Weather in Attu

Be prepared for any of nature's surprises when travelling to Attu. In this section, you will find a detailed forecast and up-to-date weather data to help you efficiently plan every day of your journey.

The climate of Attu can be described as severe Arctic, typical for the coastal regions of Greenland. Eternal coolness reigns here: even at the height of summer, temperatures remain low, rarely exceeding +9°C. This destination is suitable for those who wish to experience the true breath of the North and enjoy the icy tranquillity of nature without exhausting heat.

Seasonality is quite pronounced, but with a clear dominance of cold weather. Winter here is long and frosty, with average temperatures dropping below -18°C in February. Summer is short and mild: in July and August, the air warms up to an average of +7°C, making this period the most comfortable for exploring the area.

A characteristic feature of the local weather is the extremely low amount of physical precipitation (only 1–2 mm), while the number of "wet" days remains moderate. This means that instead of heavy downpours or blizzards, tourists are more likely to encounter light drizzle or light snow. Consistently cool weather requires warm, windproof clothing at any time of the year.

The climate in the settlement of Attu is distinguished by its severe Arctic character, which is typical for the west coast of Greenland. The annual temperature curve is very pronounced: from deep frosts in winter to cool freshness during the short summer. The coldest month is February, when the average temperature drops to -18.8°C, and the warmest period is considered July, delighting travellers with average figures of around +7.0°C.

The winter season here is prolonged and frosty. Stable sub-zero temperatures set in as early as October and last until May. In the middle of winter, especially in January and February, the thermometer often fluctuates in the range of -12°C to -21°C. This time requires the most serious equipment from tourists, as the cold is felt quite significantly, although extreme temperature changes during the day happen infrequently — the difference between the daytime maximum and nighttime minimum is usually only about 5 degrees.

Summer in Attu arrives late and passes without exhausting heat. In June, July, and August, the temperature finally crosses the zero mark, creating conditions for comfortable walks in warm clothes. Even in the height of July, the air rarely warms up above +9.4°C, and nights remain cool, with temperatures around +4.6°C. Such weather is ideal for those who prefer the invigorating freshness of the northern summer to the sweltering heat of southern resorts.

The climate in the settlement of Attu is characterized by an extremely low total volume of precipitation, which is typical for many regions of Greenland. Throughout the year, the amount of falling moisture is minimal and amounts to only 1–2 mm per month. However, this does not mean constant clear weather: days with light precipitation occur quite regularly.

The highest frequency of precipitation is observed in late summer and early autumn. The "wettest" months in terms of the number of inclement days are July, August, and September, when 11 to 12 days with precipitation are recorded. Given that at this time the air temperature rises above zero (up to +7°C), one can expect light rain or drizzle, which gives way to snow as it gets colder in October.

The winter period, on the contrary, is characterized by a lower frequency of precipitation, falling exclusively as snow due to stable sub-zero temperatures. The driest month of the year is February, when it snows on average only 3 days. In other winter months, for example in January and December, the number of snowy days is about 9–10, so tourists should be prepared for frequent, but not heavy snowfalls.

When packing for Attu, it is important to remember the severe climate of this region of Greenland, where the weather requires a serious approach to equipment. The main rule for a tourist here is the principle of layering. In the winter months, when the temperature often drops below -20°C, the foundation of your wardrobe should be high-quality wool thermal underwear, followed by a fleece layer and a reliable parka or down jacket. Be sure to protect exposed parts of the body: a windproof hat, a tube scarf, and warm mittens will become your best friends in the fight against the Arctic cold.

Summer in Attu is nothing like what you might be used to: even in July and August, the average temperature holds around +7°C, and maximums rarely exceed +9°C. Therefore, instead of shorts and t-shirts, it is better to take thick trousers, warm sweaters, and a good windproof jacket. Given the precipitation statistics (up to 12 rainy days in August), it is extremely important to have a waterproof raincoat or membrane clothing with you, which will protect against the dampness and fog characteristic of coastal zones.

For comfortable walks, you will need durable trekking shoes with thick soles, preferably with water-repellent impregnation. Despite the low temperatures, the sun in these latitudes can be deceptive, especially when its rays reflect off snow or water, so be sure to put sunglasses and SPF cream in your backpack. We also recommend taking moisturizing cream and lip balm to protect your skin from windburn, and a spare battery for your electronics, as the charge runs out much faster in the cold.