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Contents
- The climate of Ilulissat
- The best time to visit Ilulissat
- The worst time to visit Ilulissat
- Spring weather in Ilulissat
- Summer weather in Ilulissat
- Autumn weather in Ilulissat
- Winter weather in Ilulissat
- 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 sea temperature
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average UV index
The climate of Ilulissat
Ilulissat, located in Greenland, falls under the ET Köppen climate classification, denoting a predominantly tundra landscape. With long, freezing winters and short, cool summers, the town experiences weather extremes throughout the year. The monthly average temperature remains below freezing, ranging from -19°C (-2.2°F) to -17°C (1.4°F) during the coldest months and peaking at 11°C (51.8°F) during July, the warmest month.
Average daylight hours show drastic ranges, hitting lows during December, with only 0 hours, to peak at 24 hours during June. Correspondingly, monthly sunshine hours also see a remarkable spread, varying from 0 hours during December and January to a high of 10 hours in June and July.
The rainfall shows a steady increase from 12mm (0.47") in January to a maximum of 35mm (1.38") in September. The number of rainfall days follows a similar pattern, with 7 days in February and rising to a maximum of 9 days during March, September, and November. Notably, UV Index also fluctuates, reaching its peak of 4 during June, the summer season.
An interesting fact to note is the monthly average sea temperature. It stays below the freezing point, dipping to a chilly -1.4°C (29.5°F) during February and March, and rising marginally above zero to 3.4°C (38.1°F) in September.
Average daylight hours show drastic ranges, hitting lows during December, with only 0 hours, to peak at 24 hours during June. Correspondingly, monthly sunshine hours also see a remarkable spread, varying from 0 hours during December and January to a high of 10 hours in June and July.
The rainfall shows a steady increase from 12mm (0.47") in January to a maximum of 35mm (1.38") in September. The number of rainfall days follows a similar pattern, with 7 days in February and rising to a maximum of 9 days during March, September, and November. Notably, UV Index also fluctuates, reaching its peak of 4 during June, the summer season.
An interesting fact to note is the monthly average sea temperature. It stays below the freezing point, dipping to a chilly -1.4°C (29.5°F) during February and March, and rising marginally above zero to 3.4°C (38.1°F) in September.
The best time to visit Ilulissat
For anyone brave enough to face the tundra climate, the best time to visit Ilulissat would likely be during the mid-year months, from May to July. During this period, average temperatures peak, reaching up to 11°C (51.8°F) in July, accompanied by maximum daylight hours, stretching to 24 hours in June. Sunshine hours are also at the highest, reaching 10 in the months of June and July, making these conditions favorable for outdoor exploration and activities such as hiking and kayaking.
The worst time to visit Ilulissat
Visitors are advised to avoid the colder months from November to March. Both maximum and minimum temperatures plunge to below freezing, with the coldest month, February, seeing temperatures ranging from -18°C (-0.4°F) to -10°C (14°F). During December and January, daylight remains non-existent, with no sunshine and a UV index at a minimum, making it unfit for leisurely outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Ilulissat
In Ilulissat, 'spring' arrives between March and May. However, the term is applied loosely here, as the temperatures still hover well below freezing. March endures an average high of -12°C (10.4°F) and a persistently chilly low of -19°C (-2.2°F). An improvement sees daylight hours rising steadily, achieving 16.1 in May, which marks the beginning of the region's short summer.
Summer weather in Ilulissat
True to its tundra classification, the brief summer months of June to August in Ilulissat are rather cool. The highest average temperature reaches up to 11°C (51.8°F) in July, but the night temperature rarely ventures above 5°C (41°F). Nevertheless, this period is characterized by unending daylight hours in June, tapering to 17.8 by August, and plentiful sunshine. Precipitation also reaches its annual high of 29mm (1.14") during July.
Autumn weather in Ilulissat
The autumn falls between September and November in Ilulissat. This period sees lowering temperatures, slipping from a daily maximum of 5°C (41°F) in September down to lows of -11°C (12.2°F) in November. Daylight sharply decreases, from 13.3 hours in September to mere 4.1 in November. Correspondingly, the rainfall also rises to its yearly high, reaching up to 35mm (1.38") in September.
Winter weather in Ilulissat
In classic tundra style, Ilulissat winters extend from December until February. The freezing temperatures plummet as low as -19°C (-2.2°F), while a high of -5°C (23°F) is the warmest it gets. Daylight is a luxury, hitting an annual low with 0 hours in December, and only gradually increasing to 7.5 in February. This season is accompanied by the intense beauty of the Northern Lights, a natural phenomena enjoyed by scant daylight hours and clear, starlit nights.
Weather in January
The frigid climate of Ilulissat, Greenland, announces itself in January with falling temperatures and a minimum daylight period. The overall atmosphere is distinguished by particularly frozen temperatures from -10°C (14°F) to -17°C (1.4°F). Weather in January »
Weather in February
Moving to February, the cold atmosphere continues its reign in Ilulissat. However, unlike January, there are a few additional daylight hours, contributing to slightly enhanced visibility. Despite this small change, February experiences similar weather conditions to the preceding month, with temperature lows nearing -18°C (-0.4°F). Weather in February »
Weather in March
In March, Ilulissat sees a small shift in weather pattern as winter loosens its icy grasp. Slowly, the daylight hours increase, signalling the transition from the extreme winter conditions. However, the temperatures still drop to an all-time low of -19°C (-2.2°F), with the chilly North Atlantic Ocean coupled with a persistent snowfall. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April showcases the first conspicuous break from the severe winter climate in Ilulissat. With increased daylight hours, it starts to see a certain briskness in the air and slightly warmer weather. The temperatures start to rise, though still remaining below the freezing point, with lows of -12°C (10.4°F). Weather in April »
Weather in May
A remarkable departure from the frosty regime sets foot in Ilulissat as May ushers in. With the increasing daylight hours, there is a perceptible rise in temperature, reaching as high as 3°C (37.4°F). Although not completely free from cold, the city experiences a significant reduction in the intensity of the chill, as compared to the preceding months. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June marks the arrival of summer in Ilulissat, accompanied by longer hours of daylight. The mercury rises further, and for the first time in the year, the average temperature goes above the freezing point, peaking at 8°C (46.4°F). Weather in June »
Weather in July
July presents Ilulissat's warmest phase, as summer reaches its peak. With longer daylight hours and abundant sunshine, the temperature continues to stay above freezing, hitting a mild 11°C (51.8°F) high. Coupled with frequent rainfall, the weather conditions produce a balmy climate unique to Ilulissat's summer. Weather in July »
Weather in August
August in Ilulissat brings slight fluctuations in the summer weather conditions. The elongated daylight hours start to reduce, signaling the close of summer and onset of autumn. Despite the changing seasons, the weather remains relatively warm, with temperature highs identical to the previous month at 10°C (50°F). Weather in August »
Weather in September
September witnesses a drop in both daylight and temperature, indicating the arrival of fall in Ilulissat. Although the city faces a substantial rise in rainfall, registering 35mm (1.38"), the mercury begins to dip to chillier levels. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October signals the commencement of frosty weather as it steps into Ilulissat's domain. The decreasing sunlight and plummeting temperatures foreshadow the approaching winter. The weather becomes colder, revisiting the freezing point with low temperatures straying to -7°C (19.4°F). Weather in October »
Weather in November
The weather conditions of November are a stark contrast to the gentler climate of the previous months in Ilulissat. Meteorologically speaking, temperature lows of -11°C (12.2°F) characterize the environment, indicating a transition into the colder side of the year. Weather in November »
Weather in December
December brings the year to an end, with brutally chilly climatic conditions encasing Ilulissat. The daylight practically disappears, plunging the city into the polar night. The temperatures, too, slide further downwards hitting a chilling low of -14°C (6.8°F). Weather in December »
[Resources]Frequently asked questions
What is the driest month in Ilulissat?
January and March are months with the least rain when the rain falls for 8 days and typically aggregates up to 12mm (0.47") of rain.
How much does it rain in Ilulissat?
Throughout the year, in Ilulissat, there are 96 rainfall days, and 244mm (9.61") of precipitation is accumulated.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Ilulissat?
January and December, with an average of 0h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine in Ilulissat.
When is the lowest UV index in Ilulissat?
The months with the lowest UV index in Ilulissat are January, February, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 0.
When is the sea coldest in Ilulissat?
February and March, with an average sea temperature of -1.4°C (29.5°F), are months with the coldest seawater in Ilulissat, Greenland.
What are the coldest months in Ilulissat?
March stands out as Ilulissat's coldest month, with temperatures ranging between an average high of -12°C (10.4°F) and a low of -19°C (-2.2°F).
What are the months with the shortest days in Ilulissat?
June and December, with an average of 0h and 0min of daylight, are months with the shortest days.
What month has the most sunshine in Ilulissat?
With an average of 10h of sunshine, June has the most sunshine of the year in Ilulissat.
When is the highest UV index in Ilulissat?
The month with the highest UV index is June, with an average maximum UV index of 4.
What part of the year is the hottest in Ilulissat?
Ilulissat's warmest month, July, generally records average temperatures ranging from a high of 11°C (51.8°F) to a low of 5°C (41°F).
When are the longest days in Ilulissat?
August has the longest days of the year in Ilulissat, Greenland, with an average of 17h and 48min of daylight.
What is the rainiest month in Ilulissat?
The month with the most rainfall in Ilulissat, Greenland, is September, when the rain falls for 9 days and typically aggregates up to 35mm (1.38") of precipitation.
What is the month with the warmest sea water in Ilulissat?
The month with the warmest seawater is September, with an average sea temperature of 3.4°C (38.1°F).
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Ilulissat?
On Sunday, 27. October 2024, at 00:00, Daylight Saving Time ends, 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.
Average temperature
Ilulissat, Greenland
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (11°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is March (-12°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (5°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is March (-19°C).
Average rainfall
Ilulissat, Greenland
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is September (35mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January and March (12mm).
Average rainfall days
Ilulissat, Greenland
- Average rainfall days in January:
8 days - Average rainfall days in February:
7 days - Average rainfall days in March:
9 days - Average rainfall days in April:
9 days - Average rainfall days in May:
7 days - Average rainfall days in June:
7 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
7 days - Average rainfall days in August:
8 days - Average rainfall days in September:
9 days - Average rainfall days in October:
8 days - Average rainfall days in November:
9 days - Average rainfall days in December:
8 days
The months with the highest number of rainy days are March, April, September and November (9 days).
The months with the least rainy days are February, May, June and July (7 days).
Average sea temperature
Ilulissat, Greenland
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is September (3.4°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are February and March (-1.4°C).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Ilulissat, Greenland
- Average daylight in January:
2h and 1min - Average daylight in February:
7h and 3min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in April:
16h and 1min - Average daylight in May:
12h and 4min - Average daylight in June:
0h and 0min
- Average daylight in July:
5h and 4min - Average daylight in August:
17h and 5min - Average daylight in September:
13h and 2min - Average daylight in October:
9h and 0min - Average daylight in November:
4h and 0min - Average daylight in December:
0h and 0min
The month with the longest days is August (Average daylight: 17h and 48min).
The months with the shortest days are June and December (Average daylight: 0h and 0min).
The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 10h).
The months with the least sunshine are January and December (Average sunshine: 0h).
Average UV index
Ilulissat, Greenland
The month with the highest UV index is June (UV index 4).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, October, November and December (UV index 0).
Ilulissat, Greenland
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