Summer (June to August) is the main season for outdoor activities around Whitehorse. The days are extraordinarily long — around the solstice, sunset doesn't happen until nearly midnight and the sky never fully darkens — and the temperatures are pleasant, typically reaching the mid-20s Celsius with low humidity. Hiking, paddling, cycling, and wildlife watching are all at their best.
Winter is the time for northern lights viewing. Whitehorse is at a good latitude for aurora borealis activity and gets clear skies frequently. The season runs from late August through April, with peak activity in late winter. Temperatures drop well below -20°C and can reach -40°C in cold snaps, so proper gear is essential. Dog sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling are popular cold-season activities. Spring (April to May) brings mud and the spectacular breakup of the Yukon River ice, but can be unpredictable.