Climate and monthly weather forecast
Ivigtut, Greenland

The inhabitants of Ivigtut, Greenland reside within a geographical area that falls primarily within the purview of an ET Köppen climate classification; this signifies a primarily Tundra climate. A Tundra climate is characterized by harsh, freezing temperatures, limited precipitation, and a scarcity of vegetation.

Throughout the year, the weather in Ivigtut is largely dominated by cold temperatures. The average high temperature falls between -4.4°C (24.1°F) in January and reaches up to 13.9°C (57°F) by July. The lows exhibit a somewhat similar pattern, dropping to -11.1°C (12°F) by the time February arrives and warming slightly to 5.6°C (42.1°F) by July. These temperatures certainly build upon the reputation Greenland has for bracingly cold weather.

Regarding precipitation, Ivigtut receives an annual average that floats between 66mm (2.6") in February and a maximum of 150mm (5.91") in September. This pattern of rainfall demonstrates how even within harsh climates such as this, cyclical weather patterns and variations do occur.

Regarding daylight duration, there is an observable variance throughout the year. From a meagre 5.6 hours in December to a generous 19.2 hours in June, the drastic difference is a testament to the geographical location of Ivigtut closer to the earth's poles.

People wishing to visit Ivigtut should plan their trip between June and August. During this phase of the calendar year, temperatures tend to peak at an average high between 12.2°C (54°F) to 13.9°C (57°F), while average lows comfortably sit between 3.9°C (39°F) to 5.6°C (42.1°F). Simultaneously, Ivigtut experiences the longest hours of daylight, ranging from 15.7 hours to 19.2 hours.

The period between November and March could be considered the least favourable time for tourists. This is due to the plummeting temperatures that swing from -2.8°C (27°F) to -4.4°C (24.1°F) highs and dreadful lows from -5.6°C (21.9°F) to -11.1°C (12°F). Coupled with minimal daylight durations, falling from 7.3 hours to 5.6 hours, it makes for a challenging time to explore the landscape of Ivigtut.

Spring in Ivigtut is marked by gradually warming temperatures. From March to May, average highs shift from -0.6°C (30.9°F) to 8.3°C (46.9°F) and lows transition from -8.9°C (16°F) to 0.6°C (33.1°F). Rainfall throughout this season remains quite steady, fluctuating from 64mm (2.52") to 89mm (3.5"), with daylight increasing from 11.9 hours to 17.5 hours.

Ivigtut's summer season, occurring from June to August, undergoes relatively comfortable temperature shifts. With high temperatures claiming a spot from 12.2°C (54°F) to 13.9°C (57°F) and lows not slipping below 3.9°C (39°F) to 5.6°C (42.1°F). The rainfall situation remains constant from 81mm (3.19") to 94mm (3.7") with the most abundant daylight of the year manifesting at between 18.3 hours to 19.2 hours.

Autumn in Ivigtut witnesses a drop in temperatures with the highs receding from 8.3°C (46.9°F) to 0°C (32°F) and lows falling from 2.2°C (36°F) to -5.6°C (21.9°F). Rainfall, however, increases dramatically, peaking to 145mm (5.71") in October before descending to 117mm (4.61") in November. Daylight hours start to reduce as well, transitioning from 12.9 hours to 7.3 hours in this period.

Winter in Ivigtut sees some of the colony's harshest weather, with high temperature averages sinking from 0°C (32°F) down to -4.4°C (24.1°F) and lows stooping from -5.6°C (21.9°F) down to a chilling -11.1°C (12°F). Rainfall lessens, averaging between 79mm (3.11") in December and February. The hours of daylight register at the shortest of the year, shrinking from 7.3 hours to 5.6 hours during December.

January in Ivigtut, Greenland, greets the new year with a chill, featuring below-freezing temperatures and a modest amount of daylight. This month often sees the lowest temperatures of the year, with the mercury dropping to approximately -11.1°C (12°F) at its lowest and reaching a high of around -4.4°C (24.1°F). Weather in January »

Compared to the biting cold of January, February registers a slight uptick in temperature, though it remains well below the freezing point. Featuring temperatures spanning from -11.1°C (12°F) to -3.3°C (26.1°F) and witnessing a rainfall amounting to 66mm (2.6"), it is the driest month of the year. Weather in February »

As March ushers in, Ivigtut begins to see signs of spring. While it is still a winter month, it brings warmer temperatures compared to February. With daily temperatures fluctuating between -8.9°C (16°F) and -0.6°C (30.9°F), it experiences 86mm (3.39") of rainfall. Weather in March »

The transition to April signals the onset of spring in earnest, with temperatures ascending into positives and lengthening daylight hours. The spectrum of temperature moves from -4.4°C (24.1°F) at night to 3.3°C (37.9°F) in the daytime. Weather in April »

May brings a true sense of spring to Ivigtut, with warming trend continuing from April and resulting in an overall pleasant climate. The increased temperatures oscillate between 0.6°C (33.1°F) and 8.3°C (46.9°F), causing the snow to further recede. Weather in May »

June brings an emergence of summer characteristics in Ivigtut's weather. With a relatively warm high of 12.2°C (54°F) and lows around 3.9°C (39°F), residents start to shed layers. During this time, the city receives a moderate rainfall of 81mm (3.19"). Weather in June »

July, typically the warmest month in Ivigtut, invites residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors. Temperatures during the day reach a year's maximum of 13.9°C (57°F), while at night, temperatures remain a comfortable 5.6°C (42.1°F). Weather in July »

August signals the beginning of the end of short-lived summer in Ivigtut. The city still enjoys warm weather, with temperatures teetering between 5°C (41°F) to 12.8°C (55°F). August experiences the highest rainfall across all months, amounting to approximately 94mm (3.7"). Weather in August »

September introduces autumn to Ivigtut. While it is significantly cooler than the summer months, with temperatures ranging from 2.2°C (36°F) to 8.3°C (46.9°F), September receives the maximum precipitation in the year, amounting to 150mm (5.91"). Weather in September »

October embodies the heart of fall in Ivigtut - cooler temperatures and shorter days. The temperature hovers between -1.7°C (28.9°F) to 4.4°C (39.9°F) on an average, along with a rainfall of 145mm (5.71"). A decrease in the length of daylight to 10 hours is noticeable as winter begins to set in. Weather in October »

As November comes in, Ivigtut embraces wintertime once again. The temperatures during the day plunge to freezing highs of 0°C (32°F), while night temperatures drop to around -5.6°C (21.9°F). Rainfall is reduced to 117mm (4.61") compared to October. Weather in November »

December sees Ivigtut settling solidly into winter. With temperatures plummeting further to range from -8.9°C (16°F) to -2.8°C (27°F) and 79mm (3.11") of rainfall recorded, it is undoubtedly one of the coldest months of the year. Weather in December »