What to expect through the seasons at Wood Buffalo National Park:
Summer
When: June through August
Temperature range: 10°C to 30°C
Hours of Daylight: 14 to 19 hours
Typical Conditions:> Warm and dry although some summers may be more cool and wet.
Notes: Increased risk of wildfires. These are the current wildfire conditions.
Autumn
When: September and October
Temperature range: 4°C to 20°C
Hours of Daylight: 9 to 14 hours
Typical Conditions: Cool, windy and dry. Intermittent snowfalls start end of October
Notes: Fewer insects in early to mid-September and darker skies make this an ideal time to visit the park. Bright foliage colours. Fall freeze-up usually occurs at the end of October, early November.
Winter
When: November through April
Temperature range: -40°C to 6°C
Hours of Daylight: 6 to 16 hours
Typical Conditions: Cold, dry, and sunny with a generous snow cover.
Notes: Temperature can dip to extremes of -40°C in January and February. Days gradually warm in March and April. Days are shorter from November to January.
Spring
When: April and May
Temperature range: -20°C to 6°C
Hours of Daylight: 13 to 18 hours
Typical Conditions: Cool and sunny.
Notes: Spring break-up usually starts around the end of April or early May.