Weather in Sisimiut

When planning a trip to Sisimiut, it is important to be aware of the current meteorological situation. Below you will find up-to-date reports and detailed weather forecasts that will help you prepare for your journey.

Located on the picturesque west coast, Sisimiut possesses a distinctly Arctic climate. This region is characterised by harsh winters and very cool, fresh summers. Travelers should note that even at the height of the warm season, temperatures here rarely rise to high values, so high-quality warm and windproof clothing will be essential at any time of the year.

The winter period here is long, spanning the months from November to April. The lowest temperatures are observed in January and February, when the thermometer averages between -15°C...-19°C. In the other winter months, the frosts are slightly milder, varying from -5°C to -11°C. Summer in the region is short and restrained: in July and August, the air warms up on average to only +7°C, creating comfortable conditions for hiking without exhausting heat.

An interesting feature of the local climate is the combination of frequent "wet" days with an extremely small total volume of precipitation. This means that although the sky is often cloudy, and light snow or drizzle are common occurrences, heavy snowfalls or downpours happen less frequently than one might expect. The weather here is distinguished by relative stability within seasons, without sharp and unpredictable temperature spikes.

The climate in which Sisimiut is located can be described as severe Arctic, where winter occupies the majority of the year. The coldest period is February, when the average air temperature drops to -19.0°C, and night frosts often reach -21.1°C. January and March are also distinguished by consistently low temperatures in the range of -13°C to -15°C. Travelers planning a visit to Greenland at this time should prepare for true polar conditions and carefully select thermal underwear and warm outerwear.

Summer here is very short and cool, so do not expect the heat you might be accustomed to. The warmest and most comfortable month is considered to be July, when the air warms up on average to +7.1°C, and daytime highs reach the +9.4°C mark. Even in August, the second warmest month, the average temperature is around +6.8°C. This time is ideal for hiking and viewing natural beauties, but light clothing will not be useful here — even in summer, fleece tops and windproof jackets are necessary.

A characteristic feature of the local climate is the small difference between day and night temperatures: daily fluctuations usually amount to just 2–4 degrees. For example, in May, the temperature changes smoothly from nocturnal -3.8°C to daytime +0.2°C. Transitional seasons are weakly expressed: spring arrives late, and even in April average indicators hold at the level of -5.7°C, while as early as October the town is plunged back into frosty weather with temperatures around -2.9°C.

Precipitation in the town of Sisimiut falls quite evenly throughout the year, yet its total volume remains extremely low. Due to the harsh Arctic climate, for most of the year, from October to May, moisture arrives in the form of snow. The winter months, especially January, November, and December, are the leaders in precipitation frequency — snow can fall for up to 12–13 days a month, creating a stable snow cover, although the snowfalls themselves are rarely heavy.

In spring, the number of days with precipitation decreases noticeably. February, March, and May are considered a relatively dry period, when only 6 to 7 "wet" days are recorded. This time is excellent for winter activities, as the probability of clear skies is higher, and fresh snow falls less often.

The summer season brings a change in the character of the weather. In July and August, when the temperature rises above zero, precipitation falls in the form of rain or drizzle. July is the "wettest" month of the year both in terms of precipitation volume (about 3 mm) and frequency — rain can occur on approximately 12 days of the month. Travelers planning a visit to Greenland in summer should be ready for frequent, but usually light, drizzle.

When packing for Sisimiut, it is worth remembering that even in the warmest months the weather here remains cool, and in winter it is truly severe. The main secret to comfort in Greenland is the principle of layering. As a base layer, be sure to take high-quality thermal underwear; fleece tops or woollen sweaters will serve as the middle layer, and outerwear must reliably protect against piercing wind and potential precipitation.

For a winter trip (from November to April), a warm parka, windproof trousers, and high insulated boots with non-slip soles for walking on snow and ice are vitally necessary. Do not forget a thick hat, scarf, and mittens, which retain heat better than gloves. In summer, the temperature rarely exceeds +10°C, so a light down jacket, windbreaker, and comfortable trekking boots will be most appropriate. Also, in the summer season, tourists often require repellents or mosquito nets.

Regardless of the time of year, put sunglasses and cream with high SPF in your suitcase: the sun reflecting off the snow and water is very active here and can quickly cause burns. Since the weather is changeable, a small backpack for a change of clothes and a thermos with hot tea will be an excellent addition to your gear during long walks in the fresh air.