The climate of Qaqortoq
Among the icy landscapes of
Greenland,
Qaqortoq is found, infamous for its Tundra Köppen climate classification (ET). Most of the year, the weather commands extreme cold temperatures, reflecting the raw, chilling power of nature. Over a year, temperatures range from a frigid -9.2°C (15.4°F) to a mild 11.1°C (52°F), marking a huge variation proving how unforgiving this Arctic city can be.
Yearly rainfall in Qaqortoq falls within the spectrum of 51mm (2.01") to 97mm (3.82") humming the rhythm of the Arctic with soft, but persisting notes.
July stands out due to the highest precipitation level recorded at 97mm (3.82"). The sea temperature, oscillating between -1.1°C (30°F) and 2.8°C (37°F), tells tales of the Arctic ocean's cold but life-sustaining water. Bright sunlight hours extend from 5.8 hours in
December to 19 hours during
June, expressing a deep contrast between its lengthy winters and short-lived summers.
The best time to visit Qaqortoq
The best time for outdoor explorers to visit this majestic Tundra destination is around
July and
August when temperatures climb to 11°C (51.8°F) and 11.1°C (52°F) respectively. These are the warmest months in
Qaqortoq, offering an escape from the harsh sub-zero winters. The draw of this time of the year goes beyond temperature; it is the longest daylight hours reaching 18.2 and 15.7 hours a day, respectively. There is also somewhat warmer sea temperatures at 1.7°C (35.1°F) in July rising to 2.8°C (37°F) in August that may entertain the brave and adventurous.
The worst time to visit Qaqortoq
The least favorable travel period to
Qaqortoq surprisingly isn't the coldest months. Despite chilling temperatures from
December to
February ranging between -9.2°C (15.4°F) and -8.4°C (16.9°F), the real deterrent is the limited daylight. In December, daylight barely touches 5.8 hours a day.
January and February aren't much better, with daylight hours still under 10 hours. This lack of natural light can drastically limit sightseeing and exploration opportunities.
Spring weather in Qaqortoq
Spring shakes off the biting cold with temperatures from -1°C (30.2°F) in
March rising to 2.8°C (37°F) in
April and further to 6.9°C (44.4°F) in
May. This season also welcomes slight increases in rainfall from 57mm (2.24") in March to 56mm (2.2") in April and May, signaling the end of winter's harsh reign. Sea temperatures slither from -0.9°C (30.4°F) in March to -1°C (30.2°F) in April, warming to -0.6°C (30.9°F) by May. These months also see daylight hours surge from 11.9 in March thru 14.7 hours in April, reaching a comfortable 17.4 hours by May-end.
Summer weather in Qaqortoq
Summer, from
June to
August, brings mildly warmer conditions. Temperatures reach a pleasant peak of 11.1°C (52°F) in
July after a pleasant 9.2°C (48.6°F) in June and subsequently fall to 11°C (51.8°F) in August. Rainfall increases to its yearly peak of 97mm (3.82") in July following 75mm (2.95") in June and drops to 93mm (3.66") by August. The sea temperature shows a sequential increase from -0.7°C (30.7°F) in June to 1.7°C (35.1°F) in July and ultimately hitting 2.8°C (37°F) in August, accompanying long daylight hours, the longest of the year from 19 hours in June falling to 18.2 hours in July and further to 15.7 hours by August.
Autumn weather in Qaqortoq
Autumn stands witness to a fall in temperature from 8°C (46.4°F) in
September down to 3.9°C (39°F) in
October and plummets further to 0.8°C (33.4°F) in
November. The rainfall volume experiences a linear drop starting from 92mm (3.62") in September, dropping to 72mm (2.83") in October, and culminating to 78mm (3.07") in November. Sea temperatures swan dive from 1.8°C (35.2°F) in September to 1.2°C (34.2°F) in October and fall even further to -0.3°C (31.5°F) by November. Daylight hours shorten significantly starting from 12.9 hours in September to 10.1 hours in October, winding up at 7.4 hours by November.
Winter weather in Qaqortoq
Winters in
Qaqortoq are intense, lasting from
December through
February. The chill factor is between -7.8°C (18°F) in February and -9.2°C (15.4°F) in December. Winter also brings consistent and slightly high levels of monthly rainfall with equal precipitation in December and
January at 73mm (2.87") and 76mm (2.99"), and February with 57mm (2.24"). The sea temperature shows little to no variation remaining between -0.3°C (31.5°F) in December and -1.1°C (30°F) in February. Daylight hours in winter are minimal, starting from 5.8 hours in December, increasing to 6.7 hours in January, and reaching 9.1 hours by February.
Weather in January
January in
Qaqortoq,
Greenland, presents a frigid landscape. The chill in the air is tangible with the high temperatures barely reaching -2.2°C (28°F) and lows plummeting to -9.2°C (15.4°F). This month sees one of the longest nights, featuring only about 6.7 hours of daylight.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February witnesses the reluctant retreat of winter in
Qaqortoq. The highs increase slightly, migrating from -2.2°C (28°F) in
January to -1.7°C (28.9°F), and lows shift to -8.8°C (16.2°F). Sea temperatures remain mostly frozen, offering icebergs that seem almost locked in time.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The transition from the deepest grips of winter to the approach of spring is evident in
Qaqortoq during
March. A slight increase in temperature as high as -1°C (30.2°F) heralds this change and lows drop to -8.4°C (16.9°F). There's a considerable augment in daylight hours providing an opportunity for outdoor activities during the day.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Qaqortoq sees a significant rise in temperatures soaring up to 2.8°C (37°F) with lows of -4.4°C (24.1°F), marking the advent of spring. The city escapes the icy grasp of winter, and a sense of uplifting warmth permeates.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Qaqortoq embraces accommodating weather conditions. The temperature, sea condition, and daylight hours present the perfect trifecta for outdoor experiences or wildlife watching. The town's scenery transforms under the extended daylight, reflecting the warmer temperatures peaking at 6.9°C (44.4°F).
Weather in May »Weather in June
June highlights the arrival of summer in
Qaqortoq with the mercury rising to 9.2°C (48.6°F). This moderate increase in temperature ensures the town remains a comfortable environment, not too harsh for visitors. Perfect time for sightseeing, the land, sky, and sea create an awe-inspiring harmony.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is
Qaqortoq's warmest month with maximum temperatures reaching up to 11.1°C (52°F) and rainfall averaging at 97mm (3.82"), the highest for the year. This blend of warmth and showers ensures a lush, vibrant environment. A great time for wildlife spotters, the increased sea temperature of 1.7°C (35.1°F) encourages a flourishing marine ecosystem.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August shows a slight dip in temperature to 11°C (51.8°F) but remains comfortable for
Qaqortoq's residents and visitors. This month experiences a mild soaking with 93mm (3.66") of rainfall, maintaining the lush green surroundings.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings in autumn to
Qaqortoq with a more noticeable drop in temperatures down to 8°C (46.4°F). Despite the decrease, the weather remains pleasant for exploring the stunning city. The diminishing daylight hours add a touch of melancholy to the landscape, preparing for the wintry blanket of the coming months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Qaqortoq ushers in a chilly ambiance as the temperatures dip down to 3.9°C (39°F). As the daylight hours decrease further, hues of autumn become more prominent. While fall foliage paints the landscape in warm colors, the atmosphere grows colder, making it the perfect time for cozy indoor activities.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November notes a significant drop in temperatures to 0.8°C (33.4°F) and an increase in rainfall to 78mm (3.07"). This combination indicates the beginning of winter in
Qaqortoq. Beautiful horizons away from the crowds are the highlight of this month.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December introduces the heart of winter in
Qaqortoq with temperatures dropping to -1.4°C (29.5°F) and minimal daylight hours of 5.8. Despite this, the spirit of the holiday season adds vibrancy to the city. Snowfall blankets the town in a breathtaking winter wonderland punctuated by twinkling holiday lights.
Weather in December »