Best Time to Visit Nuuk
Greenland · weather by month, temperature and rainfall
The best time to visit Nuuk is July and August, when the weather is at its most comfortable for sightseeing and time outdoors. July is the hottest month, with average highs of 8°C (47°F), while February is the coldest, with lows around -9°C (15°F). Rain is heaviest in September, at about 106 mm (4.2 in), and lightest in March, at 49 mm (1.9 in). January is the least comfortable month, mainly because of the cold.
When to go to Nuuk: a seasonal guide
Summer: July and August are your best bet
July and August are the mildest months, with highs around 8°C. Our table rates every month in Nuuk as Poor, so think of July and August as the best of a cool, damp bunch. July is the sunniest month, with about 7 hours of sun a day. August is wetter and often grey. Light lasts late into the evening, so you can walk the Nuuk fjord shoreline after dinner.
This is the season for boat trips. Whale-watching tours leave from the harbour, and you can also take a boat to the abandoned Viking-era sites in the fjord system or to Kangerluarsunnguaq (Kapisillit), a small settlement known for its fishing. Hiking is best now too. The trail up Quassussuaq (Lille Malene), the hill behind town, is easier when the ground is dry-ish. Mosquitoes can be annoying inland in July, so expect them on longer walks.
June is a good shoulder choice. It's cooler and a bit wetter than July, but quieter. Greenland's National Day on 21 June brings traditional dress, music and coffee gatherings, called kaffemik, in town.
Autumn and spring: in-between months
September is the wettest month, with 106 mm on 14 days. It's also when the tundra turns red and gold, and the first northern lights can show up on clear nights. If you don't mind drizzle, it's a calm time to visit.
May is cool, with highs just above freezing, and snow can linger on the paths. Sea ice and slush can make boat plans change at short notice. October and April sit around freezing, so expect slippery pavements around the Katuaq cultural centre and in the old harbour area, Kolonihavnen.
Winter: dark, cold and quiet
From November to March, highs sit below freezing and there are only 1 to 3 hours of sun a day in the darkest months. It's not a time for beach-style sightseeing. It's for dog sledding, snowshoeing, and watching the northern lights from outside town. Travelling with kids? Daylight is short, so keep plans simple.
Nuuk doesn't have a big tourist rush, but summer is still high season. Flights and rooms are tighter then, and winter is the low season. February brings the Nuuk Snow Festival, with snow sculptures and sports. If you want crowds-free quiet and hope for aurora, winter works. If you want walking and boats, aim for July or August.
Nuuk weather by month
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rainy days | Humidity | Sun hrs/day | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -5°C 22°F | -8°C 17°F | 60 mm | 16 | 83% | 1.2 | Poor 0 |
| February | -6°C 21°F | -9°C 15°F | 52 mm | 14 | 84% | 2 | Poor 0 |
| March | -5°C 23°F | -9°C 17°F | 49 mm | 12 | 84% | 3.3 | Poor 0 |
| April | -1°C 30°F | -4°C 24°F | 62 mm | 11 | 83% | 4.2 | Poor 1.5 |
| May | 2°C 36°F | -1°C 31°F | 68 mm | 11 | 85% | 5.1 | Poor 2.5 |
| June | 6°C 42°F | 3°C 37°F | 82 mm | 12 | 89% | 5.6 | Poor 3.1 |
| July | 8°C 47°F | 5°C 41°F | 83 mm | 12 | 89% | 7 | Poor 4.4 |
| August | 8°C 46°F | 5°C 41°F | 95 mm | 14 | 90% | 5.7 | Poor 3.6 |
| September | 5°C 41°F | 2°C 36°F | 106 mm | 14 | 86% | 4.2 | Poor 2.1 |
| October | 1°C 34°F | -1°C 30°F | 75 mm | 11 | 82% | 3.2 | Poor 2.3 |
| November | -2°C 28°F | -4°C 24°F | 80 mm | 14 | 81% | 1.7 | Poor 0.2 |
| December | -4°C 25°F | -7°C 20°F | 68 mm | 15 | 82% | 1.1 | Poor 0 |
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Nuuk?
The best time to visit Nuuk is July and August, based on comfortable temperatures, low rainfall and plenty of sunshine.
What is the hottest month in Nuuk?
July is the hottest month in Nuuk, with an average high of 8°C (47°F).
What is the coldest month in Nuuk?
February is the coldest month in Nuuk, with an average low of -9°C (15°F).
What is the rainiest month in Nuuk?
September is the wettest month, with about 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain. March is the driest, with 49 mm (1.9 in).
Does it snow in Nuuk?
Snow is possible in October to May, when daytime highs stay close to or below freezing.
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