Summer in Greenland
Seasons in Greenland are different to the seasons you probably know from back home. We only really have two definitive seasons – a long winter and a short summer.
Greenland’s summer is short and changeable, and starts proper in June. There is a noticeable shift in the weather in April and May, but we do not really refer to it as Spring, as it’s not characterised by blooming flowers and trees leafing out – it’s more melting snow and higher temperatures. We usually say that summer finishes some time in early September, but sometimes the snow arrives earlier or later.
Why visit Greenland in the summer?
Summer in Greenland is a short burst of excitement. As the snow slides away, suddenly the landscape is revealed in a brand new light. The mountains go from white to grey and green, as waterfalls trickle down their sides to meet melting bodies of water. Sea ice breaks up and the fjords are decorated with magnificent floating icebergs. Flowers bloom and more wildlife comes out to play – birds fill the sky and the seas become alive with whales and fish. People move in new ways – we hike, run, cycle, sail, and kayak over the newly exposed terrain. And we have lots of time, as the days get long – they even never end in places!
Temperatures
Because Greenland is so vast, it is hard to generalise about its weather and temperatures. They vary greatly between – and even within – regions. These temperatures represent the range of average temperatures throughout the summer season in the different regions of Greenland. These temperatures are only advisory and are averages over a period of years. You may encounter considerably colder or warmer temperatures on site. One of the best sources to check the weather day by day once you’re in Greenland is the DMI website.
Despite the relatively low average temperatures, the dry air in Greenland means that summer temperatures will often feel warmer than you might expect. Be prepared for T-shirt temperatures on a sunny summer day. However, the only sure thing about Greenland’s weather is that it is always unpredictable. So even in the summer, bring clothes that are suitable for heavy rain and wind.
Summer activities
Russel Glacier
Home to the well-studied ice marginal lake, Russell Glacier’s accessibility helps the advance of glacier research
Ice Sheet in Greenland
Tourist flights, boat trips, and the only road to the Greenland Ice Sheet bring one of only two polar ice…
Icebergs
Icebergs are fundamental to Greenland. Experience colossal icebergs grounded in the Ilulissat Icefjord or find them along Greenland’s coastline like…
Language
Whole sentences in a single word Greenlandic belongs to the Inuit family of languages. It is a ‘polysynthetic’ language, which…
Guided Sightseeing in Greenland
The best way to experience our towns is through the eyes of a local guide who lives there.
Fashion
Greenlandic fashion are worth a look: Traditional design, new techniques and materials combine for innovative and cutting-edge products.
Hvalsey Church Ruin
Hvalsey Church was built in about 1300, and its ruins can be found in the lush surroundings of southern Greenland.
Greenland’s flora
Greenland is a mountainous and hilly country. The nature is dominated by Arctic tundra, which lies desolate for large stretches…
Birdwatching in Greenland
The good thing about being a birdwatcher – or a “birder” – is that you can do it at all…
Sarfaq Ittuk: Coastal Ferry in Greenland
Meet locals and watch the Greenland coastline change from green hills to steep granite peaks on board Sarfaq Ittuk, the…
Inuit Culture in Greenland
The Greenlandic roots are an exciting mix of various immigrating peoples and their ability to adapt to the Arctic challenges…
Vikings
Over a thousand years ago, Vikings, also known as Norse settlers, ventured into the rugged and uncharted territories of southern…
Kaffemik
Follow the tell-tale signs Rows upon rows of shoes line the wall outside the entry. The familiar smell of reindeer…
Greenlandic jewelry
Greenlandic jewellery makes a good gift or souvenir. You not only take a piece of Greenlandic natural and cultural history…
Traditional clothing
The inuits’ animal skin clothes In former times the Inuits only wore clothes made from animal hides or skins. These…
Meeting Locals in Greenland
Modern Greenland is a diverse, geographically extensive society with an adventurous population.
Drum and mask dance
It’s hard not to laugh, cry or be frightened at this display of Greenlandic cultural inheritance, which was and still…
Boat tours
Set out on a boat trip in Greenland to open up a world of fjords, whales, and nearby villages.
Photo Tours
Photo tours in Greenland add new dimensions to landscapes and culture, wildlife and natural phenomena, by exploring the destination through…
Hunting culture in Greenland
Hunting and fishing have been a matter of life and death for 4,000 years, shaping a culture that invented and…
Greenlandic Gastronomy A taste of Greenland
Greenlandic cuisine is all from traditional hunting foods to new dishes incorporating international and Greenlandic ingredients.
History of Greenland
History has a tangible presence. Traditional ways of life, the art of storytelling and handicrafts form apart of modern society.
Art in Greenland
The Rich World of Greenlandic Art: A Journey Through Time, Tradition, and Innovation
Camping and Exploration Logistics in Greenland
Not the words most guides expect to hear on a typical day out with tourists. Although at the extreme end…
Trophy hunting
If you are dreaming of a unique hunting experience, where musk ox bulls and caribou bucks live in their natural…
Arctic Circle Trail
Explore and connect with nature on this 160 km backcountry trail between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut.
Flightseeing
Experiencing Greenland from the air provides a new perspective of the enormous size of the country, and the conditions for…
Fly Fishing
Fishing has always played a central role for the people of Greenland. The riches of the sea have contributed to…
Whale Watching
Set sail on a whale watching tour to spot humpback whales, fin whales, and minke whales frolic and feast in…
Climbing and mountaineering
Glaciers have carved fresh cuts right through the bedrock, and left a myriad of peaks often rising thousands of feet…
Hot springs in Greenland
Southern Greenland’s crystal-clear 38 degree warm springs were discovered by the Norsemen 1,000 years ago. There are hot springs in…
Midnight Sun
See the warm and magical light of the midnight sun north of the Arctic Circle, where endless daylight makes it…
Diving
Cold water diving in Greenland takes place in clear waters with icebergs, historic shipwrecks, strange plant life and action-packed dives…
Hiking
Greenland is one of the world’s biggest wildernesses, offering hikers a rare opportunity to explore vast landscapes we call our…
Ilulissat Icefjord
Icebergs are one of the Big Arctic Five experiences in Greenland, and you can see them by the thousands from…
Kayaking
The kayak is a cultural link between the earliest immigrants in Greenland, the common everyday experience by local kayakers and…
All activities
Explore outdoor and nature activities, cultural experiences, hunting and fishing activities, coastal sailings and cruises in Greenland.
All year round
In Greenland, we follow the seasons and adapt to them. We follow the rhythm of nature, not the other way around. It’s not the nature that adapts to you.
Winter activities
Greenland’s winter may seem a little daunting according to our 8-month timespan of October to May. Yet it’s a great time to experience Greneland and its activities
