Best Time to Visit the Northwest Passage On An Expedition Cruise – The Seasons Explained

Northwest Passage cruises occur during a short summer between July and September, when the sea ice recedes in the Arctic Ocean, allowing expedition ships to access this remote part of the Arctic.

An expedition cruise into the fabled Northwest Passage offers the curious traveller an insight into one of the least accessible parts of the polar regions. This legendary sea route, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans via the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, offers a mix of breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife and deep history. The various islands of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago are separated from one another and from mainland Canada by waterways collectively known as the Northwest Passage.

Deciding when to go is key to making the most of your trip. This guide to the Northwest Passage covers the seasons, wildlife activity, weather, daylight hours, and the pros and cons of early vs late-season cruises to help you choose the best time to visit for your expedition.

At Polar Escapes, we are experts in the Northwest Passage. We offer free, first-hand advice from a team that has travelled to the Northwest Passage to help you choose the best ship and itinerary.

Photo Credit: AE / Renato Graniere

Northwest Passage Seasons

The Arctic region is divided into four main seasons, each with its own experience:

• Winter (Nov-Mar): The Northwest Passage is plunged into extreme cold and total darkness. Channels are frozen solid by sea ice. Temperatures can drop to lows of -40°C (-40°F). The polar night lasts for several months with little to no daylight. Not the time to visit!
• Spring (Apr-Jun): As temperatures rise, daylight increases, and the sea ice melts. However, many waterways are still blocked by sea ice. Wildlife has started to emerge, but expedition ship accessibility is still limited.
• Summer (Jul-Sep): The peak travel season with the mildest temperatures (0-10°C or 32-50°F). During July and early August, there is continuous daylight. The amount of sea ice in the passage reduces, allowing safe access for expedition cruise ships.
• Autumn (Oct): A short transition period with rapidly decreasing temperatures and daylight. The sea ice begins to reform, and the skies are bathed in gorgeous golden hues with long sunrises and sunsets.

Photo Credit: AE / Renato Graniere

Wildlife by Season

Wildlife sightings are the highlight of any Northwest Passage cruise, and in our experience through numerous cruises, vary month by month:

• July and August are prime times to see a wide range of wildlife. Marine mammals like beluga whales, bowhead whales, and narwhals are common in the Northwest Passage. Polar bears are often seen hunting along the coast and on ice floes. Arctic foxes can be seen in the tundra in their summer colours. Birdlife is abundant, with thick-billed murres, Arctic terns, and puffins nesting in large colonies. Migratory birds return to the Northwest Passage to nest, particularly around Prince Leopold and Bylot Islands.
• September: Some wildlife and birds migrate south as the temperature drops above the Arctic Circle. Polar bears, seals, and musk oxen are still frequently seen. September is also the best time to see the Northern Lights as the sky darkens.

Photo Credit: AE / Renato Graniere

Weather and Daylight Hours

During the short cruise season, the weather in the Northwest Passage is interchangeable and can vary from month to month.

July

July marks the start of summer and is the warmest month in the Northwest Passage. The first expedition ships enter the Northwest Passage in mid-July. The height of summer brings milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, perfect for wildlife and photography. The midnight sun means 24 hours of exploration—the average summer temperatures in the Canadian Arctic during July range from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F).

August

August marks the peak of the summer when expedition ships can first navigate the entire length of the Northwest Passage. Milder temperatures during the summer months ensure deeper exploration into fjords. August is the main season for expedition cruising and the most popular month. Travellers can enjoy favourable weather, long days, and many wildlife encounters. Towards the end of August, the night returns to the Arctic.

September

September marks the onset of autumn, which means shorter days and higher chances of snow in the Northwest Passage. During autumn, daylight hours decrease—from 19 hours at the start of the month to over 7 hours at the end. Temperatures drop, and fog becomes more common. Reduced sea ice allows access to areas rarely seen, and Northern Lights increase as the month progresses.

Pros and Cons of Early vs Late Season

Each month has its advantages and disadvantages for Northwest Passage cruises:

Early Season (July to Early August)

• Pros:
  • Warmer temperatures make outdoor exploration more comfortable.
  • Continuous daylight for wildlife viewing and photography.
  • Some sea ice remains, which makes for incredible scenery and a habitat for polar bears.
  • Bird colonies are in full activity with thousands of nesting seabirds.
• Cons:
  • There is more sea ice. Some channels may still be ice-bound, limiting specific routes.
  • More ship traffic as this is the peak season.

Late Season (Late August to September)

• Pros:
  • Reduced sea ice allows for exploring less accessible areas, remote fjords and inlets.
  • Northern Lights increase as the nights get darker.
  • Fewer tourists for a more intimate experience with nature.
  • Beautiful autumn colours on the tundra.
• Cons:
  • Colder temperatures and early snow.
  • Limited daylight hours.
  • Some wildlife, like migratory birds and whales, have started migrating south.

Choosing the Best Time to Visit

Selecting the best time for your Northwest Passage expedition ultimately depends on what you want to see.

• Wildlife Enthusiasts: July and August are best, with plenty of marine mammals, bird colonies thriving and polar bears active.
• Northern Lights: Late August to September is the best time to see auroras as the darkness returns to the Arctic skies.
• Photographers: The soft golden light of late summer and early autumn and the potential for Northern Lights make later season voyages perfect for photographers.
• Adventure Seekers: September’s reduced sea ice means access to less-travelled Arctic areas for those who want to go off the beaten path. The summer season provides opportunities for various activities, such as hiking and kayaking in the Northwest Passage.

Photo Credit: AE / Renato Graniere

Travelling To The Northwest Passage

The best way to explore the Northwest Passage is on an expedition cruise. Many Arctic cruises sail from West Greenland to the west coast of Baffin Island and into the Northwest Passage, calling at places in the Canadian high Arctic such as Pond Inlet and Somerset Island. Often, expeditions include charter flights to northern Canada, where you will embark the ship.

For a full explanation of how to get there and how to choose your best Northwest Passage itinerary, please see our guide, How To Visit The Northwest Passage.

Photo Credit: AE / Michael Baynes

Final Thoughts On The Best Time to Visit The Northwest Passage

Although the season to explore the Northwest Passage is relatively short compared to other Arctic destinations, there are distinct changes month by month. Whatever your interests, whether wildlife watching, photography, or hiking at Polar Escapes, we can recommend the best time for you to visit the Northwest Passage.

The decline of Arctic sea ice due to climate change has made the Northwest Passage more navigable in recent years, and the sea ice coverage changes yearly. Plan and choose the Arctic cruise wisely, and you’ll have an unforgettable journey through this iconic route.

Are you ready to explore the Northwest Passage? Polar Escapes offers the largest selection of Northwest Passage cruises and tours.

Would you like to speak to someone who has visited the Northwest Passage? Please don’t hesitate to contact our team, with a wealth of experience travelling to the Northwest Passage, Arctic Canada, North Pole, and Greenland. We are here to help you plan your perfect Arctic expedition.