Climate and monthly weather forecast
Qaqortoq, Greenland

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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 »

Frequently asked questions

What are the coldest months in Qaqortoq?

January tends to be the coldest month in Qaqortoq, Greenland, with temperatures averaging a daily high of -2.2°C (28°F) and a low of -9.2°C (15.4°F).

How much does it rain in Qaqortoq?

Throughout the year, in Qaqortoq, 857mm (33.74") of rain is accumulated.

What is the driest month in Qaqortoq?

The month with the least rainfall in Qaqortoq is February, when 51mm (2.01") of precipitation is typically aggregated.

What is the month with the coldest sea water in Qaqortoq?

With an average sea temperature of -1.1°C (30°F), February is the month with the coldest seawater in Qaqortoq.

When are the longest days in Qaqortoq?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 19h and 0min of daylight.

What part of the year is the hottest in Qaqortoq?

Qaqortoq's warmest month, July, registers temperatures that range from a high of 11.1°C (52°F) to a low of 3.3°C (37.9°F).

What is the wettest month in Qaqortoq?

July is the month with the most rainfall in Qaqortoq, Greenland, with 97mm (3.82") of accumulated precipitation.

What is the month with the warmest sea water in Qaqortoq?

With an average sea temperature of 2.8°C (37°F), August is the month with the warmest seawater in Qaqortoq.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Qaqortoq?

On Sunday, 27. October 2024, at 00:00, Daylight Saving Time ends in Qaqortoq, and the time zone changes from -01 to -02. The next Daylight Saving Time starts on Saturday, 29. March 2025, at 23:00, and the time zone reverts from -02 to -01.

What is the month with the shortest days in Qaqortoq?

December has the shortest days of the year in Qaqortoq, with an average of 5h and 48min of daylight.

Average temperature
Qaqortoq, Greenland

Average temperature - Qaqortoq, Greenland

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (11.1°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (-2.2°C).

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (3.7°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (-9.2°C).

Average rainfall
Qaqortoq, Greenland

Average rainfall - Qaqortoq, Greenland

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (97mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (51mm).

Average sea temperature
Qaqortoq, Greenland

Average sea temperature - Qaqortoq, Greenland

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (2.8°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (-1.1°C).

Average daylight
Qaqortoq, Greenland

Average daylight - Qaqortoq, Greenland

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 19h and 0min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 5h and 48min).

Qaqortoq, Greenland

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