 44.9
(1.77)		 31.4
(1.24)		 4.7
(0.19)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 144.5
(5.69)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 19.6
(7.7)		 16.3
(6.4)		 19.4
(7.6)		 18.2
(7.2)		 16.2
(6.4)		 2.1
(0.8)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.2
(0.1)		 7.7
(3.0)		 35.0
(13.8)		 25.5
(10.0)		 21.9
(8.6)		 182.1
(71.7)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) 8.9 8.7 10.0 8.2 7.5 7.6 11.5 13.3 12.8 14.3 11.1 9.7 123.4
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 1.9 6.8 11.5 13.1 10.5 2.3 0.0 0.0 46.4
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) 10.5 10.1 11.6 9.5 7.2 1.3 0.1 0.2 3.7 14.5 13.4 11.6 93.6
Average relative humidity (%) (at 1500 LST) 76.7 75.1 77.5 82.3 83.1 70.2 64.8 69.8 75.5 84.7 80.9 77.8 76.5
Mean monthly sunshine hours 17.8 77.3 160.3 233.3 246.7 375.0 341.6 207.7 91.1 51.2 19.6 0.2 1,821.7
Percent possible sunshine 17.7 35.5 44.4 49.6 38.7 52.1 48.5 38.5 22.8 17.6 12.7 0.7 31.6
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada[6][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36]
Climate data for Rankin Inlet (Rankin Inlet Airport)
WMO ID: 71083; coordinates 62°49′N 92°07′W; elevation: 32.3 m (106 ft); 1981–2010 normals
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high humidex −3.0 −4.4 1.1 2.5 13.4 26.3 32.2 31.8 21.8 11.7 1.4 0.8 32.2
Record high °C (°F) −2.5
(27.5)		 −4.4
(24.1)		 1.3
(34.3)		 3.4
(38.1)		 14.1
(57.4)		 26.1
(79.0)		 28.9
(84.0)		 30.5
(86.9)		 20.6
(69.1)		 11.8
(53.2)		 1.5
(34.7)		 0.9
(33.6)		 30.5
(86.9)
Average high °C (°F) −27.3
(−17.1)		 −26.1
(−15.0)		 −20.6
(−5.1)		 −11.1
(12.0)		 −2.4
(27.7)		 7.9
(46.2)		 14.9
(58.8)		 13.1
(55.6)		 6.3
(43.3)		 −1.9
(28.6)		 −13.0
(8.6)		 −21.9
(−7.4)		 −6.9
(19.6)
Daily mean °C (°F) −30.8
(−23.4)		 −29.9
(−21.8)		 −25.0
(−13.0)		 −15.6
(3.9)		 −5.8
(21.6)		 4.2
(39.6)		 10.5
(50.9)		 9.7
(49.5)		 3.8
(38.8)		 −4.6
(23.7)		 −17.0
(1.4)		 −25.7
(−14.3)		 −10.5
(13.1)
Average low °C (°F) −34.4
(−29.9)		 −33.6
(−28.5)		 −29.2
(−20.6)		 −20.1
(−4.2)		 −9.0
(15.8)		 0.5
(32.9)		 6.1
(43.0)		 6.2
(43.2)		 1.3
(34.3)		 −7.3
(18.9)		 −20.9
(−5.6)		 −29.4
(−20.9)		 −14.2
(6.4)
Record low °C (°F) −46.1
(−51.0)		 −49.8
(−57.6)		 −43.4
(−46.1)		 −35.7
(−32.3)		 −23.8
(−10.8)		 −9.4
(15.1)		 −1.9
(28.6)		 −1.4
(29.5)		 −9.0
(15.8)		 −27.4
(−17.3)		 −36.5
(−33.7)		 −43.6
(−46.5)		 −49.8
(−57.6)
Record low wind chill −66.8 −70.5 −64.4 −53.6 −35.9 −17.6 −5.3 −8.8 −18.1 −42.7 −55.3 −62.4 −70.5
Average precipitation mm (inches) 8.7
(0.34)		 8.2
(0.32)		 12.3
(0.48)		 19.9
(0.78)		 19.5
(0.77)		 26.6
(1.05)		 42.0
(1.65)		 57.4
(2.26)		 42.9
(1.69)		 38.0
(1.50)		 21.7
(0.85)		 12.8
(0.50)		 310.1
(12.21)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 1.1
(0.04)		 7.0
(0.28)		 22.1
(0.87)		 41.9
(1.65)		 57.2
(2.25)		 39.1
(1.54)		 12.9
(0.51)		 0.3
(0.01)		 0.1
(0.00)		 181.8
(7.16)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 8.9
(3.5)		 8.5
(3.3)		 12.5
(4.9)		 19.2
(7.6)		 13.0
(5.1)		 4.6
(1.8)		 0.1
(0.0)		 0.2
(0.1)		 3.8
(1.5)		 25.5
(10.0)		 22.4
(8.8)		 13.3
(5.2)		 131.9
(51.9)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) 7.8 6.6 9.0 8.5 8.7 7.7 10.4 13.2 12.7 14.9 12.6 10.0 122.1
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.7 2.3 6.3 10.4 13.2 10.5 4.2 0.4 0.1 48.4
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) 7.8 6.7 9.0 8.2 7.1 2.0 0.1 0.1 3.3 12.4 12.5 10.0 79.3
Average relative humidity (%) 66.2 67.3 71.3 79.0 82.3 72.3 66.6 70.6 76.3 84.5 78.4 70.2 73.7
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010[7]
  • Notes:
  1. Climate data was recorded at Coppermine from October 1930 to November 1977 and at Kugluktuk Airport from December 1977 to present.

Demographics
See also: List of communities in Nunavut and Regions of Nunavut

As of 2012, Nunavut has a population of approximately 34,000.[37] In 2006 around 84% of the population were native peoples, primarily Inuit.[38] Nunavut's small and sparse population makes it unlikely the territory will be granted provincial status in the foreseeable future, although this may change if the Yukon, which is only marginally more populous, becomes a province.

10 Largest communities
Municipality 2001 1999
Iqaluit 5,236 4,220
Rankin Inlet 2,177 2,058
Arviat 1,899 1,559
Baker Lake 1,507 1,385
Cambridge Bay 1,309 1,351
Igloolik 1,286 1,174
Pangnirtung 1,276 1,243
Pond Inlet 1,220 1,154
Kugluktuk 1,212 1,201
Cape Dorset 1,148 1,118

References
  1. "Alert". Canadian Climate Normals 1981-2010 Station Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2011-10-31. Climate ID: 2400300. Retrieved January 13, 2016.
  2. "Baker Lake A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment Canada. September 25, 2013. Climate ID: 2300500. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  3. "Cambridge Bay A *". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Climate ID: 2400600. Archived from the original on 2023-09-30. Retrieved 2014-04-30.
  4. "Eureka A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  5. "Iqaluit A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. 31 October 2011. Climate ID: 2402590. Archived from the original on 16 May 2017. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  6. "Kugluktuk A *". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Climate ID: 2300902. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
  7. "Rankin Inlet A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Climate ID: 2303401. Retrieved 2020-10-19.
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  9. "Daily Data Report for June 2009". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2011-10-31. Retrieved May 12, 2016.
  10. "Daily Data Report for May 2012". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2011-10-31. Retrieved May 12, 2016.
  11. "Daily Data Report for July 2019". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2011-10-31. Retrieved July 17, 2019.
  12. "Daily Data Report for June 2020 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada". climate.weather.gc.ca. Environment and Climate Change Canada. 31 October 2011. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
  13. "Iqaluit (Composite Station Threads)". Canadian Climate Normals 1991-2020 Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Archived from the original on 29 September 2023. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  14. "Iqaluit, Canada - Detailed climate information and monthly weather forecast". Weather Atlas. Yu Media Group. Retrieved 2019-07-06.
  15. "Cambridge Bay (Composite Station Threads)". Canadian Climate Normals 1991-2020 Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Archived from the original on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  16. "Daily Data Report for August 2011". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  17. "Daily Data Report for August 2013". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  18. "Hourly Data Report for February 04, 2022". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 11 Feb 2022.
  19. "Canadian Climate Normals 1991-2020 Data". Canadian Climate Normals. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
  20. "June 1934". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Climate ID: 2300900. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  21. "December 1934". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Climate ID: 2300900. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  22. "May 1941". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Climate ID: 2300900. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  23. "February 1943". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Climate ID: 2300900. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  24. "October 1943". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Climate ID: 2300900. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  25. "January 1947". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Climate ID: 2300900. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  26. "November 1948". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Climate ID: 2300900. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  27. "March 1949". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Climate ID: 2300900. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  28. "May 1952". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Climate ID: 2300900. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  29. "March 1955". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Climate ID: 2300900. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  30. "September 1957". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Climate ID: 2300900. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  31. "April 1958". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Climate ID: 2300900. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  32. "February 1968". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Climate ID: 2300900. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  33. "September 1970". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Climate ID: 2300900. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  34. "November 1970". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Climate ID: 2300900. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  35. "June 2013". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Climate ID: 2300902. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  36. "August 2013". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Climate ID: 2300902. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  37. "EIA". Archived from the original on 7 May 2013. Retrieved 4 May 2013.
  38. "Aboriginal peoples in Canada: Focus on Inuit in Nunavut" (PDF). Statistics Canada. January 15, 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 4 May 2013.

60°N 102°W

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