Weather in Akunnaaq

Be prepared for any of nature's surprises when packing for Akunnaaq. In this section, we have gathered the most up-to-date weather information for you, including detailed forecasts and charts.

The climate in the settlement of Akunnaaq can be described as harsh Arctic. Typical for this corner of Greenland are long, frosty winters and very short, cool summers. Travellers planning a journey here should be prepared for low temperatures year-round and should approach the selection of warm equipment with great care.

The winter months here are truly cold: the average temperature in February drops to -17°C, and night frosts often reach -20°C. Summer brings a welcome, albeit modest, warming. The warmest month is July, when the air warms up to an average of +8°C, sometimes reaching the +10°C mark, which is considered the most comfortable time for a visit.

Regarding precipitation, its volume in millimetres remains extremely low throughout the year, but the frequency of inclement days varies. The highest number of days with precipitation occurs during the summer period and early autumn (July-September), so even during the "warm" season, tourists will certainly need waterproof and windproof clothing.

The temperature conditions in the settlement of Akunnaaq fully correspond to the harsh Arctic climate. The winter period here is prolonged and frosty: from December to March, average readings consistently stay in the range of -9°C to -17°C. The coldest month of the year is February, when the average temperature drops to -16.9°C, and night frosts often reach -19.5°C, requiring travellers to have the warmest and most reliable equipment.

Summer in this region of Greenland is short and cool, but by local standards, it is quite comfortable. Stable positive temperatures are observed mainly from June to September. The peak of warmth falls in July, which is the hottest month with an average value of +8.0°C and daytime maximums around +10.7°C. There is no sweltering heat here; the air remains fresh and invigorating even at the height of the polar day.

Daily temperature fluctuations throughout the year are not very pronounced: the difference between day and night readings is usually small, amounting to only 3–5 degrees. This ensures relative weather stability within a 24-hour period. Transitional seasons pass rapidly: while in September the average temperature still holds at +2.8°C, by October, stable frosts return.

Precipitation in the settlement of Akunnaaq falls in small quantities throughout the year, which is characteristic of the Arctic climate of this region. The total volume of moisture here is extremely low, so prolonged downpours or heavy snowfalls happen infrequently. During the cold period, which lasts from October to May, precipitation falls exclusively as snow, as the air temperature consistently stays below zero.

The driest period falls at the end of winter and the beginning of spring. February and March are distinguished by a minimal amount of precipitation: in these months, only about 3–4 days are recorded when it might snow, and the total precipitation level tends towards zero. This time is considered the most stable for travel, provided you are comfortable with low temperatures.

With the arrival of summer, the character of the weather changes. The wettest months of the year are July, August, and September. During this period, the temperature rises above zero, and precipitation falls as rain. The frequency of precipitation increases to 10–11 days per month, however, its intensity remains low: usually, it is a light drizzle or brief rain, as the average monthly precipitation level is only about 2 mm.

A journey to Akunnaaq requires careful wardrobe preparation, as the climate here is severe even by the standards of experienced tourists. The foundation of your luggage at any time of the year is high-quality thermal underwear and warm items made of wool or fleece. In winter, when the average temperature drops below -15°C, a windproof down jacket, insulated trousers, a reliable hat, a scarf, and mittens are vital necessities for you. Footwear must be not only warm but also equipped with non-slip soles for comfortable movement on snow and ice.

Summer in Greenland is cool, with an average temperature of about +5...+8°C, so even in July and August, one should not count on light clothing. The main principle of equipment is layering: this will allow you to quickly adapt to weather changes. Be sure to take a waterproof windbreaker and sturdy trekking boots with you, as the number of days with precipitation noticeably increases in summer. Also, do not forget sunglasses and sunscreen, as the northern sun can be very active, especially when reflecting off the water.