The climate of Kangaatsiaq
Regarding Köppen climate classification, the predominant climate of
Kangaatsiaq,
Greenland, is ET, specifically, Tundra climate. The geographical position of Kangaatsiaq and the influence of the sea significantly impact the climate patterns creating cold temperatures and moderate precipitation throughout the year.
Monthly average high temperatures exhibit a range from -13.9°C (7°F) in
February to 8.1°C (46.6°F) in
July. Low temperatures extend from -19.5°C (-3.1°F) in February to 4°C (39.2°F) in July. It is evident that the weather remains cold throughout the year. A consistent feature of the climate is a relative humidity, ranging from 76% in July and
September to 89% in February and
March.
Kangaatsiaq receives rainfall ranging from 6mm (0.24") in
June to 29mm (1.14") in
August, with the number of rainy days varying from 1.9 to 8.7 across the year. Strikingly, the town experiences snowfall from 7mm (0.28") in June to 83mm (3.27") in
December with the numbers of snowfall days ranging from 0.2 days in July and August to 15.6 days in
January. This indicates a significant likelihood of experiencing snow or rain during any given day of the year.
While hours of daylight range from 0.2 hours in December to 24 hours in June, hours of sunshine vary from 0.5 hours in June to 9.7 hours in August. Even in months with the maximum daylight, sunshine is not guaranteed, given the cloud coverage that ranges from 41% in July to 68% in March.
The best time to visit Kangaatsiaq
Considering the weather parameters, the best time to visit
Kangaatsiaq would be during the summer months, particularly from
June to
August. During these months, temperatures reach their yearly peak, ranging between 5.3°C (41.5°F) to 8.1°C (46.6°F), and are complemented by long hours of daylight extending up to 24 hours in June. Sunshine durations reach up to 9.7 hours in August, allowing for adequate daylight to enjoy sightseeing and outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Kangaatsiaq
The worst time to visit
Kangaatsiaq is typically during the cold and harsh winter periods, specifically from
December to
February. During these months, temperatures can descend to extremes, with low temperatures ranging from -19.5°C (-3.1°F) in February to -13°C (8.6°F) in December. Alongside the frigid temperatures, daylight hours are minimal, especially in December with only 0.2 hours, further compounding the challenging weather conditions.
Spring weather in Kangaatsiaq
Spring in
Kangaatsiaq extends from
March to
May. During this period, high temperatures range from -12.8°C (9°F) to 0.3°C (32.5°F) and low temperatures span from -19.3°C (-2.7°F) to -5.4°C (22.3°F). Rainfall ranges from 11mm (0.43") to 11mm (0.43") while snowfall varies from 61mm (2.4") to 44mm (1.73"). Even though the temperatures increase slightly, the weather remains harsh with persistent snowfall.
Summer weather in Kangaatsiaq
Summer months in
Kangaatsiaq extend from
June to
August. Throughout these months, high temperatures range from 5.3°C (41.5°F) to 8.1°C (46.6°F) and low temperatures span from 1.7°C (35.1°F) to 4°C (39.2°F). During these months, Kangaatsiaq also experiences the lowest snowfall, ranging from 0mm (0") to 6mm (0.24"). Rainfall peaks at 29mm (1.14") in August, but with 24 hours of daylight in June, the summer months serve as the warmest and most illuminating period of the year.
Autumn weather in Kangaatsiaq
In autumn, spanning from
September to
November, high temperatures range from 3.6°C (38.5°F) to -6.7°C (19.9°F) and low temperatures span from -0.3°C (31.5°F) to -10.4°C (13.3°F). Rainfall ranges from 15mm (0.59") to 16mm (0.63") and snowfall varies from 23mm (0.91") to 62mm (2.44"), signaling the transition from rainy to snowy conditions. Besides, daylight hours reduce drastically from 13.2 hours to 4.7 hours, indicating a shift towards darker months.
Winter weather in Kangaatsiaq
The winter period in
Kangaatsiaq, from
December to
February, is characterized by the coldest conditions with high temperatures ranging from -11.4°C (11.5°F) to -13.9°C (7°F) and low temperatures spanning from -16.2°C (2.8°F) to -19.5°C (-3.1°F). During these months, Kangaatsiaq experiences the highest snowfall of the year, varying from 65mm (2.56") to 83mm (3.27"). The challenging weather conditions are further compounded by minimal daylight hours, especially in December with only 0.2 hours of daylight.
Weather in January
January heralds the arrival of the New Year in
Kangaatsiaq,
Greenland, with harsh, cold temperatures. Thermometers typically reveal extreme lows plunging to an icy -16.2°C (2.8°F), creating a frigid environment not for the faint of heart.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February continues the year's cold streak, albeit with a marginal drop in the average high temperature, registering at -13.9°C (7°F). This period witnesses an extension of daylight hours to a daily average of almost 8, an increase residents appreciate.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
March approaches,
Kangaatsiaq's weather transitions subtly towards warmer conditions, especially with increased daylight hours averaging around 12. Rainfall amounts retreat slightly from
February's figures, but the wintry blanket remains with a 61mm (2.4") snowfall coating the terrain.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April registers a significant improvement, from -12.8°C (9°F) in
March to -5.8°C (21.6°F) in average high temperature, hinting at the impending arrival of spring. This period sees even more daylight, as average hours stretch to almost 16 each day.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings a breath of fresh spring air to
Kangaatsiaq, with the temperatures finally hovering around the freezing mark. Daylight bathes the town for an impressive 21 hours per day, a delight after the dark winter. With May arrives a shift from snowfall to rainfall, with the whiteness fast fading.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June, summer finally blooms in
Kangaatsiaq, ushering in balmy average high temperatures of 5.3°C (41.5°F). Extending the trend from
May, the days not only bask in longer sunshine but also benefit from the least cloud cover in the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July maintains the summer momentum with a further increase in temperature, reaching the year's peak at 8.1°C (46.6°F). With the UV index rising to 3, caution is necessary when venturing outdoors during the long sunlight hours. On the contrary, snowfall is practically negligible during this month, leading to vast open landscapes.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August moderates the
July heat slightly to 6.8°C (44.2°F), signalling the onset of Greenlander autumn. While the UV index recedes back to 2, the average daylight duration also shortens, yet extending beyond a generous 17 hours.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September continues the cooling trend with average highs around 3.6°C (38.5°F) and features a notable decrease in daylight availability. Concurrently, the snowfall inches upward to 23mm (0.91") changing the visual identity of the terrain.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October plunges
Kangaatsiaq back into freezing conditions with average highs of -2.1°C (28.2°F). Eye-catching is the swift drop in daily sunshine to just over 9 hours, nearly half of
June's duration. As the snowfall quantity almost doubles from the previous month, the landscape gradually reverts to its snowy winter identity.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November further amplifies the cold with average highs dropping to -6.7°C (19.9°F). The daylight availability shrinks dramatically, with daily sunshine scarcely stretching beyond 5 hours. Snowfall sees a significant surge, offering the thickest snow cover since the early months of the calendar year.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The year's end in
December witnesses the coldest average highs at -8.8°C (16.2°F), affirming its position as the year's chilliest month. The scarcity of sunlight, barely above half an hour per day, turns
Kangaatsiaq into a region of near-polar night.
Weather in December » [Resources]