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Cornwall Island (Nunavut)

Island

A remote island in Nunavut within the High Arctic archipelago; Cornwall Island is visited mainly by scientists and specialized expeditions studying polar environments, sea ice and Arctic wildlife.

Cornwall Island (Nunavut) IqaluitCoral HarbourCornwall Island (Nunavut)
In this guide

Cornwall Island (Nunavut) essentials

Country: Canada
Driest months: Dec-Feb
Pay in: Dollar ($)
Language: French, English

Cornwall Island (Nunavut) at a Glance

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Cornwall Island (Nunavut)

If visiting is possible, the short summer thaw (July-August) is the only realistic window for access and outdoor activity.

Summer thaw (brief window)
July-August · 0-5°C
The brief summer thaw is the only practical time for access and fieldwork; conditions are cold and weather can change rapidly.
Shoulder
June and September · <=0°C to near 0°C
Limited access with lingering ice and cold conditions; logistics and transport are constrained.
Winter
October-May · well below freezing
Long, dark polar winter with sea ice and extreme cold-effectively inaccessible for typical visits.

Weather & Climate near Cornwall Island (Nunavut)

Climate

Cornwall Island (Nunavut)'s climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -40°C to 8°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
8°
Warmest Month
-40°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -39° - -32° -49° 3 mm - - 5.0 m/s - -
February - -40° - -33° -51° 2 mm - - 5.2 m/s - -
March - -39° - -32° -49° 5 mm - - 4.8 m/s - -
April - -30° - -23° -38° 5 mm - - 4.9 m/s - -
May - -16° - -10° -21° 9 mm - - 5.3 m/s - -
June - -3° - 1° -7° 13 mm - - 5.3 m/s - -
July - 2° - 8° 1° 21 mm - - 5.4 m/s - -
August - -1° - 4° -3° 31 mm - - 5.4 m/s - -
September - -9° - -5° -14° 21 mm - - 5.7 m/s - -
October - -22° - -16° -29° 12 mm - - 5.4 m/s - -
November - -31° - -25° -40° 6 mm - - 5.2 m/s - -
December - -36° - -29° -46° 3 mm - - 5.0 m/s - -