Weather in Tasiilaq

Planning a journey to this amazing corner of Greenland? Check out the latest meteorological information, charts, and forecasts for the city of Tasiilaq to ensure you are fully prepared for any weather conditions.

The climate in Tasiilaq can be described as harsh Arctic. An atmosphere of a true polar wonderland reigns here, where temperatures remain below freezing for most of the year. Even during the warmest months, the air remains fresh and cool, creating ideal conditions for admirers of northern nature, though it requires travellers to have warm and windproof clothing in any season.

Seasonality is quite distinct here, although summer in the traditional sense is very short. Winter is long and frosty: from December to March, average temperatures hover around -8...-9°C, while minimum values can drop below -11°C. Summer brings a welcome rise in temperatures, however, there is no heat in Greenland — in July and August, the air warms up on average to +6...+7°C, and maximum temperatures rarely exceed the +10°C mark.

A characteristic feature of the local weather is the high frequency of days with precipitation, despite the small total volume. In winter, the number of "wet" days can reach 18 per month, which most often means snowfall or heavy cloud cover. In summer, there is less precipitation, but the likelihood of rain or fog remains. Such stable coolness and frequent weather changes make the landscapes of Tasiilaq dramatic and picturesque all year round.

The climate in the city of Tasiilaq is harsh but beautiful in its own way, fully consistent with the Arctic conditions of Greenland. The annual temperature progression here is not characterized by sharp spikes, yet coolness and frost prevail most of the time. The coldest period consists of the winter months, especially December and January, when average figures drop to approximately -9.5°C. Summer here is short and quite modest: the warmest month is traditionally considered to be July with an average temperature of around +6.8°C.

The winter season lasts a long time, effectively from October to May, when the thermometer consistently stays below zero. In the height of winter, night-time temperatures can drop to -11.6°C, creating a frosty atmosphere that requires serious thermal gear for travellers. Even in spring, in April and May, the air warms up reluctantly, remaining in the average range of -3°C to -1°C, so the sensation of winter persists almost until the beginning of the calendar summer.

The summer months bring mild and fresh weather, completely devoid of sweltering heat. In July and August, the air during the day warms up to a maximum of +9.5°C, which makes walking comfortable, but still requires a jacket. Daily temperature fluctuations here are insignificant: the difference between the daytime maximum and night-time minimum is usually only 3–5 degrees. This steady temperature background allows tourists to plan long excursions without fearing a sudden sharp drop in temperature with the onset of twilight.

The climate in this region is severe yet mesmerizing, and the nature of precipitation depends directly on the time of year. Tasiilaq is characterized by frequent, but generally not heavy, precipitation. Since the air temperature stays below freezing for most of the year, snowfall prevails from November to May. The "wettest" month in terms of precipitation frequency is February, when snow can fall for up to 18 days, creating a dense snow cover.

With the arrival of the short polar summer, the temperature rises above zero, and snow is replaced by rain or drizzle. July and August are considered the driest months of the year: the number of days with precipitation drops to 8. Despite the relatively dry season, the weather in Greenland remains changeable, so tourists are recommended to always carry reliable waterproof clothing and be prepared for light rains even at the height of summer.

A trip to Tasiilaq requires careful preparation, as the climate here remains harsh even during the warmest months. The main principle when packing your suitcase is layering. Regardless of the season, the first layer should be high-quality thermal underwear that wicks away moisture. For the second layer, wear a fleece jacket or a woolen sweater, and the look should be completed with a reliable windproof and waterproof jacket. Since even in July and August the average temperature rarely exceeds +7°C, warm clothing will be needed all year round.

For a winter trip (from November to April), when the thermometer drops below -10°C, be sure to take a thick down jacket with a hood, insulated waterproof trousers, and warm mittens — they retain heat better than gloves. In summer, the weather is milder, but the Arctic wind can be piercing, so a light hat and a neck gaiter (buff) will not be superfluous even during the "warmer" season. Given the frequent precipitation and high humidity, membrane clothing will become your best friend, protecting you from rain and wet snow.

Pay special attention to footwear: you will need sturdy trekking boots with a thick grooved sole and water protection for comfortable walks on rocky and snowy terrain. Do not forget sunglasses and cream with a high protection factor (SPF), as the reflection of ultraviolet light from snow and ice is very intense. In the summer period, it is also highly recommended to bring insect repellent or a mosquito head net to protect against insects during trips into nature.