The climate of Narsarsuaq
Narsarsuaq, located in
Greenland, primarily experiences the Tundra climate, as per the Köppen climate classification, often represented as ET. This climate type is characterized by long, extremley cold winters and short, cool summers. Throughout the year, there is a notable variation in temperatures, daylight hours, and precipitation.
Over the course of the year, temperature ranges from a severe low of -11.1°C (12°F) in winter months to a relatively milder high of 14.3°C (57.7°F) in the summer months. Rainfall varies between 33mm (1.3") and 70mm (2.76") per month, but it is notable that the area sees a greater number of rainy days in the warm months than in the colder ones. This suggests that while the total amount of rainfall may not differ hugely throughout the year, the precipitation is more constant during the warmer months.
One unique aspect of the local climate is the harshly cold sea temperatures, which fluctuate between 0°C (32°F) and 5°C (41°F) across the entire year. During the colder months, particularly from
February to
April, there is a notable number of snowfall days varying from 7.6 to 9.3 days on average. Local weather phenomena are also characterized by changeable sunshine durations, fluctuating between a low of 0.6 hours in
December to a high of 6.2 hours in
July.
The best time to visit Narsarsuaq
The optimal time to visit
Narsarsuaq significantly depends on individual's preference. However, considering the general weather conditions, the period from
June to
August tends to offer the most favourable conditions. Temperatures during these months attain a high of 12.4°C (54.3°F) to 14.3°C (57.7°F), which is comfortable for outdoor activities, while nighttime temperatures average between 4.5°C (40.1°F) to 6.4°C (43.5°F). In addition, these months hold the longest daylight hours, reaching up to 18.3 to 19.2 hours, providing ample daylight for sightseeing and exploration. It is also the period with the fewest snowfall days.
The worst time to visit Narsarsuaq
Conversely, the months of
January and
February are regarded as the most challenging times to visit
Narsarsuaq, due to the extreme cold conditions. Temperature typically plunges to -11.1°C (12°F) to -10.5°C (13.1°F), and the days are shortest, with daylight hours averaging between just 6.6 to 9.0 hours. Sea temperatures are also at their coldest, oscillating around 0°C (32°F) to 1°C (33.8°F). In addition, with snowfall days reaching up to 9.3 in January, these winters can be particularly harsh for visitors unaccustomed to such severe conditions.
Spring weather in Narsarsuaq
Spring in
Narsarsuaq takes place from
March to
May. The season undergoes an upturn in temperatures, moving from an average low of -9.5°C (14.9°F) in March to a much more amiable high of 8.9°C (48°F) by May. Although rainfall does escalate in this season, particularly so in May with an average of 37mm (1.46"), snowfall days rapidly decrease from 8.6 days in March to only 2.7 days in May. Simultaneously, daylight becomes increasingly prolonged, lasting from 11.9 hours in March to an impressive 17.5 hours in May.
Summer weather in Narsarsuaq
From
June through to
August,
Narsarsuaq experiences its summer, featuring high temperatures ranging from 12.4°C (54.3°F) to 14.3°C (57.7°F) and low temperatures from 4.5°C (40.1°F) to 6.4°C (43.5°F). The month of
July experiences the highest rainfall of 65mm (2.56"), but it's worth mentioning that there's an increased frequency of rainy days in these months. However, with long daylight hours, peaking at 19.2 hours in June, there is still plenty of sunshine to be enjoyed.
Autumn weather in Narsarsuaq
Autumn in
Narsarsuaq, from
September to
November, signifies a downturn in temperature with averages fluctuating from a high of 9°C (48.2°F) in September to a low of -6.9°C (19.6°F) in November. Rainfall maintains a steady frequency but decreases in volume from 68mm (2.68") in September to 60mm (2.36") in November. Snowfall days gradually escalate from 1.3 days in September to 7.6 days in November. Daylight hours also reduce in this period, from 12.9 hours in September down to 7.3 hours by November.
Winter weather in Narsarsuaq
Winter in
Narsarsuaq, spanning
December through to
February, brings along severe cold with temperatures averaging between -2.1°C (28.2°F) to -11.1°C (12°F). This period encounters a consistent number of snowfall days, hovering from 7.6 days to 9.3 days. The amount of daylight is reduced to its lowest, ranging from 5.7 to 6.6 hours, and the sunshine duration is limited to a scanty 0.6 to 2.3 hours. During these months, the sea temperature drops to about 0°C (32°F) to 1°C (33.8°F), adding to the overall frigid conditions.
Weather in January
January in
Narsarsuaq,
Greenland, bears witness to a wintery embracement marked by frigid temperatures. The mercury consistently plummets, dropping to a chilling range of -2.6°C (27.3°F) to -11.1°C (12°F), representing the coldest month of the year.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
Narsarsuaq transitions from
January to
February, little respite is there from the winter chills. Temperatures remain low, though the rainfall eases slightly compared to January. In the second month of the year, the city observes the least amount of snowfall days, with just 7.6 out of 28 reserved for this snowy delight.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The arrival of
March signals the imminent end of
Narsarsuaq's intense winter. Compared to
February, the temperatures inch towards positivity, highlighting March as a transitional month. This month marks the last substantial snowfall period before spring takes over, as the city gears itself for milder weather conditions in the noble journey from winter to spring.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Spring cascades into
Narsarsuaq in
April, bringing with it perceptible warming and an amplification in daylight hours. Compared to
March, the heat increases, with temperatures fluctuating from -1°C (30.2°F) to -4.4°C (24.1°F).
Weather in April »Weather in May
May paves the way for heightened temperatures, longer daylight, longer sunshine duration, and increased UV Index in
Narsarsuaq. This month sees temperatures waver between 8.9°C (48°F) and 1.4°C (34.5°F), marking the move towards considerably milder weather.
Weather in May » Weather in June
As
June dresses
Narsarsuaq in the full bloom of summer, the transformation is evident, most notably in the impressive sway from 14.8 daylight hours in
April to 19.2 in June. This sunny disposition is the longest experienced throughout the year and complements Narsarsuaq's steady march towards warmth.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
At the zenith of
Narsarsuaq's summertime,
July graces the city with the warmest temperatures, ranging from 14.3°C (57.7°F) to 6.4°C (43.5°F), marking the yearly thermal peak. This month also draws attention due to its highest rainfall occurrence, reaching a culmination of 65mm (2.56").
Weather in July »Weather in August
As
August takes the baton from
July, it carries forth the legacy of warmth but with an initial hint of the coming autumn. The weather remains relatively stable, with the sea temperature hitting a yearly high of 5°C (41°F). What sets August apart is the record-breaking rainfall, with the city receiving the highest amount, 70mm (2.76"), compared to any other month.
Weather in August »Weather in September
With the ingress of
September,
Narsarsuaq experiences a robust autumnal feel. There is a distinct dip in temperatures from 13.2°C (55.8°F) to 2°C (35.6°F) compared to
August's highs. As the warmth retreats, the rainfall persists, making September another month of plentiful precipitation.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
October flows into
Narsarsuaq's climate, it brings along a marked transition to colder days from the bright, damp
September weather. The mercury consistently falls, indicating temperatures between 3.8°C (38.8°F) and -2.9°C (26.8°F).
Weather in October »Weather in November
November dives deeper into the ocean of cold as
Narsarsuaq approaches the brink of winter. This month is associated with a significant reduction in daylight hours and sunshine duration, plunging the city into an extended darkness.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December,
Narsarsuaq is fully submerged in the core of winter, with an atmospheric chill gripping the city. Keeping in line with the temperature extremes of winter, December records a low range of 0.4°C (32.7°F) to -10.1°C (13.8°F).
Weather in December » [Resources]