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Contents
- The climate of Nuuk
- The best time to visit Nuuk
- The worst time to visit Nuuk
- Spring weather in Nuuk
- Summer weather in Nuuk
- Autumn weather in Nuuk
- Winter weather in Nuuk
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall days
- Average sea temperature
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average UV index
A sunny winter day in Nuuk city, Greenland
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Nuuk
In compliance with the Köppen climate classification, Nuuk, the capital city of Greenland, falls within the ET category, indicative of a Tundra climate. It is defined by long, bitterly cold winters, brief, cool summers and a fair amount of yearly precipitation. Throughout the year, the city witnesses considerable fluctuations in weather parameters.
Average high temperatures register figures from -5.1°C (22.8°F) in March to 9.9°C (49.8°F) in July, affirming the frigid nature of this Arctic city. The corresponding low temperatures range from a bone-chilling -10.7°C (12.7°F) in February and March up to a milder 3.5°C (38.3°F), observed from July to August.
The pattern of rainfall fluctuates in a similar manner, with the least rainfall of 40mm (1.57") occurring in January and the most, 89mm (3.5"), in September. A majority of days in each month experience some rainfall - from 10.5 days in June to 15.1 days in March. The city also witnesses a significant amount of snowfall, amounting to 14.5 days in March to a meagre 0.1 days in July. Sunshine hours are notably minimal, with a peak of 8 hours in April, dwindling down to 1 hour during the dark winter months of November, December, and January.
Average high temperatures register figures from -5.1°C (22.8°F) in March to 9.9°C (49.8°F) in July, affirming the frigid nature of this Arctic city. The corresponding low temperatures range from a bone-chilling -10.7°C (12.7°F) in February and March up to a milder 3.5°C (38.3°F), observed from July to August.
The pattern of rainfall fluctuates in a similar manner, with the least rainfall of 40mm (1.57") occurring in January and the most, 89mm (3.5"), in September. A majority of days in each month experience some rainfall - from 10.5 days in June to 15.1 days in March. The city also witnesses a significant amount of snowfall, amounting to 14.5 days in March to a meagre 0.1 days in July. Sunshine hours are notably minimal, with a peak of 8 hours in April, dwindling down to 1 hour during the dark winter months of November, December, and January.
The best time to visit Nuuk
From June to August, tourists can expect to see Nuuk in its mildest weather. Temperatures range from 7°C (44.6°F) to 9.9°C (49.8°F), and the city receives the most daylight hours during this period, reaching up to 20.9 hours in June. The UV index, although still moderate, hits its highest at 4, and the rainfall is relatively tolerable.
The worst time to visit Nuuk
Nuuk experiences its harshest weather conditions from December to February. Temperatures drop to bone-chilling lows, and snowfall is a consistent factor, with the highest number of snowfall days registering at 14.5 in March. January holds the record for the minimum daylight hours - a sparse 5.6 hours, and sunshine hours hover around 1 or 2 hours for the period.
Spring weather in Nuuk
Nuuk's spring spans from April to June. April sees an average high temperature of -1.2°C (29.8°F) moving up to 3.1°C (37.6°F) in May and 7°C (44.6°F) by June. Corresponding average low temperatures are -6.3°C (20.7°F) in April, -1.7°C (28.9°F) in May, and 1.1°C (34°F) in June. Rainfall steadily increases from 47mm (1.85") in April to 55mm (2.17") in May and 61mm (2.4") by June.
Summer weather in Nuuk
In the summer season, fleeting though it may be, Nuuk's weather exhibits milder tendencies. The average high temperatures lie between 7°C (44.6°F) and 9.9°C (49.8°F), and lows from 1.1°C (34°F) to 3.5°C (38.3°F). Rainfall amounts are highest during the summer, especially in July and August, which see an average of 86mm (3.39") and 85mm (3.35") respectively.
Autumn weather in Nuuk
Autumn months in Nuuk show a decline in temperature. Highs drop from 9.3°C (48.7°F) in August to 1.4°C (34.5°F) in October with lows following a similar pattern, fluctuating from 3.5°C (38.3°F) in August to -2.7°C (27.1°F) by October. Rainfall peaks during these months with 89mm (3.5") of rain in September eventually subsiding to 66mm (2.6") in October.
Winter weather in Nuuk
Nuuk's winter, from November to March, is harsh and unforgiving. Average high temperatures during this time range from -1.3°C (29.7°F) in November to -5.1°C (22.8°F) in March. Low temperatures vary from -5.8°C (21.6°F) to -10.7°C (12.7°F). Snowfall is also frequent and peaks in March with 14.5 snowfall days. The city has very limited daylight, bottoming out at 4.4 hours in December. However, despite the challenging weather, winter does offer unique opportunities, including the stunning spectacle of the Northern Lights.
Weather in January
Starting the year, Nuuk, Greenland experiences one of its coldest months, with temperatures often dropping to their lowest point of -10°C (14°F). In contrast to the colder temperatures, January is not the snowiest of months, despite still having a significant number of snowfall days. Weather in January »
Weather in February
Through February, Nuuk's temperature remains almost on par with January falling between -10.7°C (12.7°F) and -4.7°C (23.5°F). While the cold persist, it becomes slightly more snowier than the previous month. As the city is still wrapped in a winter chill, it remains a popular destination for winter enthusiasts. Weather in February »
Weather in March
Shifting into March, temperatures in Nuuk continue to stay low, but there is respite in the fact that the worst of winter is now behind the city. The month still fascinates snow enthusiasts as it receives a significant amount of snowfall, albeit less than the earlier months. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April signals the start of the slow but steady climb towards warmer temperatures for Nuuk. The reduced snowfall and an increased amount of rainfall showcases that winter is slowly receding. Along with an appreciable growth in daylight hours, the city experiences a rise in outdoor activities. Weather in April »
Weather in May
With the arrival of May, temperatures rise significantly, moving into positive figures. The city sees a significant decrease in snowfall days, as the spring season transitions into full swing. Nuuk starts coming to life with outdoor activities and celebrations, given the growth in daylight and sunshine hours. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June marks the official start of summer in Nuuk, with temperatures continuing their upward trend. The snowfall days are drastically reduced, signaling the cessation of the lengthy winter season. Dialed up daylight hours and extended sunshine create a lively ambiance throughout the city. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, the heart of the summer season, sees the warmest temperatures in Nuuk, peaking around 9.9°C (49.8°F). The combination of more extended sunshine hours and warm weather maximizes outdoor activities, inviting locals and tourists to explore the city's beauty. Weather in July »
Weather in August
August holds much similarity with July in terms of temperature, maintaining the summer charm in Nuuk. As a continuation of the warmest period, the city remains bustling with activities, ranging from outdoor events to water sports. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September signifies the beginning of autumn in Nuuk, with temperatures beginning to decline. Altough still warmer than the first half of the year, the decrease is evident and signals the oncoming winter. The onset of autumn reshapes the landscape vibrantly, adding to the city's scenic attraction. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October witnesses a further drop in temperatures, bringing back the touch of the cold. A stark contrast to the past few months, Nuuk starts preparing for the return of the much-awaited winter activities. As a clear transition to the colder months, October brings along an incremental increase in snowfall days. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November comes with a steeper fall in temperatures, setting the stage for the extensive winter season in Nuuk. Snowflakes start covering the city more often, pushing up the count of snowfall days. The shorter daylight hours and scarcity of sunshine further amplify the winter appeal of the city. Weather in November »
Weather in December
Closing the year, December carries the winter baton forward with all its might. Lower temperatures create an immaculate white canvas as snowfall days increase. Despite the decreased daylight hours and low UV index, the charm of the holiday season lightens up the city. Weather in December »
Updated: Feb 9, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What is the driest month in Nuuk?
January is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 13.8 days and accumulates 40mm (1.57") of precipitation.
How much does it rain in Nuuk?
In Nuuk, Greenland, during the entire year, the rain falls for 159.6 days and collects up to 752mm (29.61") of precipitation.
When does it snow in Nuuk?
Months with snowfall in Nuuk, Greenland, are January through December.
How many days does it snow in Nuuk?
In Nuuk, Greenland, during the entire year, snow falls for 104.7 days.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Nuuk?
The months with the least sunshine in Nuuk are January, November and December, with an average of 1h of sunshine.
What is the month with the lowest UV index in Nuuk?
January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 0, are months with the lowest UV index.
When is the sea coldest in Nuuk?
With an average sea temperature of -0.9°C (30.4°F), February is the month with the coldest seawater in Nuuk, Greenland.
What is the coldest month in Nuuk?
March, with its average high-temperature of -5.1°C (22.8°F) and an average low-temperature of -10.7°C (12.7°F), holds the record as the coldest month in Nuuk, Greenland.
When does it snow the most in Nuuk?
March has the most snowfall days of the year. Snow falls for 14.5 days.
What month has the most sunshine in Nuuk?
April has the most sunshine of the year in Nuuk, Greenland, with an average of 8h of sunshine.
When are the longest days in Nuuk?
June has the longest days of the year in Nuuk, with an average of 20h and 54min of daylight.
What are the months with the highest UV index in Nuuk?
June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 4, are months with the highest UV index in Nuuk, Greenland.
What part of the year is the hottest in Nuuk?
In Nuuk, Greenland, the peak average temperatures are observed in July, with a high of 9.9°C (49.8°F) and a low of 3.5°C (38.3°F).
When it does not snow in Nuuk?
July has the least snowfall days of the year in Nuuk, Greenland. Snow falls for 0.1 days.
What month is the sea warmest in Nuuk?
The month with the warmest seawater in Nuuk, Greenland, is August, with an average sea temperature of 4.1°C (39.4°F).
What is the rainiest month in Nuuk?
The month with the most rainfall in Nuuk is September, when the rain falls for 14.1 days and typically aggregates up to 89mm (3.5") of precipitation.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Nuuk?
On Sunday, 27. October 2024, at 00:00, Daylight Saving Time ends in Nuuk, Greenland, 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 Nuuk?
The month with the shortest days in Nuuk, Greenland, is December, with an average of 4h and 24min of daylight.
Average temperature
Nuuk, Greenland
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (9.9°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is March (-5.1°C).
The months with the highest average low temperature are July and August (3.5°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average low temperature) are February and March (-10.7°C).
Average rainfall
Nuuk, Greenland
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is September (89mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (40mm).
Average rainfall days
Nuuk, Greenland
- Average rainfall days in January:
13.8 days - Average rainfall days in February:
12.7 days - Average rainfall days in March:
15.1 days - Average rainfall days in April:
13.2 days - Average rainfall days in May:
13 days - Average rainfall days in June:
10.5 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
12.5 days - Average rainfall days in August:
12.5 days - Average rainfall days in September:
14.1 days - Average rainfall days in October:
13.5 days - Average rainfall days in November:
14.3 days - Average rainfall days in December:
14.4 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is March (15.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is June (10.5 days).
Average snowfall days
Nuuk, Greenland
- Average snowfall days in January:
13.6 days - Average snowfall days in February:
12.1 days - Average snowfall days in March:
14.5 days - Average snowfall days in April:
11.4 days - Average snowfall days in May:
9.4 days - Average snowfall days in June:
2.8 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0.1 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in September:
4.3 days - Average snowfall days in October:
9.8 days - Average snowfall days in November:
12.7 days - Average snowfall days in December:
13.8 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is March (14.5 days).
The month with the least snowfall days is July (0.1 days).
Average sea temperature
Nuuk, Greenland
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (4.1°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (-0.9°C).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Nuuk, Greenland
- Average daylight in January:
5h and 4min - Average daylight in February:
8h and 4min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in April:
15h and 1min - Average daylight in May:
18h and 3min - Average daylight in June:
20h and 5min
- Average daylight in July:
19h and 4min - Average daylight in August:
16h and 2min - Average daylight in September:
13h and 0min - Average daylight in October:
9h and 4min - Average daylight in November:
6h and 3min - Average daylight in December:
4h and 2min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 20h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 4h and 24min).
The month with the most sunshine is April (Average sunshine: 8h).
The months with the least sunshine are January, November and December (Average sunshine: 1h).
Average UV index
Nuuk, Greenland
The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 4).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 0).
