Weather and Climate in Greenland
Weather in Greenland varies between regions and changes dramatically over the seasons.
While Greenland may look all white on a map due to the Greenland Ice Sheet, it may come as a surprise that the land’s weather and climate depends heavily on whether you live north or south of the country, or in the end of one valley or the next. One thing you should know wherever you are: Greenland’s weather is unpredictable and can shift with no notice.
Having prepared you for change, there are still some things which are general across Greenland. The country has an Arctic tundra climate with average temperatures that do not exceed a mean of 5.6°C (42 °F) in the warmest summer months but can plunge down to a mean of -18°C (-4° F) in the north during winter. In the southern part of the country and the innermost parts of the long fjords, the temperature can, however, rise to more than 20° C (68° F) in June, July and August. While these temperatures may sound low, you should be aware that the weather feels warmer than the number suggests. If it is 15°C in Greenland with still wind, that could very well be classified as t-shirt weather due to the low humidity. Do always dress in layers!
Greenland’s climate on land is very much affected by the sea and the sun. The coastal stretches near the open sea are cooler and more humid due to the cold water or drifting ice, and the more inland you go towards the ice sheet, the warmer and dryer it gets. During summer, there is no more than 2°C (3.6°F) difference from the northernmost to southernmost part of Greenland.
In the winter, there is a much bigger difference of up to 30°C (86°F). There can be up to 5° C (9°F) difference in temperature due to the location. Interestingly, proximity to the Greenland Ice Sheet does not necessarily mean lower temperatures, a key factor being warmer Foehn, a type of katabatic wind (DMI, 2022).
Due to its large and inhospitable land mass, its elevation and reflectivity (albedo), the Greenland Ice Sheet is key to climate change. Its central position in the country means that it dramatically impacts the climate and weather in Greenland (Dzik and Dzik, 2017). It also affects the world. In August 2021, history was made when rain fell on the high central region of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Much coverage was given to this event, although it was later identified that it wasn’t the rain that was the most important factor, but the heat leading up to the event and the darkening of meltwater, reported Professor Jason Box in Geophysical Research Letters.
On this page we will first describe the specific climates within each of Greenland’s regions and how you, as a tourist, can best prepare for them. You can then read about different types of climate and weather you can experience in Greenland.
What’s the difference between weather & climate?
Weather can be described as the short term variation of a location’s atmosphere over days or hours, whereas climate is the average description of the weather over a period of decades, according to the US National Snow and Ice Data Center.
Greenland’s Climate Types
Since 81% of Greenland is covered by a continental ice sheet at high latitudes, almost all of the island is classified as polar. However, there are a few small areas where dry and continental climates exist.
In Anthony Dzik’s publication Greenland in Climographs, there are only four specific climates in Greenland (using the Köppen classification system, which we won’t delve into here):
- Cold desert climate – This climate type is applied locally to some areas in central and southern Greenland near the Inland Ice front.
- Boreal forest climate – A subarctic climate with long cold winters and cool summers. Worldwide, this climate is found 50° – 70°N latitude.
- Polar tundra climate – This is the typical climate in Greenland’s coastal settlements. The winter is below freezing and summer cool and ephemeral between 0°C and 10°C. The amount of precipitation spikes during the summer months.
- Polar ice sheet climate – The mean monthly temperature is below 0°C all year round. This is the perpetual Frost climate of the Inland Ice. The extremely low temperatures means that no vegetation can survive.
Weather and Climate in Greenland
by Month and Region
South Greenland
Largest Towns / Settlements: Qaqortoq, Narsarsuaq
Climate Type: Boreal Forest and Polar Tundra
Affectionately dubbed the Greenland Riviera by its locals, South Greenland surprises by having a relatively mild climate, natural forest growth and sheep farming. Its comparatively early embracement of summer allows the farming of local produce such as potato, carrot and salad outdoors.
Mean Temperatures by Month (1991-2020)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Narsarsuaq | -6.1 | -6.6 | -4.7 | 1.3 | 5.9 | 9.6 | 11.2 | 9.8 | 6.1 | 1.5 | -3.3 | -5.5 |
| Qaqortoq | -4.9 | -5.4 | -4.1 | 0.5 | 3.5 | 6.2 | 8 | 8.1 | 5.9 | 2.3 | -1.6 | -3.7 |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Narsarsuaq | 21.0 | 20.1 | 23.5 | 34.3 | 42.6 | 49.3 | 52.2 | 49.6 | 43.0 | 34.7 | 26.1 | 22.1 |
| Qaqortoq | 23.2 | 22.3 | 24.6 | 32.9 | 38.3 | 43.2 | 46.6 | 46.6 | 42.6 | 36.1 | 29.1 | 25.3 |
Most of South Greenland is classified as having a polar tundra climate with cold winters of below 0°C (32°F) and cool ephemeral summers of between 0°C (32°F) and 10°C (50°F). Vegetative cover on the tundra is generally hardy plants of short stature.
Weather and Climate in Qaqortoq
Weather-wise, Qaqortoq is the mildest capital in Greenland, with relatively gentler winters and pleasant blooming summers. Its coldest month is February with an average mean temperature of -5.0°C (41°F). 972mm (38.2 inches) of precipitation is accumulated each year.
Weather and Climate in Narsarsuaq
Narsarsuaq is unique in Greenland for its snowy forest climate. It experiences 612 mm (24 inches) of precipitation over 81 days. It does not have a dry season, and despite it being less than 50 km (31 Miles) to the Greenland ice sheet there is no permafrost except at the ice margin. It is one of the key places you can find natural tree growth, for example around Signal Hill, and the pine and spruce forest at Qanasiassat 10km north of Narsarsuaq.
Tip:
Pack a rain jacket and rain pants, and it would be a good thing if your shoes or hiking boots were waterproof, too. A lightweight wool sweater in the pack might also be a welcome sight.
You should be prepared for:
Generally-speaking it is not that windy in Greenland. Many days are completely calm with glassy fjords and lakes. However, the wind can certainly pick up and when at its worst certain areas can experience so-called Foehn winds, which are often preceded by lens-shaped clouds. Foehn winds are usually warm winds from the southeast which can be very strong with gusts of more than 50 m/s (111 mph), and are usually followed by precipitation.
Destination Arctic Circle
Major Towns / Settlements: Sisimiut, Kangerlussuaq
Climate Type: Cold Desert and Polar Tundra
Destination Arctic Circle has a polar tundra climate, and in many areas experiences relatively low precipitation. In its capital Sisimiut, the stable weather of the town is tempered by the sea winds from the Davis strait. The settlements located not directly on the coast but within the fjords are colder in winter, but also a little warmer in summer.
Mean Temperatures by Month (1991-2020)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Sisimiut | -11.5 | -13.7 | -12 | -5.5 | 0.7 | 5.1 | 7.6 | 7.3 | 4.1 | -0.7 | -5.0 | -8.0 |
| Kangerlussuaq | -18.5 | -19.8 | -16.6 | -6.2 | 3.6 | 10 | 11.2 | 8.7 | 3.5 | -4.6 | -11.3 | -15.2 |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Sisimiut | 11.3 | 7.3 | 10.4 | 22.1 | 33.3 | 41.2 | 45.7 | 45.1 | 39.4 | 30.7 | 23 | 17.6 |
| Kangerlussuaq | -1.3 | -3.6 | 2.1 | 20.8 | 38.5 | 50 | 52.2 | 47.7 | 38.3 | 23.7 | 11.7 | 4.6 |
Weather and Climate in Kangerlussuaq
Kangerlussuaq, situated 67.0095° N, 50.7212° W, is the only true inland settlement in Greenland being located about 200km away from the sea. It is located about 10km away from the head of the Kangerlussuaq fjord, and 25km away from the edge of the Greenland Ice sheet.
The climate in Kangerlussuaq is very continental, with relatively hot summers averaging 8,7°C (47.6°F) and winters with a mean of minus -16.6°C (2.12°F). Its latitude and proximity to the Greenland Ice Sheet means that there is continuous permafrost. As it experiences low precipitation of 149mm (5.8 inches) per year, Kangerlussuaq is defined as a cold desert climate with vegetation consisting mostly of short grasses, sedges, lichens and dwarf willow. Wildlife such as muskox, arctic hares and reindeer thrive in the area.
The weather in Kangerlussuaq is calm. The low humidity and often low wind velocity in Kangerlussuaq means that it can feel much warmer than the temperature indicates. Stable weather is also the reason why the United States built the Bluie West Eight air base during World War II, and that Kangerlussuaq Airport is the main international gateway for Greenland (for now).
Tip:
Make sure you have your sunglasses handy, not only for protection from the sun and snow but for the extremely low temperatures. Your eyeballs may freeze!
You should be prepared for:
Super vision! Mountain crests that appear to be close are usually further away than you think due to the low humidity so keep this in mind when planning a hike.
Mean Temperatures by Month (1991-2020)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Nuuk | -7.7 | -8.3 | -7.8 | -3.2 | 1.1 | 4.7 | 7.0 | 6.7 | 3.9 | 0.1 | -3.3 | -5.3 |
| Paamiut | -6.4 | -7.2 | -5.7 | -1.2 | 2.0 | 4.7 | 6.4 | 6.3 | 4.5 | 1.2 | -2.7 | -4.8 |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Nuuk | 18.1 | 17.1 | 18.3 | 26.2 | 34.0 | 40.5 | 44.6 | 44.1 | 39.0 | 32.2 | 26.1 | 22.5 |
| Paamiut | 20.5 | 19.0 | 21.7 | 29.8 | 35.6 | 40.5 | 43.5 | 43.3 | 40.1 | 34.2 | 27.1 | 23.4 |
Weather and Climate in Nuuk
Nuuk, at 64°N is moderated by its position near the mouth of Nuuk Kangerlua Fjord. Summers are cool (6.1°C / 42.9°F), but winters are also not especially extreme (with monthly means of -7.1°C / 19.2 °F). Internally in Greenland, it is often joked that the capital is always rainy and foggy. While there are many days with marvellous sunshine, overcast and foggy conditions do occur frequently in the Nuuk fjord system. September has the highest amount of precipitation, with 90.2mm (33.3 inches) per year. There are around 123 days with precipitation.
The fjord does not freeze in the winter months but Nuuk harbour can get up to 30cm (11.8 inches) thick sea ice. Icebergs and bergy bits are often visible around the city.
Weather and Climate in Paamiut
Paamiut lies south of Nuuk at 61.59°N. Like much of the west coast it has a polar tundra climate. Its surrounding sea does not freeze in the winter, but it does receive icebergs with the East Greenland Current especially during the Autumn.
Tip:
If you are out hiking without a guide and the fog creeps in, stay where you are until the fog dissipates, if you are unsure of the route. On the plus side, fog can make for really dramatic photos!
You should be prepared for:
Sometimes the fog in Nuuk can mean flight delays due to low visibility. The fog can also lift and lower very quickly, and the air traffic in Greenland is accustomed to reacting quickly to these changes.
East Greenland
Major Towns / Settlements: Tasiilaq, Danmarkshavn
Climate Type: Polar Tundra
If anyone should describe East Greenland by a weather style, one might call it gusty. Its proximity to the Greenland Ice Sheet impacts the lifestyle of its residents with icy force. It was isolated in the past due to the incredible amount of choking pack ice found in the fjords and surrounding ocean. Powerfully cold katabatic wind systems called “piteraq”, which can gust suddenly up from complete calmness to 324 km/h from the Greenland ice sheet also demanded a spirit of survival.
Mean Temperatures by Month (1991-2020)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Tasiilaq | -5.8 | -6 | -5.9 | -2.3 | 1.4 | 4.9 | 7.2 | 7 | 4.3 | 0.2 | -2.8 | -4.9 |
| Ittoqqortoormiit | -12.7 | -12.7 | -14.1 | -9.2 | -2.4 | 2.6 | 5.7 | 5.2 | 1.1 | -5.4 | -10.1 | -12.9 |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Tasiilaq | 21.6 | 21.2 | 21.4 | 27.9 | 34.5 | 40.8 | 45.0 | 44.6 | 39.7 | 32.4 | 27.0 | 23.2 |
| Ittoqqortoormiit | 9.1 | 9.1 | 6.6 | 15.4 | 27.7 | 36.7 | 42.3 | 41.4 | 34.0 | 22.3 | 13.8 | 8.8 |
Weather and Climate in Tasilaq
Tasiilaq, the capital of East Greenland, experiences low temperatures all year around, with a mean of – 5.7°C (21.9° F) during winter and rising to a mean of 6.3°C (43.3° F) in the summer. It is slightly cooler than the entry to the East, Kulusuk (where the international airport is situated), because the capital lies close to the Greenland Ice Sheet. Snow covered for much of the year, it has an average annual precipitation of around 915.1mm (36 inches).
Weather and Climate in Ittoqqortoormiit
Ittoqqortoormiit, which lies 5 degrees north of Tasiilaq, has a cooler and drier climate with a means of 4.8°C (40.6°F) in the summer and -12.8°C (8.9°F) in the winter. There is 445.4mm (17.5 inches). May and June are the driest months and January and September the wettest. Ittoqqortoormiit experiences midnight sun and polar darkness. The month of December has no daylight or sunshine hours, whereas June there is midnight sun.
East Greenland has a relatively long history with climate testing. The first weather station in Greenland was put up in North East Greenland near Danmarkshavn, 77°N, by meteorologist Alfred Wegener in 1906. He had travelled to Greenland on the Danmark expedition (1906-1908) led by Ludvig Mylius-Erichsen. He launched kites and balloons to make meteorological measurements.
Tip:
Don’t get baffled if your itinerary changes multiple times during a planned trip due to the weather. East Greenlanders are masters at changing plans and adapting quickly to new conditions and you should be too.
You should be prepared for:
The piteraq can sweep down the East coast where there are several fjords and its dangerous, sudden wind speeds means that you should find shelter immediately. In the local language “piteraq” means “That which attacks you”. This phenomenon is most common in the autumn and winter.
North Greenland and Disko Bay
Major Towns / Settlements: Ilulissat, Qaanaaq, Aasiaat, Upernavik
Climate Type: Polar Tundra
If anyone should describe East Greenland by a weather style, one might call it gusty. Its proximity to the Greenland Ice Sheet impacts the lifestyle of its residents with icy force. It was isolated in the past due to the incredible amount of choking pack ice found in the fjords and surrounding ocean. Powerfully cold katabatic wind systems called “piteraq”, which can gust suddenly up from complete calmness to 324 km/h from the Greenland ice sheet also demanded a spirit of survival.
The ice-cover is almost uninterrupted in the Baffin Bay, which makes winters in North Greenland more stable but colder than further south. The winter can go as low as -40° C . The warmer temperatures melt the snow from July to September, although passing cyclones can still trigger the occasional snowstorm during this time.
Mean Temperatures by Month (1991-2020)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Aasiaat | -12 | -15.0 | -14.5 | -7.8 | -0.9 | 3.9 | 6.8 | 6.1 | 3.0 | -1.4 | -5.2 | -7.8 |
| Ilulissat | -12.5 | -14.7 | -14.6 | -7.2 | 0.2 | 5.7 | 8.3 | 6.7 | 2.7 | -2.9 | -7 | -9.4 |
| Upernavik | -16.6 | -19.2 | -18.9 | -11.7 | -3.3 | 3 | 6.5 | 5.7 | 1.4 | -3.4 | -7.6 | -11.5 |
| Qaanaaq | -23.9 | -24.6 | -23.7 | -15.3 | -4.3 | 2.8 | 6.1 | 4.5 | -1.5 | -8.6 | -14.3 | -20.1 |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Aasiaat | 10.4 | 5 | 5.9 | 18.0 | 30.4 | 39.0 | 44.2 | 43.0 | 37.4 | 29.5 | 22.6 | 18.0 |
| Ilulissat | 9.5 | 5.5 | 5.7 | 19.0 | 32.4 | 42.3 | 47.0 | 44.1 | 36.9 | 26.8 | 19.4 | 15.1 |
| Upernavik | 2.1 | -2.6 | -2.0 | 10.9 | 26.1 | 37.4 | 43.7 | 42.3 | 34.5 | 25.9 | 18.3 | 11.3 |
| Qaanaaq | -11.0 | -12.3 | -10.7 | 4.5 | 24.6 | 37.0 | 43.0 | 40.1 | 29.3 | 16.2 | 6.3 | -4.2 |
Weather and Climate in Aasiaat and Ilulissat
Aasiaat, the capital of Disko Bay, and Ilulissat, the capital of North Greenland, have typical weather conditions of a coastal area, and is typically ice-free from mid May to mid December. Aasiaat has on average 80.1 precipitation days, and 299mm (11.7 inches) of precipitation is accumulated. Ilulissat experiences low temperatures all year around, with a mean of – 12.3°C (7.88° F) during winter and rising to a mean of 6.9°C (42.8° F) in the summer. The winter has risen by nearly 1 degree, as between 1981-2010 the coldest mean temperature was 13.4 degrees. Considering the proximity of the Greenland Ice Sheet and the world’s most active glacier, Sermeq Kujalleq, the climate is not particularly cold. However, when out sailing in the Ilulissat Icefjord it is advisable to wear a warm jacket as you will feel the cool among the icebergs!
Weather and Climate in Qaanaaq
Qaanaaq has very low temperatures overall, averaging -10.2°C (151.6°F). It has a mean temperature of 4.5°C (113°F) in the summer, and -22.9°C (444.2°F) in the winter. It experiences 149.4 mm of precipitation annually over 83.8 days. Here the land looks bare but it is still tundra climate. The midnight sun shines from late April to mid August, while there is polar darkness for about 4 months of the year from mid November to mid February. It is only possible to sail to Qaanaaq from July to September.
According to DMI, the duration of midnight sun and polar night periods in the most northern part of Greenland at Cape Morris Jesup is 154 days and 143 days respectively.
*The Northern part of Greenland is split into two regional destinations: North Greenland and Disko Bay. For the purposes of this article these two destinations are combined together.
Tip:
Freshly-fallen snow can be quite slippery on ice-covered ground, so for a little extra stability, use easy-to-remove shoe grips with spikes. Just remember to remove them before going into shops.
You should be prepared for:
The mosquitoes in summertime! Most of Greenland does experience a mosquito awakening during the melting period. You would benefit from bringing appropriate gear like a mosquito net over your head and repellant, and wearing thin windproof layers.