Best season to visit Greenland
Greenland has four distinct seasons, each with its own magic. And no matter the season, Greenland’s Big Arctic Five await you:
Winter
From December to February, you can enjoy dog sledding, the northern lights, and Greenlandic culture. Winter is also great for exploring icebergs in the fjords.
Spring
As days grow longer from March to May, and wildlife returns, enjoy the last dog sledding trips and watch the landscape come alive.
Summer
From June to August, the midnight sun brings long days for hiking, whale watching, and sailing among icebergs. This is the best time for outdoor adventures and whale sightings.
Autumn
The tundra bursts into color from September to November, and the northern lights return. It’s a peaceful season for hiking, photography, and connecting with local culture.
Best time of the year to visit Greenland
Jan I Feb I Mar I Apr I May I Jun I Jul I Aug I Sep I Oct I Nov I Dec
January
In January, Christmas stars hang in almost every window until Epiphany (January 6), when decorations are taken down. The northern lights flicker in the dark sky. On January 13, the sun is sung up for the first time after nearly two months of darkness in Disko Bay.
At the end of January, when the sun is above the horizon for 4–5 hours, the dog sledding season begins and the year’s first adventurers arrive in Greenland.
February
In February, it’s pleasantly cold and the snow is perfect for dog sledding. Some multi-day trips have already started, as there are more daylight hours (7.5 hours in mid-February in Ilulissat, Disko Bay). Remember to dress warmly, with good winter boots, hats, and mittens.
February offers plenty of experiences in the snow with dog sledding, snowshoeing, skiing, and more. In the evening, there are great chances to see the northern lights.
March
In March, the sun is in the sky for more than 12 hours a day in Disko Bay. People clearly spend more time outdoors as spring approaches.
Temperatures rise, but it’s often still below freezing—some days minus five degrees, others minus twenty. The air in Greenland feels less cold than in Europe because it is very dry.
April
In April, the sun is up so much that it’s no longer possible to see the northern lights in the Disko Bay area. By mid-April, the sun rises around four in the morning and doesn’t set until after eight in the evening. The sun doesn’t dip far below the horizon, so it never gets completely dark at night.
Further south in Greenland, the snow has started to melt and spring is on its way. In South Greenland, you can witness the arrival of the “Storisen” (Big Ice)—huge areas of sea ice from the North Pole that drift south along Greenland’s east coast, packing harbors and fjords with ice.
May
In May, there are very few places left where you can go dog sledding. The snow is too soft and much of it has melted. The sun stays high and long in the sky and begins to circle instead of setting. This is the season of the midnight sun. The ice on fjords and lakes starts to melt, and the short Arctic spring bursts forth everywhere.
Boats are brought out and prepared for summer adventures, and the sled dogs enjoy a well-deserved summer break until the snow and ice return.
June
In June, the last ice in the innermost fjords and lakes disappears. The sun circles the sky all day and night. A multitude of small plants and flowers work overtime, making the most of the hectic Arctic summer. The air is still very clean and dry, so even a sunny day with 10–15°C feels like a lovely summer day.
A sure sign of June is the large schools of capelin (a small salmonid fish) that migrate along the coast, serving as a giant pantry for people, seals, and whales. That’s why humpback whales come closer to the coast and towns.
July
In July, there can be many warm summer days. But the weather in Greenland is changeable, so you should be prepared for the occasional foggy or cooler day. At the end of the month, the sun begins to dip below the horizon, but the nights are still very bright.
Greenlandic waters are now typically free of sea ice, but large amounts of ice are released from the glaciers at the ends of the fjords.
August
In August, you can no longer see the midnight sun, as the nights gradually begin to darken. But the sun still travels more across the sky than below the horizon, so sunrises and sunsets can last for hours in the most beautiful colors.
Temperatures drop slightly in August, but it doesn’t get much colder—just remember to bring an extra sweater. Humpback whales are still feasting in the Greenlandic fjords, now dining on krill and shrimp.
September
Nights are now dark, and we approach the equinox, when day and night are of equal length in Greenland. Photographers revel in the light and colors of this season. Low vegetation like moss and willow turns red, yellow, and brown. In the low autumn sun, nature shines in its colorful splendor, like a picture you could only create in Photoshop.
The nights get darker, and you can once again experience the northern lights along most of Greenland’s coast. The first snow appears on the highest peaks, but it’s still very pleasant for daytime hikes.
October
In October, winter returns. Ice forms again on lakes, and there is snowfall on colder days. The days grow darker and darker.
A calm settles over Greenland after the short Arctic summer.
November
In November, winter darkness settles over all towns and settlements north of the Arctic Circle—from Sisimiut and northwards. It’s usually not cold enough for sea ice yet, but the ice on lakes gets thicker and is often strong enough to walk on.
Sled drivers bring out their sleds and start training the sled dogs, who are eager to get back out on new adventures.
December
December is very special in Greenland. Winter darkness settles over towns and countryside. The brief twilight for a few hours in the middle of the day makes you appreciate all kinds of light, from the northern lights to the many Christmas stars and decorations hung everywhere.
Although Greenlandic towns don’t have large populations, few big cities can match the scale of fireworks on New Year’s Eve. New Year is celebrated not only at midnight but also four hours earlier as a special greeting to the Danish part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Greenland
When are the Northern Lights in Greenland visible?
The northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, are caused by solar winds carrying electrically charged particles that are drawn to the magnetic poles. While this magical phenomenon happens year-round, it is only visible in Greenland during the dark, clear nights of autumn and winter.
The best time to see the northern lights is from late September to early April, especially in places like Disko Bay, Nuuk, and South Greenland, where the skies are darkest and clearest. For the best experience, head away from city lights and enjoy nature’s spectacular light show.
Don't forget to also check, when to see the Midnight Sun in Greenland.Weather and Temperature in Greenland
Temperatures in Greenland vary widely by region and season.
Winter temperatures (December–March) in North Greenland and Disko Bay can drop to -20 to -30°C, but the dry air and light winds make the cold feel less harsh. South Greenland is milder, with winter temperatures around -5 to -15°C and more frequent precipitation, often as rain.
Summers (June–August) are cool but bright, with daytime temperatures in Disko Bay and the north between 5 and 10°C, sometimes reaching 15°C. In South Greenland, summer temperatures can rise to 15–18°C during clear weather.
The sea remains cold year-round, with water temperatures typically between and 3°C, even in summer.
See temperatures here:Ilulissat (Disko Bay) I Nuuk (Greenland's Capital) I Igaliku (South Greenland) I Sunrise & Sunset
Weather in Disko Bay (Ilulissat)
Disko Bay has an Arctic climate with significant seasonal variations.
Winters (December–February) are very cold, with minimum temperatures down to -19°C and low precipitation, usually under 20 mm per month. Days are short and the landscape is often snow-covered.
Spring (March–May) brings rising temperatures from -11°C to 3°C, longer days, and moderate precipitation. Summer (June–August) is the mildest time, with temperatures up to 12°C and the most rainfall in July. This is peak season for tourism, midnight sun, and whale watching.
Autumn (September–November) sees temperatures drop from 5°C to below freezing, with precipitation peaking in September. The sea moderates the climate, making it milder than inland Greenland. Icebergs from the Ilulissat Icefjord are a year-round highlight and shape the local ecosystem.
In Disko bay consider visiting Eqip Sermia, Ilimanaq, Qasigiannguit and Qeqertarsuaq.
Weather in Central Greenland (Nuuk)
Nuuk, Greenland’s capital on the west coast, has an Arctic tundra climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers.
Winter temperatures range from -5°C to -11°C, with relatively high precipitation (51–75 mm per month) and few sunshine hours.
Spring brings gradually rising temperatures, from -5°C in March to 4°C in May, and moderate precipitation.
Summer is mild, with daytime highs up to 11°C and the most rainfall in August (up to 91 mm). Despite frequent clouds, this is when Nuuk enjoys the longest daylight hours.
Autumn sees temperatures drop from 7°C to -1°C and high rainfall, especially in September.
The climate is variable and shapes both daily life and travel in the city year-round.
In Central Greenland, you can also consider visiting Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq.
Weather in South Greenland (Igaliku)
South Greenland has a relatively mild Arctic climate compared to the rest of the country, thanks to the surrounding seas and its southern location. The climate varies between the coast and inner fjords, where temperatures can be higher and the weather more stable.
Winters (December–February) are cold but not extreme, with daytime temperatures between -3°C and -2°C and nights down to -10°C. Föhn winds can bring sudden warmth and melt snow.
Spring sees temperatures rise from -1°C in March to 9°C in May, with stable precipitation.
Summers (June–August) are the warmest, reaching up to 14°C by day and 5°C at night, with the most rainfall in August. Some valleys support low, forest-like growth and even small-scale farming.
Autumn brings cooling temperatures and high rainfall, especially in September.
Towns and cities in South Greenland include Igaliku, Narsarsuaq, Qaqortoq, Nanortalik and Narsaq.
Sunrise and Sunset in Greenland
Greenland experiences large variations in daylight depending on the season and latitude.
In winter, many towns experience polar night, where the sun does not rise at all for a period. Conversely, the summer months bring long, bright days—and north of the Arctic Circle, this means midnight sun for several weeks or even months at a time.
It’s important to plan according to the rhythm of daylight, especially in the winter months. Many activities and transport options are adapted to the light conditions, and for travelers, the light—or darkness—can be a unique part of the experience.
When is the best time to visit Greenland?
The best time to visit Greenland depends on your interests. Visit in summer (June–August) for hiking, sailing, and whale watching under the midnight sun, or choose winter (December–April) for northern lights, dog sledding, and snowy Arctic landscapes.
What is the average temperature in Greenland?
Greenland’s average temperature varies greatly by region and season. In winter, northern areas can reach -20°C or lower, while southern regions are milder. Summer temperatures range from 5–10°C in the north to 10–15°C in the south.
What is the weather like in Greenland?
Greenland’s weather is Arctic, with cold, snowy winters and cool, bright summers. Conditions vary by region, with more precipitation in the south and drier, colder weather in the north. Expect dramatic seasonal changes in daylight, temperature, and weather patterns.
When is summer in Greenland?
Summer in Greenland is from June to August. These months bring long, bright days, the midnight sun north of the Arctic Circle, and the best conditions for hiking, sailing, and wildlife watching throughout the country.
When is winter in Greenland?
Winter in Greenland lasts from December to February, though wintry conditions often extend from October to April. Expect snowy landscapes, long nights, northern lights, and ideal conditions for dog sledding and other classic Arctic adventures.
When are there mosquitoes in Greenland?
Mosquitoes are common in Greenland during June, July, and August, especially in low-lying and wet areas. By September, both mosquitoes and flies disappear, making late summer and early autumn more comfortable for outdoor activities.
What to pack for a holiday in Greenland?
Pack layered, weatherproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and warm accessories like hats and gloves. Adjust your packing for the season—see our summer and winter packing lists for detailed recommendations.
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