Charlton Island

Island Remote Arctic island in Nunavut, uninhabited landscape

Main image
Charlton Island
51.9999, -79.4856

How to Get to Charlton Island #

Access is by expedition vessel or charter from larger Arctic hubs in Nunavut. Travellers should coordinate with Nunavut tourism authorities and experienced Arctic operators; helicopter access may be possible but requires permits and careful logistical planning.

Tips for Visiting Charlton Island #

  • This island is remote and largely uninhabited - travel requires careful logistical planning and permission from Nunavut authorities.
  • Bring satellite communications and supply caches - rescue and medical facilities are minimal and far away.
  • Respect protected wildlife habitats and be prepared for polar bear country in summer months.

Best Time to Visit Charlton Island #

Short Arctic summer offers the only practical window for visits; plan well in advance with experienced operators.

Summer (Arctic expedition season)
June-August · 0-10°C (32-50°F)
Sea ice retreats and navigation is possible; long daylight hours aid travel.
Late Spring/Early Autumn
May or September · Below freezing to near 0°C
Transit windows can exist, but weather and sea ice change rapidly.

Weather & Climate near Charlton Island #

Climate

Charlton Island's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -25°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (665 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
21°
Warmest Month
-25°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -15°C and lows of -25°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).

Comfort

-20°
Feels Like Freezing
-20°C
Temperature
-25° -15°

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -24°C. The driest month with just 20 mm.

Comfort

-19°
Feels Like Freezing
-19°C
Temperature
-24° -13°

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -18°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-18° -6°

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

32 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 91 mm of rain.

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 21°

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-7° -1°

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -11°C and lows of -18°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).

Comfort

-15°
Feels Like Freezing
-15°C
Temperature
-18° -11°

Weather

39 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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