The climate of Kullorsuaq
Kullorsuaq, a small village located on the island of the same name in north-western
Greenland, has a Tundra climate, classified as 'ET' on the Köppen climate classification scale. The environmental conditions here are dictated by the cold polar winds sweeping across icy Arctic surfaces. In line with the typical aspects of a Tundra climate, average temperatures remain low throughout the year, with winter months showcasing severe colds, while summer extends a stable but chilly respite.
Temperatures vary between -23.3°C (-9.9°F) marked as the lowest in
February and 5.6°C (42.1°F) seen as the highest in
July and
August. The locale experiences excessive snowfall, ranging from 1mm (0.04") in July up to a peak of 133mm (5.24") in
November. On the other hand, rainfall is scanty with a monthly average ranging from 4mm (0.16") in February to 36mm (1.42") in
October. Humidity levels maintain an average of 83%, indicating damp and cold weather conditions prevalent in Kullorsuaq.
Wind speed typically varies from 12.3km/h (7.6mph) to 19.7km/h (12.2mph), except for peak gusts which touch 27.2km/h (16.9mph) in November. Pressure ranges between 1005.3 millibar and 1015.3 millibar, indicating stable atmospheric conditions. Evidently, climatological parameters demonstrate pronounced cold weather, minimal rainfall and abundant snowfall, making Kullorsuaq an epitome of the Tundra climate.
The best time to visit Kullorsuaq
Taking into account the harshness of the prevailing climate, the best time to visit
Kullorsuaq would be during the summer months from
June to
August. During this time, the average temperature ranges from 1.6°C (34.9°F) to 5.6°C (42.1°F), ensuring a cooler climate for visitors more accustomed to temperate latitudes. Additionally, the small village experiences the least snowfall of 1mm (0.04") to 4mm (0.16") in this period, along with the highest levels of daylight of up to 24 hours, providing ample opportunities for visitors to take in the beauty of the Arctic landscape.
The worst time to visit Kullorsuaq
The winter months, from
November to
February, would be the most arduous period to visit
Kullorsuaq because of the extreme weather conditions. During these months, average temperatures drop from -11.3°C (11.7°F) to -23.3°C (-9.9°F) and snowfall increases to 110mm (4.33") in November and 34mm (1.34") in February. Furthermore, Kullorsuaq experiences no daylight hours in
December, increasing the difficulty for visitors to navigate and explore the region. Alongside, wind speeds escalate to an average of 19.7km/h (12.2mph), escalating the cold and creating tough conditions for both travel and living.
Spring weather in Kullorsuaq
Spring in
Kullorsuaq, from
March to
May, presents a gradual transition as the village emerges from the bitter winter. Temperatures range from -18.9°C (-2°F) in March to -2.3°C (27.9°F) in May, indicating a slow increase. The snowfall during this season decreases from 31mm (1.22") in March to 61mm (2.4") in May. Likewise, rainfall also increases from 5mm (0.2") in March to 10mm (0.39") in May. The pressure during this season maintains stability between 1012 millibar and 1015.3 millibar. Spring also brings with it an increase in daylight hours, from 11.7 hours in March up to a full 24 hours by May.
Summer weather in Kullorsuaq
The summer months,
June to
August, provide a respite from the harsh winters with temperatures soaring to a warmer range of 1.6°C (34.9°F) to 5.6°C (42.1°F). The secondary effects of summer are evident in the reduced snowfall, down to 1mm (0.04") in
July and humidity levels that drop to an average of 83%. However, rainfall increases to an annual high of 32mm (1.26") in August.
[hid]Autumn weather in
KullorsuaqWinter weather in Kullorsuaq
Winter is an extreme period in
Kullorsuaq from
December to
February, with temperatures plummeting to their yearly low ranging from -11.3°C (11.7°F) to -23.3°C (-9.9°F). The snowfall peaks at 133mm (5.24") in December and gradually tapers off to 34mm (1.34") by February. At the same time, rainfall hits its annual low, from 19mm (0.75") in December to a minimal 4mm (0.16") in February. The limited daylight during these months, with none in December, contributes to the region's stark winter landscapes. This period also witnesses high wind speeds averaging at 19.4 in December and 13.5 in February, increasing the intensity of the cold.
Weather in January
January in
Kullorsuaq,
Greenland heralds the advent of freezing temperatures and shortened daylight hours. Amid the frigid temperatures, the weather reaches its nadir, with a lowest average temperature of -20.2°C (-4.4°F) and a high of -16.6°C (2.1°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
The chill of
January transitions into
February, albeit with a small dip in the high temperature averaging -19.3°C (-2.7°F). Snow continues to grace
Kullorsuaq, the landscape blanketed in white. The shortening winter daylight is offset by a more vibrant aurora, coloring the sky in mesmerizing hues against the stark snowy canvas.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
Kullorsuaq navigates through
March, a shift in the weather becomes perceptible; it’s a signal of the impending spring. Although the mercury still plunges to frigid readings, reaching a low average temperature of -23.4°C (-10.1°F), the advent of spring can be felt.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April arrives, bearing the promise of milder weather. The mercury starts to ascend relative to
March, reaching highs of up to -10.8°C (12.6°F). Lengthening daylight hours become the harbinger of change as
Kullorsuaq transitions into spring.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
Kullorsuaq, a notable alteration in weather sets in with the month of
May. The city begins to experience increased daylight hours, signifying the start of the Midnight Sun phenomena in
Greenland. Temperatures rise, reaching a high of -2.3°C (27.9°F), uncovering the bare landscape beneath the winter snow.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Kullorsuaq signals the official start of summer as temperatures continue to rise. Despite boasting the shortest sunlight hours of the summer period, it clocked a maximum of 24 hours. The mercury climbs above freezing, with an average high of 1.6°C (34.9°F), symbolizing a significant departure from the protracted winter.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, the epitome of summer in
Greenland, brings about the warmest conditions of the year in
Kullorsuaq with a high reaching 5.3°C (41.5°F). The month ascends to become the wettest period of the year, with rainfall reaching up to 20mm (0.79").
Weather in July » Weather in August
The tail end of summer in
August brings a marginal increase in the high temperature to 5.6°C (42.1°F). The transition from summer to autumn initiates around this period across
Kullorsuaq. The rhapsody of the midnight sun starts to fold, as daylight hours gradually diminish.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Kullorsuaq ushers in the full surge of autumn, with a steep drop in temperatures to an average high of 2.4°C (36.3°F). This drop in temperatures is coupled with the precipitous descent of daylight hours. The change in the season is distinctly felt with heightened snowfall reaching up to 98mm (3.86"), outpacing the rainfall for the first time since spring.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Kullorsuaq descends into the throes of winter in
October, with temperatures falling to an average high of -1.5°C (29.3°F). The snowfall significantly increases compared to
September, reaching its peak for the year at 133mm (5.24").
Weather in October » Weather in November
Come in its full glory,
November in
Kullorsuaq sees temperatures drop further, with a high averaging at -5.8°C (21.6°F). Winter has its firm grip on the city, dominating the landscape with frosted visuals. Snowfall lessens slightly from the previous month, to 110mm (4.33"), though still maintaining the winter cloak.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Rounding off the year,
December continues the wintry grip with temperatures as low as -14.1°C (6.6°F) in
Kullorsuaq. The town immerses in arctic conditions, cloud cover and high relative humidity all contributing to the chilling weather.
Weather in December » [Resources]