Gros Morne National Park Weather by Month
Gros Morne National Park, located on the west coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, has a rugged, maritime-influenced climate marked by long, snowy winters, a short but scenic summer, and heavy precipitation year-round. Here’s what to expect month by month.
Gros Morne National Park Weather by Month
You can click the image below to view the full-size weather chart for Gros Morne National Park.
January – Deep Winter, Cold and Snowy
- Average high: 25°F (-4°C)
- Average low: 12°F (-11°C)
- Rainfall: 4.29 inches
- Rainy days: 14
- Snowfall: 45.58 inches
- Snowy days: 20
- Daylight: 8.5 hours
January is the heart of winter in Gros Morne. Daytime highs hover just below freezing at around 25°F, while nights drop to a bitter 12°F. Snow dominates the month, with nearly 46 inches falling over 20 snowy days, far outpacing the 4.3 inches of rain. With only 8.5 hours of daylight, the landscape takes on a stark, snow-draped beauty.
Best for:
- Snowshoeing across the Tablelands and coastal trails
- Winter photography of frozen fjords
- Cozy cabin stays with fireplace views
- Watching for winter seabirds along the coast
February – Coldest Month, Frozen Fjords
- Average high: 25°F (-4°C)
- Average low: 9°F (-13°C)
- Rainfall: 3.17 inches
- Rainy days: 11
- Snowfall: 28.42 inches
- Snowy days: 14
- Daylight: 10 hours
February ties January for the coldest daytime temperatures but brings the year’s chilliest nights, dipping to 9°F. Snowfall remains heavy at over 28 inches across 14 snowy days, while rain tapers off slightly. Daylight stretches a bit longer, to 10 hours, offering more time to explore the frozen landscape.
Best for:
- Cross-country skiing and winter trekking
- Ice fishing on inland ponds
- Photographing frost-covered cliffs and fjords
- Quiet, off-season park visits
March – Late Winter Thaw Begins
- Average high: 32°F (0°C)
- Average low: 14°F (-10°C)
- Rainfall: 3.02 inches
- Rainy days: 9
- Snowfall: 23.31 inches
- Snowy days: 11
- Daylight: 12 hours
March marks the slow turn toward spring, with daytime highs finally reaching the freezing point. Nights remain cold at 14°F, and snow is still the dominant form of precipitation, with over 23 inches falling on 11 days. Daylight hours pick up noticeably, reaching a full 12 hours.
Best for:
- Late-season snowshoeing and backcountry skiing
- Watching ice break up along the coast
- Early wildlife spotting as animals become more active
- Longer daytime hikes as light returns
April – Early Spring, Lingering Snow
- Average high: 41°F (5°C)
- Average low: 25°F (-4°C)
- Rainfall: 2.80 inches
- Rainy days: 9
- Snowfall: 9.13 inches
- Snowy days: 5
- Daylight: 13.5 hours
April brings a genuine shift toward spring, with highs climbing into the low 40s. Snow becomes far less frequent, dropping to just over 9 inches across 5 days, while rain and melting snow keep trails soft and muddy. Daylight now exceeds 13 hours, giving visitors much longer days to explore.
Best for:
- Waterfall viewing as snowmelt swells the rivers
- Early spring bird arrivals
- Mild-weather hiking on lower-elevation trails
- Photographing the transition from snow to green
May – Cool Spring, Iceberg Season Begins
- Average high: 50°F (10°C)
- Average low: 32°F (0°C)
- Rainfall: 2.78 inches
- Rainy days: 8
- Snowfall: 1.84 inches
- Snowy days: 1
- Daylight: 15.5 hours
May is a cool but pleasant spring month, with daytime temperatures reaching a comfortable 50°F. Snow is nearly gone, with only about 1.8 inches falling on a single day, and rainfall drops to its lowest point of the year. With 15.5 hours of daylight, this is when Newfoundland’s famous “Iceberg Alley” season begins along the coast.
Best for:
- Iceberg spotting along the coastline
- Early whale-watching tours
- Wildflower emergence on lower trails
- Comfortable hiking with fewer crowds
June – Mild Spring, Peak Iceberg Season
- Average high: 61°F (16°C)
- Average low: 41°F (5°C)
- Rainfall: 3.26 inches
- Rainy days: 9
- Snowfall: 0 inches
- Snowy days: 0
- Daylight: 16 hours
June brings mild, pleasant weather with highs in the low 60s and no snowfall at all. Rain picks up slightly, with over 3 inches across 9 days, but the long 16-hour days more than make up for it. This is peak season for spotting icebergs drifting past the park’s coastline.
Best for:
- Hiking the Tablelands’ unique rocky terrain
- Boat tours on Western Brook Pond
- Prime iceberg viewing
- Long evening walks thanks to extended daylight
July – Warm Summer, Long Days
- Average high: 68°F (20°C)
- Average low: 50°F (10°C)
- Rainfall: 4.07 inches
- Rainy days: 11
- Snowfall: 0 inches
- Snowy days: 0
- Daylight: 16 hours
July is one of the warmest months in Gros Morne, with highs reaching a comfortable 68°F. Rainfall increases to just over 4 inches across 11 days, but with 16 hours of daylight, there’s still plenty of time for outdoor activities between showers.
Best for:
- Hiking Gros Morne Mountain
- Kayaking on Western Brook Pond
- Camping under long summer daylight
- Whale watching along the coast
August – Warmest Month, Peak Summer
- Average high: 68°F (20°C)
- Average low: 50°F (10°C)
- Rainfall: 4.49 inches
- Rainy days: 11
- Snowfall: 0 inches
- Snowy days: 0
- Daylight: 14.5 hours
August ties July as the warmest month, with highs staying at 68°F. Rainfall edges up slightly to nearly 4.5 inches, still spread across 11 days. Daylight begins to shorten a bit, but at 14.5 hours there’s still ample time to enjoy peak summer conditions.
Best for:
- Swimming in cool freshwater ponds
- Full-day hiking on the park’s longer trails
- Local summer festivals and events
- Continued whale watching
September – Early Fall, Mild and Wet
- Average high: 61°F (16°C)
- Average low: 43°F (6°C)
- Rainfall: 5.17 inches
- Rainy days: 11
- Snowfall: 0 inches
- Snowy days: 0
- Daylight: 12.5 hours
September is the wettest month of the year, with over 5 inches of rain falling across 11 days, even as temperatures remain mild in the low 60s. Snow has yet to return, and daylight has dropped back to 12.5 hours, signaling the shift toward autumn.
Best for:
- Early fall foliage photography
- Quieter trails with fewer summer crowds
- Coastal walks with dramatic, moody weather
- Birdwatching during migration
October – Fall Foliage Peak
- Average high: 48°F (9°C)
- Average low: 36°F (2°C)
- Rainfall: 4.03 inches
- Rainy days: 11
- Snowfall: 1.07 inches
- Snowy days: 0
- Daylight: 11 hours
October brings crisp, cool air and Gros Morne’s best autumn colors. Highs settle in the high 40s, and while rain remains steady at around 4 inches, snow makes only a token appearance with just over an inch and no full snowy days recorded. Daylight shortens to 11 hours as winter approaches.
Best for:
- Peak fall foliage hikes
- Landscape photography of colorful hillsides
- Cool-weather exploring without summer crowds
- Scenic coastal drives
November – Early Winter, Snow Returns
- Average high: 39°F (4°C)
- Average low: 27°F (-3°C)
- Rainfall: 4.13 inches
- Rainy days: 12
- Snowfall: 15.69 inches
- Snowy days: 8
- Daylight: 9 hours
November marks winter’s return, with snow reappearing in force at nearly 16 inches over 8 days, alongside continued rain. Temperatures drop into the high 30s during the day and below freezing at night. Daylight shrinks sharply to just 9 hours.
Best for:
- Storm watching along the exposed coastline
- Early-season snowshoeing
- Photographing the first snowfalls
- Cozy indoor stays as weather turns rough
December – Winter Begins, Snowy and Cold
- Average high: 30°F (-1°C)
- Average low: 19°F (-7°C)
- Rainfall: 4.05 inches
- Rainy days: 14
- Snowfall: 41.56 inches
- Snowy days: 18
- Daylight: 8.5 hours
December closes the year with a decisive shift into winter. Snowfall surges to over 41 inches across 18 days, while daytime highs drop to around 30°F. Daylight bottoms out at 8.5 hours, matching January’s darkest days.
Best for:
- Winter photography of snow-covered fjords
- Holiday-season visits to a quiet, snowy park
- Snowshoeing on freshly fallen snow
- Watching for winter wildlife near the coast
Gros Morne National Park Weather by Month
| Month | Avg High °F (°C) | Avg Low °F (°C) | Rainfall (inches) | Sun (hrs/day) | Snowfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 25°F (-4°C) | 12°F (-11°C) | 4.29 | 8.5 | 45.58 |
| Feb | 25°F (-4°C) | 9°F (-13°C) | 3.17 | 10 | 28.42 |
| Mar | 32°F (0°C) | 14°F (-10°C) | 3.02 | 12 | 23.31 |
| Apr | 41°F (5°C) | 25°F (-4°C) | 2.80 | 13.5 | 9.13 |
| May | 50°F (10°C) | 32°F (0°C) | 2.78 | 15.5 | 1.84 |
| Jun | 61°F (16°C) | 41°F (5°C) | 3.26 | 16 | 0 |
| Jul | 68°F (20°C) | 50°F (10°C) | 4.07 | 16 | 0 |
| Aug | 68°F (20°C) | 50°F (10°C) | 4.49 | 14.5 | 0 |
| Sep | 61°F (16°C) | 43°F (6°C) | 5.17 | 12.5 | 0 |
| Oct | 48°F (9°C) | 36°F (2°C) | 4.03 | 11 | 1.07 |
| Nov | 39°F (4°C) | 27°F (-3°C) | 4.13 | 9 | 15.69 |
| Dec | 30°F (-1°C) | 19°F (-7°C) | 4.05 | 8.5 | 41.56 |
20 FAQs about Gros Morne National Park Weather
1. What is the best time of year to visit Gros Morne National Park?
Late June through September offers the mildest weather, with highs in the 60s°F and minimal snow, making it the most popular window for hiking and sightseeing.
2. How cold does it get in Gros Morne in winter?
Winter lows regularly drop to 9–19°F (-13°C to -7°C) in January, February, and December, with wind chill making it feel even colder near the coast.
3. What is the warmest month in Gros Morne?
July and August tie as the warmest months, both averaging highs of 68°F (20°C).
4. Does Gros Morne get a lot of snow?
Yes. Winter months are very snowy, with January averaging 45.58 inches and December averaging 41.56 inches of snowfall.
5. When does snow stop falling in Gros Morne?
Snowfall drops off sharply after April and essentially disappears from June through September, with only light snow reappearing in October and November.
6. What month has the most rainfall?
September is the wettest month, averaging 5.17 inches of rain over 11 rainy days.
7. What month has the least rainfall?
May is the driest month, with about 2.78 inches of rainfall.
8. Is Gros Morne rainy year-round?
Yes, the park sees rain in every month, though summer and fall bring more rain while winter precipitation falls mostly as snow.
9. How many daylight hours does Gros Morne get in summer?
June and July have the longest days, with about 16 hours of daylight.
10. How many daylight hours does Gros Morne get in winter?
January and December have the shortest days, with only about 8.5 hours of daylight.
11. When is iceberg season in Gros Morne?
Icebergs typically begin appearing in May and peak in June, drifting along the coast as part of Newfoundland’s famous “Iceberg Alley.”
12. When is the best time for whale watching?
Whale watching season generally runs from June through August, aligning with the warmest, calmest weather.
13. When do the fall colors peak in Gros Morne?
Fall foliage typically peaks in October, when cooler temperatures (highs around 48°F) set in and rainfall remains moderate.
14. Is it safe to hike in Gros Morne during winter?
Winter hiking is possible but challenging due to heavy snow, ice, and short daylight hours; snowshoes and proper winter gear are essential.
15. What should I pack for a summer trip to Gros Morne?
Layered clothing is recommended, since highs reach the upper 60s°F but rain is common; a waterproof jacket and sturdy hiking boots are must-haves.
16. Does Gros Morne have a rainy season?
Late summer into fall (July–September) sees the highest rainfall totals of the year, making it the closest thing to a “rainy season.”
17. What is the coldest month in Gros Morne?
February is the coldest month, with average lows dropping to 9°F (-13°C).
18. How much does the weather vary between day and night?
Temperature swings can be significant, especially in spring and fall, with day-to-night differences of 15–20°F common due to the park’s coastal and mountainous terrain.
19. When does the park get its first snow of the season?
Snow typically returns in November, which averages 15.69 inches, marking the start of the winter season.
20. Is September a good time to visit Gros Morne?
September offers mild temperatures (highs around 61°F) and fewer crowds, though it’s also the wettest month, so rain gear is recommended.
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