Weather in Upernavik

Be prepared for any whims of nature when setting off to Upernavik. In this section, we have compiled up-to-date weather data, detailed forecasts, and clear charts for you, which will help you plan your journey comfortably.

The climate in which Upernavik is located can be confidently described as harsh Arctic. This town, situated in northwest Greenland, lives in conditions where winter dominates for most of the year. A true polar atmosphere reigns here, so tourists should prepare for low temperatures and piercing winds in almost any season.

The distinct seasonality here boils down to a confrontation between a long, extremely frosty winter and a very short, cool summer. During the winter months, especially in February, the average temperature drops below -23°C, creating serious challenges for unprepared travellers. Summer, falling in July and August, brings only relative warming: the air warms up to an average of +6°C, which allows one to enjoy nature without extreme frost, but still requires warm winter clothing.

A notable feature of the weather in Upernavik is the extremely low amount of precipitation — the climate here essentially resembles a polar desert. Although the humidity level is low, the snow cover remains for a long time due to consistently low temperatures. Such weather ensures excellent visibility and stable conditions for observing icebergs, but requires thorough preparation for the cold even during the "warm" months.

Upernavik is distinguished by a harsh climate with a significant temperature range throughout the year. While extreme frosts reign here in winter, the short Arctic summer brings only modest warming, barely crossing the freezing mark.

The winter period lasts a long time, and the peak of the cold traditionally falls in February. In this month, average indicators drop to -24°C. Night frosts often reach -26°C, and even during the day, the air rarely warms above -21°C. Spring arrives slowly: even in April and May, steady sub-zero temperatures persist.

The summer season here is cool and uneven. June still retains the breath of the cold with an average temperature of just +1.4°C. The most comfortable conditions are established in July and August, when the air warms up to an average of +6°C, and maximum values can reach +8°C. A characteristic feature of the local climate is the small difference between day and night temperatures — daily fluctuations are usually around 4 degrees.

The climate in this region is severe, and the amount of precipitation here is extremely low, which is characteristic of Arctic zones. Since Upernavik is located far to the north, precipitation falls exclusively as snow for most of the year. Even during periods that statistics note as wetter, the total volume of precipitation remains minimal, rarely exceeding 1–2 mm per month, so heavy downpours are practically impossible here.

The winter and spring months are considered the driest of the year. In February and March, the probability of snowfall decreases to a minimum, and the number of days with precipitation is only 2 to 4 per month. This time is suitable for those who prefer clear frosty weather, although tourists should always be prepared for the piercing cold of Greenland.

With the arrival of the polar summer and positive temperatures, the character of the weather changes slightly. In July and August, light rain or drizzle is possible. The frequency of precipitation gradually increases towards autumn: the "cloudiest" month can be called November, when an average of about 12 days with precipitation is recorded, although their intensity remains low.

Travelling to Upernavik requires careful preparation, as this town is located in the harsh Arctic conditions of Greenland. The main principle for your wardrobe here is layering. For a winter trip, when the temperature often drops below -20°C, be sure to take high-quality thermal underwear, woollen sweaters or dense fleece jackets, as well as a windproof down parka with a deep hood. Do not forget insulated trousers, a warm hat, a scarf, and mittens, which retain heat better than gloves.

Summer in this region is cool, with an average temperature of around +5°C, so even in July and August, you will need warm clothes. It is recommended to carry a light but warm jacket (for example, a down jacket) and definitely a windproof and waterproof windbreaker, as the weather can be changeable. For walking on rocky terrain and ice, reliable, broken-in trekking shoes with thick soles and good tread are necessary.

In addition to clothing, pay special attention to accessories. The Arctic sun, reflecting off the snow and ice, can be very bright and intense, so sunglasses with a high level of UV protection and cream with SPF are mandatory at any time of the year, especially in spring and summer. Given the dry frosty air, bring a rich moisturising cream and lip balm to protect your skin from chapping.