The climate of Ittoqqortoormiit
Nestled in the heart of
Greenland,
Ittoqqortoormiit experiences a stark Tundra climate (ET), as determined by the Köppen climate classification. Sub-zero temperatures and expansive ice fields characterize this location, making it an unconventional yet intriguing region. The complete annual cycle renders visible differentiation in weather conditions, reflected in parameters of temperature, rainfall, and sunshine hours.
Temperature in Ittoqqortoormiit ranges throughout the year. There is a notable contrast, with the highest average temperature of 6°C (42.8°F) in
July and the lowest average of -23°C (-9.4°F) in
February. A shift from -22°C (-7.6°F) to 0°C (32°F) in minimum temperatures occurs between
January and July. Maximum temperatures stray from -13°C (8.6°F) to 6°C (42.8°F) between January and July.
The pattern of rainfall presents a perk; Ittoqqortoormiit receives a fairly consistent amount of rainfall, varying between 23mm (0.91") and 50mm (1.97") monthly. Fluctuations in daylight hours are substantial, from a mere 1.2 hours in January to a generous 24 hours in
June. Sunshine takes a leap from non-existent in January and
December to peaking at 9 hours daily from
May to July. A UV index, initially at 0, enhances to 3 from May until July before dropping back gradually.
A unique observation in Ittoqqortoormiit's weather is the polar day concept. During summer, the sun does not set, driving daylight hours to a complete 24. On the flip side, the winter months witness polar nights, with virtually no sunlight.
The best time to visit Ittoqqortoormiit
Summertime from
June to
August unveils the most hospitable weather for a visit to
Ittoqqortoormiit. With temperatures oscillating between -2°C (28.4°F) and 6°C (42.8°F) during this period, it marks the warmest time of the year. Rainfall ranges from 33mm (1.3") to 46mm (1.81"), and sunshine hours extend from 9 to 9 hours daily. Visitors can experience a unique phenonemon during this period, the Midnight Sun, where the sun does not set for a whole day making it visually stunning for tourists.
The worst time to visit Ittoqqortoormiit
The harshest period in
Ittoqqortoormiit lies between
December and
February. Here, extreme cold sets in with temperatures plummeting from -20°C (-4°F) to -14°C (6.8°F) and average daylight hours diminish drastically to a range from 0 to 7.1 hours. Considerably reduced sunshine hours with a highest of 1 hour in February and a UV index stuck at 0 additionally contribute to the adverse conditions.
Spring weather in Ittoqqortoormiit
Spring in
Ittoqqortoormiit is experienced from
March to
May. During this time, average high temperatures rise from -14°C (6.8°F) in March to -2°C (28.4°F) in May. Meanwhile, low temperatures adjust from -22°C (-7.6°F) to -8°C (17.6°F). Rainfall in the spring ranges from 30mm (1.18") to 42mm (1.65"). Towards the end of the spring season, daylight extends to 22.6 hours, giving a sense of lengthier days.
Summer weather in Ittoqqortoormiit
Summer, spanning from
June to
August, supports the warmest conditions in
Ittoqqortoormiit. Average high temperatures range from 3°C (37.4°F) to 6°C (42.8°F). Low temperatures run from -2°C (28.4°F) to 0°C (32°F). Rainfall expands notably from 26mm (1.02") in June to 46mm (1.81") in August. With daylight at a peak of 24 hours in June and
July and sunshine hours clocking 9 hours per day, the summer period is marked by extended visibility.
Autumn weather in Ittoqqortoormiit
Autumn engulfs
Ittoqqortoormiit from
September to
November. Average high temperatures descend from 1°C (33.8°F) in September to -11°C (12.2°F) in November. Conversely, low temperatures fall from -4°C (24.8°F) to -17°C (1.4°F). Rainfall ascends from 49mm (1.93") to 50mm (1.97") during this period. Daily daylight reduces from 13.4 hours in September to 3 hours in November, indicating the arrival of the dark season.
Winter weather in Ittoqqortoormiit
Winter settles in
Ittoqqortoormiit from
December until
February. Average high temperatures in winter remain steady in the range of -13°C (8.6°F) to -14°C (6.8°F). A similar steadiness is observed in low temperatures from -20°C (-4°F) to -22°C (-7.6°F). Rainfall measures between 45mm (1.77") to 49mm (1.93"), making it a marginally wet season. Daylight drops drastically, with zero hours being recorded in December, affirming the arrival of the Polar Night.
Weather in January
January weather in
Ittoqqortoormiit,
Greenland, can be described as extremely cold and snowy. The days are short and the sun rarely makes its appearance with daylight lasting a mere 1.2 hours. This month holds the record for the lowest average temperatures with the mercury falling between -22°C (-7.6°F) at night and -13°C (8.6°F) during the day.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Following
January,
February in
Ittoqqortoormiit sustains brutal winter conditions. Despite a slight increase in daylight hours to 7.1, the temperatures remain firmly below the freezing point. The recorded temperatures average from -23°C (-9.4°F) to -14°C (6.8°F), making it the coldest month of the year.
Weather in February »Weather in March
While
March bears the signals of transitioning towards spring, the weather remains undeniably wintry in
Ittoqqortoormiit. Daylight extends to 11.7 hours yet the chill lingers on stubbornly with night-time temperatures averaging -22°C (-7.6°F) and daytime temperatures at -14°C (6.8°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Spring begins to show its promise in
April as the daylight expands to 16.5 hours in
Ittoqqortoormiit. However, temperatures still reside below freezing, averaging between -17°C (1.4°F) at night to -8°C (17.6°F) in the day. Furthermore, the snowfall lessens slightly with 30mm (1.18") of precipitation occurring over 9 days.
Weather in April »Weather in May
The weather in
Ittoqqortoormiit in
May takes a step towards milder conditions. Significantly longer daylight of 22.6 hours illuminates the increasingly less snow-covered terrain. However, temperatures remain on the cooler side, spanning from -8°C (17.6°F) to -2°C (28.4°F), indicating still a delay in welcoming the warmth of summer.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June brings a sense of summer to
Ittoqqortoormiit, with temperatures jumping above the freezing point for the first time in the year. It marks the beginning of the short-lived but much-awaited mild weather phase in this far north settlement.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July lays claim as the warmest month in
Ittoqqortoormiit, offering a delightful respite from the typically cold conditions. Despite a slight reduction in daylight hours to 23.9, temperatures reach as high as 6°C (42.8°F), marking the peak of the summer season here.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Ittoqqortoormiit presents an extension of the short summer weather, albeit with a steady decrease in temperatures. The day's warmth begins to wane, signaling the approach of the harsh, long winter. In terms of precipitation, August records a noticeable rise, delivering 46mm (1.81") over 8 days.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Ittoqqortoormiit in
September experiences a clear onset of autumn with a significant drop in temperatures and daylight. As nighttime and daytime temperatures fall to -4°C (24.8°F) and 1°C (33.8°F) respectively, it’s a clear indication of the arrival of colder months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Ittoqqortoormiit sees the return of the winter season in full swing. A marked decrease in temperature, with values falling from -10°C (14°F) to -5°C (23°F), indicates the arrival of the colder months. Coupled with shorter daylight hours of 8.8, October experiences increased precipitation of 50mm (1.97") spread over 10 days, mostly appearing as snowfall due to the freezing temperatures.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November carries the shroud of the Arctic winter deeper into the year in
Ittoqqortoormiit. Short daylight hours continue to dwindle to a scant 3, while temperatures plunge to an average of -17°C (1.4°F) during the nights and -11°C (12.2°F) in the day time.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December clocks in as one of the coldest months in
Ittoqqortoormiit with temperatures oscillating from -20°C (-4°F) to -12°C (10.4°F), just a notch warmer than
February. Owing to the geographic location, the city confronts polar nights leading to near total darkness as daylight reduces to zero hours.
Weather in December »