Greenland actually should be called “Whiteland”. This is the biggest island in the world and 81% its territory is covered with ice. Weather conditions in coastal areas are shifty. Average temperature at July in Qaqortoq is 10 °C (50 °F) and in Nuuk is 8 °C (46 °F). At January there is -8 °C (18 °F) and -11 °C (12 °F) respectively.

Occasionally temperature at summer reaches mark of 21 °C (70 °F) but with the same probability there will be 0 °C (32 °F). In northwestern portion of the island temperature at January may drop to -27 °C (-17 °F) due to frequent glacial winds with speed of 19 m/sec. (42.5 mph). In populated parts of Greenland there are significant amount of precipitation up to 1080 mm (42.5”) per year while in northernmost regions ten times lesser.

 

Seasons

 

Contents:

• Spring
• Summer
• Autumn
• Winter

Spring in Greenland

Average air temperature in Greenland at spring is -10 °C (14 °F) and March is completely winter month in terms of weather conditions or tourism value. At April weather becomes slightly warmer and this is suitable time for those who like winter kinds of entertainment but sensitive to severe frosts.

Period of White Nights begins at May and many travelers consider this time as the best for visiting Greenland. Along with great experience of spectating severe yet beautiful northern nature visitors will have distinctive northern suntan. Northern Lights, White Nights and majestic beauty of glaciers are completely worth seeing by sight.

Climate of the Spring Months

March Max average t°: +5 °C (42 °F) Min average t°: -2 °C (29 °F) Water t°: +1 °C (34 °F) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Rainy days: 6 days Precipitation: 44 mm (1.7")

April Max average t°: +9 °C (49 °F) Min average t°: +2 °C (36 °F) Water t°: +3 °C (37 °F) Sundial in the day: 8 hours Rainy days: 6 days Precipitation: 39 mm (1.5")

May Max average t°: +15 °C (59 °F) Min average t°: +7 °C (45 °F) Water t°: +4 °C (39 °F) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Rainy days: 7 days Precipitation: 49 mm (1.9")

(Godthab)

Spring Holidays

March-April – Easter celebrations with variable dates.
March 20 – March equinox.
March 25 – Daylight Saving Time starts.

May 1 – May Day.
May 10 (as at the date 2018) – Ascension Day.
May 16 – General Prayer Day.
May 21 (as at the date 2018) – Whit Monday.

Summer in Greenland

Peak of precipitation in Greenland is at autumn and winter but snowing is possible even at summer. Weather in Greenland in at summer is rather uncertain except guarantied frequent fogs in coastal areas. And strong winds with speed up to 19 m/sec. (42.5 mph) are common thing.

If you think that long polar nights with no sing of sunlight and strong frosts are not quite your kind of entertainment than it would be better to go to Greenland between the middle of July and September. At this blessed time days are elongating and tundra blossoms and fills with berries (to the extent of northern nature).

 

Climate of the Summer Months

 

June Max average t°: +18 °C (65 °F) Min average t°: +10 °C (51 °F) Water t°: +5 °C (41 °F) Sundial in the day: 5 hours Rainy days: 8 days Precipitation: 55 mm (2.2")

July Max average t°: +20 °C (68 °F) Min average t°: +12.5 °C (55 °F) Water t°: +4 °C (39 °F) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Rainy days: 9 days Precipitation: 64 mm (2.5")

August Max average t°: +19 °C (67 °F) Min average t°: +12 °C (53 °F) Water t°: +3 °C (37 °F) Sundial in the day: 4 hours Rainy days: 10 days Precipitation: 66 mm (2.6")

(Godthab)

Summer Holidays

June 21 – National Day + June Solstice.

Autumn in Greenland

Climate of Greenland is rather dry which causes certain feature of feeling of temperatures. Low temperatures are more bearable and warmth is warmer for example 10 °C (50 °F) in Greenland feels like 25 °C (77 °F) in more humid locations. And in opposite -10 °C (14 °F) will be just cool but not freezing.

In terms of tourists attractions Greenland can offer magnificent Northern Lights at October. At the rest of autumn there are glaciers which available year-round and inimitable charm of northern regions. Of course at autumn day becomes shorter and by the time of Northern Lights polar night falls on Greenland.

 

Climate of the Autumn Months

 

September Max average t°: +16 °C (60 °F) Min average t°: +9 °C (49 °F) Water t°: +1°C (34 °F) Sundial in the day: 3 hours Rainy days: 12 days Precipitation: 72 mm (2.8")

October Max average t°: +11 °C (53 °F) Min average t°: +5.5 °C (42 °F) Water t°: +1 °C (34 °F) Sundial in the day: 2 hours Rainy days: 10 days Precipitation: 74 mm (2.9")

November Max average t°: +7 °C (44 °F) Min average t°: +1 °C (33 °F) Water t°: +2 °C (36 °F) Sundial in the day: 1 hours Rainy days: 9 days Precipitation: 73 mm (2.9")

(Godthab)

Autumn Holidays

September 23 – September equinox.

October 28 – Daylight Saving Time ends.

Winter in Greenland

Greenland is considered as the kingdom of seals, walruses and whales. Tourists are attracted by uniqueness of localities and Inuit culture, their customs and history. But travelers should be ready for arctic climate of Greenland at winter.

The island is surrounded by cold currents of the Atlantic and the Arctic oceans. It lies on routs of cyclones which drive strong winds, precipitation and sudden shifts of weather. Average temperature of December is about -8 °C (18 °F). In coastal areas at January there are -7 °C (19 °F). February is the coldest month with about -36 °C (-33 °F).

Climate of the Winter Months

December Max average t°: +4 °C (39 °F) Min average t°: +1 °C (33 °F) Water t°: +2 °C (36 °F) Sundial in the day: 1 hours Rainy/Snowy days: 8 days Precipitation: 61 mm (2.4")

January Max average t°: +2 °C (36 °F) Min average t°: -4 °C (24 °F) Water t°: +1 °C (34 °F) Sundial in the day: 1 hours Rainy/Snowy days: 8 days Precipitation: 54 mm (2.1")

February Max average t°: +3 °C (37 °F) Min average t°: -4.5 °C (24 °F) Water t°: +1 °C (34 °F) Sundial in the day: 2.5 hours Rainy/Snowy days: 7 days Precipitation: 36 mm (1.4")

(Godthab)

Winter Holidays

December 21 – December Solstice.
December 24 – Christmas Eve.
December 25 – Christmas Day.
December 26 – Boxing Day
December 31 – New Year's Eve.

January 1 – New Year.
January 6 – Epiphany.