Weather in Nuuk

Stay up to date with the current weather conditions in Nuuk. In this section, you will find fresh data, forecasts, and useful charts to help you better plan your time in the capital of Greenland.

The climate in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, is characterised as polar tundra. This means the city experiences long, very cold winters and short, cool summers. Average annual temperatures are significantly below freezing, and although the average temperature in the warmest months (July, August) is around +8°C, daily highs can rise to +10-11°C.

There are two clearly defined seasons in Nuuk. Winter lasts approximately from October to May, with the peak cold in January and February, when average temperatures can drop to -15°C and below. Summer, falling on June, July, and August, brings relative warming, with average temperatures ranging from +5°C to +8°C. Spring and autumn are very short and serve as quick transitional periods between the harsh winter and the cool summer.

Precipitation in Nuuk is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, but the total amount is low, usually from 1 to 4 mm per month. Despite this, the number of days with precipitation (in the form of snow or rain) is quite significant, especially in the winter and summer months. This suggests that precipitation is most often light and prolonged rather than intense downpours.

Nuuk experiences a significant annual temperature variation, typical of a polar climate. The coldest month is generally February, when the average temperature drops to -15.0°C, and average nightly lows can reach -17.9°C. Conversely, the warmest month is considered to be July, with an average temperature of +8.4°C, while average daily highs during this period can rise to +11.2°C. Thus, the annual amplitude of average monthly temperatures ranges from deep winter frosts to cool but palpable summer warmth.

The summer months in Nuuk, covering June, July, and August, bring the most comfortable temperatures for visiting. In June, the average temperature is around +4.9°C (from +2.2°C to +7.7°C), in July it rises to +8.4°C (from +5.6°C to +11.2°C), and in August it holds at +7.8°C (from +5.2°C to +10.4°C). The weather at this time is usually pleasantly cool, ideal for outdoor activities. The winter period, from December to February, is characterised by stable frosty weather. In December, the average temperature is -10.2°C, in January it drops to -12.5°C, and February is the peak of the cold with an average temperature of -15.0°C. During these months, average nightly temperatures regularly drop below -13°C, and daytime temperatures rarely rise above -7°C.

The transitional seasons, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), demonstrate a gradual change in temperatures. In April, the average temperature is still negative (-2.8°C), but by May it approaches zero (-0.1°C). In autumn, in September, the average temperature is +4.1°C, and in October it drops below zero again to -1.3°C. Throughout the year, moderate diurnal temperature fluctuations are observed: the difference between average daily highs and nightly lows is usually about 5-6°C. This means that even on relatively warm summer days, the evenings and nights can be quite cool.

In Nuuk, precipitation is observed throughout the year, however, the total amount remains comparatively small. There is no distinct rainy season or dry period in the classical sense; rather, one can speak of months with a slightly higher or lower probability and intensity of precipitation. Given the polar climate, in winter, precipitation falls predominantly as snow, whereas the short and cool summer brings rain.

Analysing the monthly average data, it can be noted that June is the month with the highest amount of precipitation, reaching an average of 4 mm. August, September, and November are also characterised by relatively high precipitation levels (about 3 mm). The "driest" month in terms of precipitation volume is May, where only 1 mm is recorded. If we speak of frequency, then January stands out with the highest number of days with precipitation — on average 15 days, which means that almost every second day may bring snow. The lowest number of days with precipitation falls on May (8 days), as well as March and April (9 days each).

The nature of precipitation in Nuuk depends directly on the season. In the cold period, which lasts approximately from October to April, and sometimes extends into May, precipitation falls predominantly in the form of snow, which is due to negative average temperatures. In the summer months — June, July, and August — when the air temperature rises above freezing, precipitation usually takes the form of rain. Transitional months, such as May and September, may be characterised by mixed precipitation. It is important to note that even during periods with the highest amount of precipitation, it is rarely intense; most often it is light snow or drizzling rain.

When planning a trip to Nuuk, it is important to carefully consider your wardrobe, as the weather in Greenland can be harsh and changeable. The key principle is layering, which will allow you to adapt to temperature changes throughout the day. An indispensable item at any time of the year will be a high-quality waterproof and windproof jacket with a hood, as well as waterproof trousers. Do not forget comfortable, durable, and waterproof footwear with good soles, suitable for long walks on rough terrain and city streets, which may be covered with snow or ice.

The winter months in Nuuk (approximately from October to May) are characterised by very low temperatures, often dropping to -15°C and below, as well as frequent, though not heavy, snowfall. Your winter luggage must include: thermal underwear (top and bottom), several layers of warm clothing (fleece jackets, woollen jumpers), a very warm, windproof, and waterproof winter jacket (parka or down jacket), warm winter trousers, a hat covering the ears, a scarf, and warm waterproof gloves or mittens. Warm socks (wool or thermal) and insulated waterproof winter shoes are also necessary.

Summer in Nuuk (June-August) is short and cool, with average temperatures around +5°C to +8°C, although it can sometimes be warmer, up to +11°C. Precipitation in the form of rain is also not uncommon. For a summer trip, you will need: several layers of clothing, including t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, a fleece jacket, or a jumper. Your windproof and waterproof jacket will remain essential. Light waterproof hiking boots will be a good choice. Even in summer, do not forget a hat and gloves for cool evenings or boat trips. Regardless of the season, take sunscreen and sunglasses with you, as the sun in the Arctic can be very active, especially when reflecting off snow or water.