Winnipeg Winter Weather Guide

Winter in Winnipeg can be challenging and being prepared can mean a much more enjoyable cold weather season.

The coldest month is usually January although the cold season lasts from October until April. There are a lot of fun activities to do despite the cold and it’s always good for us to get outdoors for fresh air and exercise.

Temperatures in the cold season range between -5 and -25 Celcius, with some stretches reaching even colder. Wind is also a factor and can make an otherwise moderate temperature like -10 feel much colder.

When the weather gets extreme

When properly dressed for the weather, students benefit from some time outdoors during all seasons. The saying “Clear the cobwebs from your brain” is a funny way to say fresh air and a bit of activity can help us all think better.

But sometimes our weather can be quite harsh and those are the days when it is safest to stay indoors.

Indoor recess

In Pembina Trails, students stay indoors for recess when the wind chill reaches -27 degrees Celsius.

School cancellations

In Winnipeg it is very rare for schools to be closed due to weather, but in this case, the decision to close a school is made by the Superintendent/CEO. The decision to close ALL schools is made by the Superintendent/CEO (or designate) in consultation with all other metro-Winnipeg area superintendents and the Board of Trustees. 

Bus cancellations

During the school year there may be times when school bus transportation is cancelled due to inclement weather or poor driving conditions, but schools will remain open. About 22 percent of Pembina Trails students are bussed to school each day. Attendance is important and it is quite rare for school bus transportation to be cancelled. The following explains when this occurs:

• If the actual temperature is -35°C (regardless of windchill) based on the 6:00 a.m. Environment Canada reading at the Forks, Winnipeg or;
• If the wind chill reaches -45°C (regardless of air temperature) based on the 6:00 a.m. Environment Canada readings at the Forks, Winnipeg. 

The temperature and windchill readings can be found at the Environment Canada website (click here for latest readings at The Forks). When bus transportation is cancelled in the morning, it will not resume later in the day even if weather conditions improve.

All major Winnipeg media outlets are contacted in the early morning and are asked to broadcast and/or post bus cancellation information.

Weather forecasts: Canada.ca/weather 

In sustained winds over 50 km/h, frostbite can occur faster than indicated.