Home › Climate types › Subarctic
Climate type
Subarctic climate
Dfc Köppen code DfcLong, very cold winters and short, cool summers. Cities with this climate include Tromsø, Anchorage, Banff.
Example cities with this climate
What this climate is like
Long, very cold winters and short, cool summers.
Temperatures
Very cold winters (months below −10°C / 14°F are normal) and short, cool summers — only 1–4 months above 10°C / 50°F.
Rainfall and seasons
Modest precipitation; much of it falls as snow, which lasts most of the year in many areas.
Where in the world
Interior Alaska, much of central and northern Canada, the Siberian taiga belt, and northern Scandinavia.
A typical year, in two recognisable cities — coolest and warmest month averages:
What it means for you
Whether you're thinking of moving, gardening or travelling.
🏠 Living here
Long, brutal winters and a brief but precious summer. Heating dominates the year; permafrost shapes construction.
🌱 Gardening
70–120 day growing season — short-season vegetables, hardy berries, potatoes. Greenhouses are common.
✈️ Travel
Summer is the only practical outdoor window. Winter travel is possible but cold-adapted (ice roads, snowmobiles, aurora viewing).
Browse cities with this climate
Popular cities with this climate
All 44 cities, across 9 countries — open a country to see its list.