Winter 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 winter may seem a little daunting according to our 8-month timespan of October to May. But do not fear – this doesn’t mean that we are freezing cold and off-limits for most of the year. On the contrary, every region of Greenland (except the National Park, which requires a permit) is easily accessible all year round.
Why visit Greenland in the winter?
Greenland is a true winter wonderland for most of the year. Snow carpets every city, town and settlement in fluffy white.
This, coupled with our trademark colourful houses poking out of the wintry landscape, completes the unique and iconic scene of Greenlandic winter. In the cities, short days mean warm lights in windows and long, cosy evenings enjoying local cuisine and culture. But Greenlanders love to be outside and don’t let the cold stop them – it is common to see locals zooming around town on their snowmobiles once the snow has set in. Further north, the water freezes in lakes and fjords to allow you to dogsled or ski across totally new terrain.
Of course, winter is cold. But winter temperatures vary greatly between regions, and in places where conditions are very dry and still, like Kangerlussuaq, -40ºC does not feel as bad as it sounds! As long as you dress right, you can enjoy the magic of Greenlandic winter in comfort and style.
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 winter 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.
During the winter, the wind can increase the effect of the cold and make it feel much colder than the thermometer shows. Always check the windchill when deciding how to dress.
Winter activities
Russel Glacier
Home to the well-studied ice marginal lake, Russell Glacier’s accessibility helps the advance of glacier research
Icebergs
Icebergs are fundamental to Greenland. Experience colossal icebergs grounded in the Ilulissat Icefjord or find them along Greenland’s coastline like…
Ice Sheet in Greenland
Tourist flights, boat trips, and the only road to the Greenland Ice Sheet bring one of only two polar ice…
Snowboarding
Greenland’s capital Nuuk is big enough to sport a large street culture scene which adds depth and dimension to everyday…
Skiing
Let us explore the unique and exhilarating world of ski touring in Greenland, offering insights into some of the best…
Snowshoeing
Explore winter in Greenland the slow way, hiking through the landscape on snowshoes with a seasoned guide and a group…
Ice fishing
Drop a line into the hole and try ice fishing, one of the oldest forms of getting food in Greenland.
Ilulissat Icefjord
Icebergs are one of the Big Arctic Five experiences in Greenland, and you can see them by the thousands from…
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiles are an integrated part of everyday life in Greenland, they give us freedom and mobility during the winter, and…
Arctic Circle Race
Greenland’s Arctic Circle Race is a 160 kilometer-long adventure type, cross-country race in Sisimiut. The Race is known as the…
Guided Sightseeing in Greenland
The best way to experience our towns is through the eyes of a local guide who lives there.
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…
Language
Whole sentences in a single word Greenlandic belongs to the Inuit family of languages. It is a ‘polysynthetic’ language, which…
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.
Birdwatching in Greenland
The good thing about being a birdwatcher – or a “birder” – is that you can do it at all…
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.
Northern Lights
The dancing northern lights in the night sky are a sight for the gods which winter holidaymakers in Greenland will…
Christmas
Christmas in Greenland is a magical time that combines the warmth of the holiday spirit with the stunning beauty of…
Climbing and mountaineering
Glaciers have carved fresh cuts right through the bedrock, and left a myriad of peaks often rising thousands of feet…
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…
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.
Summer activities
Greenland’s summer is bright , and there’s lots you can do during summer such as kayaking, stand up paddling, hiking, whale watching and iceberg harvesting.
