Weather in Qaqortoq

To ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible, check the latest weather report for Qaqortoq. In this section, you will find fresh data and detailed forecasts to help you properly plan every day of your trip.

The climate in Qaqortoq can be described as subarctic; however, thanks to its location on the southern coast of Greenland, it is significantly milder than in the northern parts of the island. The proximity of the sea smooths out temperature fluctuations, preventing extreme frosts in winter and keeping the air fresh and invigorating during the summer period.

The seasons here are quite distinct, although the concept of "warmth" is relative. Summer is short and cool: in July and August, the air warms up to an average of +8...+9°C, which is ideal for active tourism without exhausting heat. Winter is long and snowy, with average temperatures from -5°C to -10°C, creating classic Arctic landscapes.

A characteristic feature of the local weather is the high frequency of precipitation despite its small volume. Throughout the year, there is a significant number of "wet" days (from 8 to 13 per month), which most often manifests as light snow, fog, or fine rain rather than heavy downpours. Travellers should be prepared for changeable cloudiness and always have windproof clothing at hand.

The temperature regime in the city of Qaqortoq is determined by the harsh subarctic climate, softened by the influence of the sea. The annual temperature range here is relatively small for Greenland: from moderate frosts in winter to cool freshness in summer. The coldest month is traditionally February, when the average temperature drops to -9.7°C, and night-time readings can reach -12.4°C. January and December are also characterized by stable sub-zero temperatures.

Summer in this region is short and cool, with no scorching heat. The warmest months are considered to be July and August, when the air warms up to an average of +8.5°C. During the day, the temperature can rise to +11°C, which by local standards is considered very comfortable weather for walking and viewing icebergs. However, even at the height of summer, night-time temperatures rarely exceed +6°C, so warm clothing is necessary for travellers all year round.

A characteristic feature of the local climate is the small amplitude of daily fluctuations. The difference between daily highs and nightly lows is usually only 3–5 degrees. This ensures a fairly even temperature background without sharp jumps during the day, although the sensation of warmth can depend heavily on wind and humidity.

Precipitation in the city of Qaqortoq is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year in terms of frequency, although its total volume remains extremely small. Due to the geographical location and low temperatures characteristic of this region, snowfall prevails for a significant part of the year. Precipitation falls especially frequently in November and January — on average about 13 days a month, covering the city with a dense blanket of snow.

The driest month, judging by the number of inclement days, is March (only 8 days with precipitation). With the arrival of warmth, when the thermometer rises above zero (usually from May-June to September), snow gives way to rain or light drizzle. The summer period and the beginning of autumn are distinguished by a stable frequency of precipitation: from June to September, about 12 rainy days are recorded monthly.

According to statistics, the maximum volume of precipitation falls in September, reaching a figure of 5 mm, which indicates the predominantly weak nature of the rains. Despite the small volumes of moisture, overcast weather is not uncommon here, so tourists are recommended to carry reliable waterproof clothing at any time of the year.

When preparing for Qaqortoq, it is important to remember the main rule of the polar wardrobe — layering. Even in the warmest months, July and August, the average temperature stays around +8°C, so light clothing will not be useful here. The base layer should be high-quality thermal underwear, over which a fleece jacket or woollen sweater is worn. The outfit should be completed with a windproof and waterproof jacket (membrane or softshell), which will protect against the frequent winds and precipitation possible at any time of the year.

For a winter trip, when the thermometer drops to -12°C and below, be sure to take a warm parka, insulated trousers, a thick hat, a scarf, and mittens. Pay special attention to footwear: it must be waterproof, warm, and have a non-slip sole for comfortable movement on snowy or icy streets. In summer, a warm jacket can be replaced with a windbreaker, but sturdy trekking boots remain relevant for walking on the rocky terrain of Greenland.

Despite the cold climate, the sun in these latitudes is very active, so sunglasses and high SPF cream are mandatory items on the packing list, especially in spring and summer when rays reflect off water and ice. If your journey falls during the summer season, it is also recommended to bring insect repellent and a mosquito net for the face, as insects can be active in warmer weather.