The climate of Upernavik
Upernavik,
Greenland sits within the ET Köppen climate zone, characterized as a Tundra climate. Enduring freezing temperatures year-round, Upernavik's climate is harsh and frigid. The longitude and latitude of the town coupled with its arctic location results in a unique weather profile.
Temperature profiles across the months indicate icy cold conditions without variations that typically mark other climates. High temperatures hover from -13.6°C (7.5°F) to 8°C (46.4°F) while lows range from -23.2°C (-9.8°F) to 2.5°C (36.5°F). No season escapes the below-freezing temperatures, as the averages remain constantly low. The warmest temperatures occur in
July, with highs reaching up to 8°C (46.4°F).
Rainfall in Upernavik exhibits quite a consistency, with monthly averages ranging from 8mm (0.31") to 38mm (1.5"). The town experiences between 6 to 15 rainfall days each month. The months of
September to
November see the most rainfall with averages well above 30mm (1.18").
Sea temperatures display a similar pattern to land temperatures, with values between -1.8°C (28.8°F) to 5.2°C (41.4°F). Daylight hours present a most remarkable trend. Upernavik basks in continuous daylight from
June to
August while no sunlight is visible from late November to
January.
The best time to visit Upernavik
Given the harsh, cold climate, defining the "best" time to visit
Upernavik largely depends on visitors' intentions and tolerance to extreme cold. For those interested in studying the fascinating nature of arctic climates or with a desire for snow-related activities,
June to
August would be optimal. During these summer months, temperatures rise to the year's highs between 3.9°C (39°F) to 8°C (46.4°F), and continuous daylight prevails.
The worst time to visit Upernavik
The severity of
Upernavik's winter would deter the average visitor. Ice-cold temperatures reach their harshest from
December to
February with lows dropping to between -23.2°C (-9.8°F) and -16.1°C (3°F), and highs range between -16.4°C (2.5°F) to -11.2°C (11.8°F). Precipitation is also frequent during these months, and sunlight is minimal to none. Unless one is well-adapted or particularly inclined towards such extreme conditions, these months are best avoided.
Spring weather in Upernavik
Spring in
Upernavik, from
March to
May, is still a period of extreme cold. Daily high temperatures move from -16.4°C (2.5°F) to -1.3°C (29.7°F), while lows range from -23.2°C (-9.8°F) to -6.5°C (20.3°F). The area experiences 8 days of rainfall per month, with an average precipitation of 8mm (0.31") to14mm (0.55"). Daylight starts to increase significantly, reaching up to 23.7 hours by May.
Summer weather in Upernavik
Summer, the warmest season in
Upernavik, spans
June to
August. The average high temperatures shift from 3.9°C (39°F) to 8°C (46.4°F), while the low temperatures vary from -0.9°C (30.4°F) to 2.5°C (36.5°F). Monthly precipitation totals are at their highest and daylight is continuous.
Autumn weather in Upernavik
Autumn months, from
September to
November, present a steady decline in temperatures. High temperatures reduce from 3°C (37.4°F) to -6.5°C (20.3°F), while low temperatures fall from -1.1°C (30°F) to -10.7°C (12.7°F). Rainfall varies from 38mm (1.5") to 34mm (1.34"), occurring across 11 to 15 days each month. Daylight gradually diminishes, dropping to just 1.4 hours by November.
Winter weather in Upernavik
Winter, the coldest season in
Upernavik, transpires between
December and
February. Average high temperatures range from -13.6°C (7.5°F) to -15.8°C (3.6°F), and low temperatures vary from -19.8°C (-3.6°F) to -22.3°C (-8.1°F). December receives the highest rainfall of winter at 20mm (0.79"). During these months, Upernavik sees minimal to no daylight, characterizing the polar night phenomenon.
Weather in January
January in
Upernavik,
Greenland, greets residents and visitors with much colder conditions than
December. The drastic drop in mercury compared to December results in the coldest conditions of the year, which also present formidable temperatures for outdoor activities.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February continues the deep freeze, yet eases slightly, with temperatures averaging out to be slightly colder than
January, making it the second coldest month in
Upernavik. The daylight hours incrementally increase though, allowing more opportunity for outdoor pursuits.
Weather in February » Weather in March
When
March arrives,
Upernavik's weather begins to hint at a slow, impending spring thaw. The average temperature remains cold, yet marks an increase compared to
February. Despite these chilling temperatures, March heralds a set of brighter days accumulating up to 11.7 daylight hours.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Come
April,
Upernavik's weather curriculum begins setting into spring, although winter continues its firm grip. Minor elevation in temperature from
March to April indicates a subtle shift from the deep freeze towards more temperate conditions.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May brings a significant relief from the intense cold as
Upernavik transitions towards milder weather. Temperatures rise considerably from those in
April, making it much more bearable for residents. The light of the sun graces the city longer each day, pushing daylight hours to a remarkable 23.7 hours.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June, marking the arrival of summer in
Upernavik, offers the warmest temperatures of the year. Although the climb from
May to June remains moderate, residents welcome this appreciable relief from the prolonged winter chill. Excitingly, the sun shines brightest in this month with a maximum UV index of 3.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues to bask in the mild warmth, as it competes with
June for the title of
Upernavik's warmest month. The weather remains essentially constant, with just minor fluctuations in temperature from June to July. An uplifting presence of sun hovers over the city, powering up outdoor activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Upernavik witnesses a mild touch-down from the peak summer temperatures of
July. There remains ample warmth to sustain a thriving outdoor lifestyle for both locals and visitors. However, daylight hours start to decline, providing the first signs of the approaching fall.
Weather in August »Weather in September
As
September steps in,
Upernavik slowly begins to embrace the colder half of the year. A considerable decline in temperature from
August to September ushers in the first traces of chills. Weather transforms remarkably, as it moves away from the summer patterns, signifying the onset of autumn.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings a significant shift, as
Upernavik transitions back into its customary lesser temperatures. The city's weather spells the definite arrival of winter, as the mercury drops considerably from
September to October. The rainfall continues to dominate, coupled with decreasing sunlight and shorter days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Upernavik announces the near arrival of the depth of winter. The temperature exhibits an evident decline from
October, preparing the city for the upcoming harsh winter. Consequently, daylight hours reduce drastically, with only 1.4 hours of light, mirroring the waning warmth.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December,
Upernavik plunges back into the heart of winter. The temperature descends further from
November, signaling the second coldest month of the year. Daylight literally disappears and Upernavik endures an entire month of Polar Night, making outdoor activities extremely challenging.
Weather in December »