Quick facts about Yellowknife in December
Weather, daylight, and Aurora in December
Average Temperature: -24.1°C – Warmest -20.1°C, Coldest -28.2°C
Average Hours of Daylight: 5:09:21 – Shortest 4:57:31, Longest 5:40:57
Average Aurora Observation Nights: 21.1
Tourism Popularity: Moderate
Welcome to the darkest month in Yellowknife. No, really. December has the day with the shortest amount of daylight all year, with the number of daylight hours being just under 5-hours. December in Yellowknife is also filled with Christmas lights, craft sales, winter activities and so much more, not to mention the return of more clear sky nights, great for aurora viewing.
December in Yellowknife is a cheery time with the holidays fast approaching for many residents. This is also an important point to note as a visitor or newcomer to Yellowknife. Christmas Day (and Boxing Day for some), December 25th and 26th, are holidays in Yellowknife. This means many businesses will be closed during these days, including restaurants, stores, galleries, and some public buildings. When planning activities for these days, make sure you account for limited options when looking for things and places to eat.
Now, lets shovel into December.
Weather and Climate
Temperature wise we are looking at an average of -24.1°C. Some days might be warmer and some days it might be colder, much colder but this is winter in Yellowknife.
While November often sees more snowfall there is still a good chance there will be days it is snowing. The dry, light snow will most likely be packed down in most places you come across unless you are exploring some untouched lakes and trails.
On a warmer day, there might be more cloud cover. With colder temperatures though, there is a greater chance of clear skies during the day and night.
December is also the darkest month in Yellowknife, with the shortest day of the year on December 21.
Quick Facts: Snow covers the ground, roads, and lakes. All lakes are frozen except Great Slave Lake.
Aurora Forecast and Viewing
December is the start of the winter Aurora viewing season in Yellowknife. The average number of nights the aurora have been observed in December in Yellowknife is 21.1.
This number comes from local organization, Astronomy North. They, through a series of partnerships, have been tracking the observation of the aurora borealis just outside of Yellowknife from September to May since 2011.
Being the first month of the winter aurora viewing season, this is a good month to visit Yellowknife. It’s average is just slightly behind that of February and March, however, you will be avoiding those very busy months.
It should be noted that at the beginning of December, Yellowknife can still experience an extended cloudy period and snowfall. If you are considering when in December to visit, towards the end is recommended.
There are many tour operators who offer aurora tours with varying options from small groups to large and chasing/hunting/roaming tours to stationary tours, such as ones at a tent, cabin or lodge.
If you are interested in seeing the aurora on your own, such as if you rent a car, we have developed our Aurora Viewing Locations and Tips Guide.
What to wear in December
To make a trip to Yellowknife enjoyable in December you will want to make sure you are properly dressed for the weather. Average temperatures are noted above, and while they seem cold if you are properly dressed you can absolutely still enjoy being outside.
Eventually, we will write a specific article on the proper way to dress for a Yellowknife winter, but for the time being here is some advice:
Dress in layers.
Your base layer should be skin-tight or close to it so that moisture doesn’t get trapped right against your body. Merino-wool is often hailed as the best material for this, but other synthetic fabrics also work. Avoid cotton.
Your middle layers, note that you can have multiple middle layers, should be something like a long sleeve shirt, flannel shirt and/or a fleece sweater. You want these layers to be very breathable so moisture can escape. We often wear two or three middle layers and add to them as it gets colder.
Your outer layer is referred to as your shell. More often than not in Yellowknife you will notice this being a goose-down Canada Goose jacket. They are by far the best for sitting around and aurora gazing. If, however, you’re actively moving, something lighter might be more ideal. This layer should protect you from the snow and wind but also keep in your body heat.
For snow pants, we go with a simpler two-layer system. A thermal base layer and an outer layer, you can, of course, add middle layers.
Let’s not forget your extremities. You’ll want a windproof hat, or toque, scarf/neck warmer/balaclava, and mitts, not gloves, or at least small gloves with larger mitts over them. Your boots should have good insulation. You will be standing a lot and maybe in the snow. Sorels, Stegers or mukluks are all a good idea. Hiking boots are NOT recommended for long durations outside.
What if you don’t have any of that and don’t want to buy it? There are places in Yellowknife that rent winter clothing.
What else should you pack?
Now that you have your winter clothing covered, what else should you bring to Yellowknife?
Camera – This is a must for any trip but if you want to take photos of the Aurora you will need a camera that you can control the ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed
Extra Camera Batteries – Your camera will be outside as much as you will be, extra batteries will help combat the cold temperature.
Wide-angle Lens – If you are wanting some spectacular photos of the Aurora Borealis, a wide-angle lens is almost a must – not but helpful. It will help you capture the entire sky as it lights up.
Tripod – If you want to get stable photos of the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights a tripod is almost a must to get your camera still enough for longer exposures.
Sunglasses – Funny to think at a time of year with so little daylight you would need sunglasses but when the sun is out and bouncing off the white snow it can be blinding. You’ll thank us later.
Hand-warmers – Pro tip even if you have great gloves or mitts. Hand-warmers are a lifesaver in those moments when your fingers or toes just won’t work anymore. Or look up our friends at Aurora Heat for a northern take on hand-warmers.
Extra Socks – Never put on socks that might be damp. Fresh socks will help keep your feet warm, even if you are changing them multiple times throughout the day.
Long Johns – These should be included in what you’re wearing already but long johns are essentials for keeping you cozy no matter where you are.
Moisturizer – Yellowknife has a dry climate and your skin can dry out quickly. Pack yourself a moisturizer of choice. Lip balm is also widely used in Yellowknife.
Snacks – Odd thing to pack, but if your flight is arriving or departing very late at night or early in the morning sometimes there is nowhere to eat. Simple snacks will help you get through those times. Or when you’re out exploring the wilderness.
Flashlight or Headlamp – It is dark here, we have established that. A flashlight will be your best friend when trying to adjust your camera settings in the middle of the night. Or for light-painting while you wait for the aurora to come out.
Things to do in December
December is one of the most wonderful times of year to visit Yellowknife if you want to get into the Christmas spirit. All throughout town residents and businesses will be decorating and bustling around spreading holiday cheer. Business as usual for the most part with some extra cheers, however, do be aware that many shops and restaurants might be closed on Christmas Day – December 25th.
1. Explore the Winter Wonderland
Take hint form any local you might encounter and embrace winter. Walk, ski, bike or explore Yellowknife by any means. Wander through downtown and the historic Old Town, or pick a couple activities from our list below and just get out there. You will thank us. The views are pristine and surreal. These activities will keep you moving and warm, but they will also make you work up quite the appetite. Many of them can be done on your own or through a local tour provider.
2. Explore the Culinary Marvel that is Yellowknife
You wouldn’t expect this, but Yellowknife has one of the most diverse culinary scenes in Canada, rivaling big cities like Toronto, Vancouver and, even, Montreal. From Vietnamese and Ethiopian to Northern Fare and just good diner food with a twist. Put on your stretchy pant… or longjohns… and get ready to eat. These days you can even explore the Museum and end with an amazing meal.
3. Nestle into a local pub
If you really want to do as the locals do. After a long day of exploring around Yellowknife, or on a night you aren’t heading out to see the aurora, pick a pub and nestle in for the evening. Whether you are with a group of people or by yourself, Yellowknife will welcome you and by the end of the night you to will feel like a local. Or at least like you’ve made a couple new friends. Did you know that Yellowknife even has a beer brewery? Not a fan of the pubs? We also have more coffee shops throughout downtown and Old Town than you can count on one hand, but watch out not many are open late.
4. Find a free thing to do
If you are looking to make the most of your time in Yellowknife without breaking the bank there are also several attractions and activities you can do that are completely free. Check out our Free things to do in Yellowknife guide here.
5. Explore City Hall Christmas Lights
Around the first week of December, the City of Yellowknife will light of the Somba K’e Civic Plaza in front of City Hall on the shores of the frozen Frame Lake with Christmas Lights on all the trees. Down in the amphitheater is a large lit up Christmas tree. This, combined with the lights of the Museum, makes for a wonderful evening activity for everyone. It is a magical experience to walk through the park and admire all the colorful lights.
Activities to do in December
These are activities that are specific to December or the season. There are often many more things to do in Yellowknife that are not dependant on the month or season.
- Aurora Viewing
- Dog Sledding
- Ice Fishing
- Winter Hiking
- Winter Nature Walk/Storytelling
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country Skiing
- Snowmobiling
- Fat Biking on Winter Trails/Lakes
- Igloo (or iglu) Building
Annual Community Events
Yellowknife Farmers Market Christmas Market
The Yellowknife Farmers Market hosts a Christmas Market with many of the summer vendors on the first Tuesday in December starting at 5 pm. The location can change, so be sure to check out yellowknifefarmersmarket.ca
Lights Across Canada
Lights Across Canada is a national event where cities around Canda all turn on their Christmas Lights at the same time. This happens in the first week of December, normally on a Wednesday at 5:15 pm. It is often hosted at the Yellowknife City Hall and then moves to the Legislative Assembly for treats and music.
Winter Solstice
While not a community event, it is a significant day in Yellowknife as it is the day with the least sunlight. Also known as the darkest day of the year. Leading up to December 21 the daylight becomes shorter and shorter. After December 21 passes daylight slowly starts to return until the summer solstice on June 21.
New Year Fireworks
Hosted by the City of Yellowknife around 8 pm on December 31. They are an annual occurrence that happens on Frame Lake to ring in the new year.
Arts & Craft Sales
Many of the Craft Sales happen in November but some run into December. Check out our Craft Sale tag to view this years list of local craft sales.
Things you cannot do in December
Camp at a Territorial Campground – All Territorial Campgrounds are closed for the winter.
Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing or Fishing by Boat – The lakes are frozen. Try ice fishing.
Swim in a Lake – They are frozen.
Drive the Ice Roads – They are not open yet.
Visit the Snowking’s Castle – He is busy building it for the opening in March.
Driving Conditions in December
If you have decided to rent a car during your stay in Yellowknife here is a little about the road conditions in and around Yellowknife during the winter. These conditions are pretty much the same from December to March.
In the city
In the city, you might notice that many of the roads are not actually plowed down to the asphalt. Instead, the snow is packed down and occasionally graded to keep level. The snow can then be very slick and while the municipality does lay down gravel to create traction you should be more cognizant as a driver while on the road:
When coming to stop or the need to slow down, give yourself more distance than normal. Lightly apply your brakes to slow down. If you slam on your brakes you will most likely break all traction and start sliding, even with ABS and winter tires.
When starting from a complete stop and you notice that your tires are spinning – your speedometer will go up while you’re barely moving – back off the gas pedal. Let your tires get traction and then continue to accelerate.
Be aware of where turning lanes are. Franklin Avenue in the downtown core has 5 lanes. Two lanes going either way, with the outer lanes being metered parking most of the day. The lane in the center of the road, which is often unknown, is the turning lane for the side streets. Be aware and don’t block the flow of traffic.
On the highways
Road conditions on the highways are often very good, except for during and right after a good snowfall, but those are rare. The highways, including Highway 3 and Ingraham Trail, are maintained by the Territorial Government, so are plowed regularly.
Shoulders can be soft though and can easily suck in a vehicle if not careful. You should not be parking on the road along the Ingraham Trail so this should not be a problem.
Slowing down on bends in the road is wise as conditions can still be slick even if plowed.
Have something to add? Leave us a comment or send us an email.
Yellowknife by the month is a series we are producing to give you a better idea of what Yellowknife has to offer throughout the year. To learn about what Yellowknife is like in other months follow our tag Yellowknife by the Month.
