Anywhere from 10 minutes to all night long, depending on the magnitude of the incoming solar wind. "Coronal holes" consistently produce nice auroras but big solar flares and CMEs-coronal mass ejections are responsible for global-wide aurora displays…the BIG shows!
FAQ
How long do the northern lights last?
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 a famous food in Whitehorse?
Many restaurants serve local food like Arctic Char which comes from the arctic area. Also, meats like bison and reindeer are served as part of traditional meals. In the very far north you can also expect to taste traditional indigenous meals.
Three Day - Aurora Weather Forecast
Whitehorse (Canada)
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 |
