Climate and monthly weather forecastIlulissat, Greenland

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.

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 »