Best Time to Visit Greenland

Nuuk, and how Greenland differs

Greenland is huge, and our data covers only Nuuk, the capital on the southwest coast. The far north and the east coast are colder and stay icy longer. Disko Bay around Ilulissat has its own pattern, with huge icebergs and the midnight sun. Use Nuuk as a guide for the southwest, not the whole island.

Summer: July and August

These are the best months in Nuuk. July is the warmest, at 8°C, so "warm" here means a light jacket and a hat. Days are long and the fjords are open for boat trips. You can hike near the city and look for whales on a day tour.

Summer is also high season. Flights and rooms are fewer than in most countries, so they fill up. If you want a boat trip or a settlement visit, sort it out early. Travelling with kids? This is the easiest time, as the days are long and the trails are clear.

Shoulder months and winter

September is the wettest month in Nuuk, at 106 mm. Trails get muddy and ferries and flights can be delayed by weather. But the tundra turns red and gold, and the first northern lights often show on dark, clear nights. If you hate crowds, this is a good trade.

From late autumn to early spring, it's cold, dark and quiet. This is low season. Many tours stop, but it's the time for aurora watching and dog sledding in colder parts of the country. Spring brings more light and snow, which suits skiing and snowmobile trips.

Holidays and events

National Day is on 21 June, the summer solstice. It's a good time to be in Nuuk, with flags, music and traditional dress. Many shops and offices close, so plan meals and supplies the day before. Christmas and Easter also slow things down, because families travel to see each other.

Weather decides much of what happens here. Flexible days help, whenever you go.