Trip Planning


FAQ

Can you see Aurora Borealis when the sky is cloudy?

It’s possible to see the Northern Lights through a few scattered clouds, but if there are too many, the view might be blocked completely.

The AuroraCentre is located perfectly in the most 'dry' region of the Yukon which results in less cloud coverage then any other location. Typically we only see 1-3% completely cloudy night sky at the AuroraCentre throughout the year.
Even if the sky is cloudy, rainy or if snow is falling during the day we will always start our Aurora Viewing tour as scheduled to ensure our guest don't miss an opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis when the clouds break (which they most often do!). Typically the weather changes around midnight in the Yukon and even a cloudy evening can turn into a clear night.

The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon and relies on the level of aurora activity and weather conditions. We provide one of the best locations to enjoy the Aurora Borealis with the comfort of heated a cabin, yurts and teepees, with the company of knowledgeable tour guides.
Since the level of aurora activity and weather conditions is out of our control, unfortunately, we can't offer refunds or re-bookings.

What is the best month for Aurora Borealis Viewing?

In northern regions like the Yukon, the best time to view the aurora is from late August to mid-April. During the summer months the night skies are not dark enough to see the aurora borealis even at times when the solar wind activity is strong. In midwinter the temperatures may fall to the minus 40 degree range and it is important to wear appropriate winter clothing (please see “winter clothing packages”) to enjoy the displays.

Does it have to be COLD to see the northern lights?

No! It is a myth that the northern lights happen only when it's cold. They happen year-round and since there is more darkness to see them in the winter people associate the cold winter with the auroras. August and September is a great time to see the Aurora while wearing a T-shirt and shorts!

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Three Day - Aurora Weather Forecast

Whitehorse (Canada)

Rental Clothing

Northern Lights Package

Farwest Insulated Parka
Dri Zone Insulated Pants
-15º Celcius Winter Boots
Mitts
Toque

Arctic Winter Package

Farwest Double Insulated Parka
Dri Zone Insulated Pants
-40º Celcius Winter Boots
Mitts
Toque

Yukon Climate

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 10.0
(50)		 11.7
(53.1)		 16.8
(62.2)		 21.8
(71.2)		 34.1
(93.4)		 34.4
(93.9)		 33.2
(91.8)		 31.6
(88.9)		 26.7
(80.1)		 19.3
(66.7)		 13.3
(55.9)		 10.6
(51.1)		 34.4
(93.9)
Average high °C (°F) −11.0
(12.2)		 −7.7
(18.1)		 −0.7
(30.7)		 6.6
(43.9)		 13.5
(56.3)		 19.1
(66.4)		 20.6
(69.1)		 18.5
(65.3)		 12.1
(53.8)		 4.2
(39.6)		 −6.0
(21.2)		 −8.5
(16.7)		 5.1
(41.2)
Daily mean °C (°F) −15.2
(4.6)		 −12.7
(9.1)		 −6.3
(20.7)		 1.0
(33.8)		 7.3
(45.1)		 12.3
(54.1)		 14.3
(57.7)		 12.6
(54.7)		 7.2
(45)		 0.5
(32.9)		 −9.4
(15.1)		 −12.5
(9.5)		 −0.1
(31.8)
Average low °C (°F) −19.2
(−2.6)		 −17.6
(0.3)		 −11.9
(10.6)		 −4.6
(23.7)		 1.0
(33.8)		 5.6
(42.1)		 8.0
(46.4)		 6.7
(44.1)		 2.1
(35.8)		 −3.2
(26.2)		 −12.9
(8.8)		 −16.5
(2.3)		 −5.2
(22.6)
Record low °C (°F) −56.1
(−69)		 −51.1
(−60)		 −42.2
(−44)		 −30.6
(−23.1)		 −12.9
(8.8)		 −6.1
(21)		 −2.2
(28)		 −8.3
(17.1)		 −19.4
(−2.9)		 −31.1
(−24)		 −47.2
(−53)		 −48.3
(−54.9)		 −56.1
(−69)
Average mm (inches) 17.8
(0.701)		 11.8
(0.465)		 10.3
(0.406)		 7.0
(0.276)		 16.3
(0.642)		 32.4
(1.276)		 38.1
(1.5)		 35.8
(1.409)		 33.3
(1.311)		 23.2
(0.913)		 20.1
(0.791)		 16.3
(0.642)		 262.3
(10.327)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 0.3
(0.012)		 0.0
(0)		 0.0
(0)		 1.2
(0.047)		 14.3
(0.563)		 32.4
(1.276)		 38.1
(1.5)		 35.5
(1.398)		 29.0
(1.142)		 8.8
(0.346)		 1.0
(0.039)		 0.4
(0.016)		 160.9
(6.335)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 25.4
(10)		 18.3
(7.2)		 14.8
(5.83)		 7.2
(2.83)		 2.0
(0.79)		 0.0
(0)		 0.0
(0)		 0.3
(0.12)		 4.7
(1.85)		 18.6
(7.32)		 27.0
(10.63)		 23.5
(9.25)		 141.8
(55.83)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) 11.2 8.3 6.4 4.4 8.0 10.9 13.5 12.5 11.9 11.5 11.5 11.2 121.2
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) 0.2 0.1 0.1 1.1 7.5 10.9 13.5 12.4 11.0 5.1 0.8 0.3 62.9
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) 11.9 9.1 7.0 3.8 1.2 0.0 0.0 0.3 1.5 7.9 12.4 12.2 67.4
Average relative humidity (%) 72.2 64.5 51.8 42.1 38.2 39.9 46.0 47.9 54.5 64.2 75.2 74.7 55.9
Mean monthly sunshine hours 43.8 105.5 163.2 238.5 251.1 266.7 247.6 226.5 132.7 84.9 39.8 26.8 1,827.1
Percent possible sunshine 21.4 41.6 44.8 54.4 46.8 46.9 43.8 46.4 34.1 27.0 17.8 14.9 36.7