Climate and monthly weather forecast
Sisimiut, Greenland

Located in the northernmost area of Earth, Sisimiut lies within the tundra ecosystem, where the climatic conditions are predominantly that of the ET Köppen classification. This designates a tundra climate with short, cool summers, long, freezing winters, and precipitation scattered throughout the year.

The perennial temperature patterns in Sisimiut are a compelling element of its climate. The annual high temperatures float around -9.4°C (15.1°F) in January, gradually escalating to a peak of 9.8°C (49.6°F) in July, before a steady descent sets in, culminating at -6.9°C (19.6°F) in December. This pattern is echoed in the annual low temperatures that start at -16.3°C (2.7°F) in January, peak at 3.3°C (37.9°F) in July and August, and decrease back to -13.3°C (8.1°F) in December.

Rainfall in Sisimiut is pretty consistent throughout the year, with the wettest month being August with 52mm (2.05") of precipitation while March records the lowest precipitation with only 19mm (0.75"). The number of rainfall days follows a similar pattern. Starting from January with 10.5 days, it reaches a yearly high of 14.4 days in November before falling slightly to 13.5 days in December.

As expected in a tundra climate, snow is a common occurrence in Sisimiut. January begins with 10.1 snowfall days which escalate to a maximum of 13.1 days in November. By December, the average snowfall days remain consistent at 13.1.

The hours of available daylight progressively climb from 4.2 hours in January towards a peak of 24 hours in June, after which a reduction is observed, arriving at a low of 2.2 hours by December. Corresponding to these daylight hours, sunshine hours also exhibit a similar pattern, commencing the year with merely 0.1 hour in January, reaching a maximum of 8.3 in July and then regressing to no sunshine throughout December.

Analyzing the ensuing weather patterns, it becomes evident that July stands out as the most appealing month to visit Sisimiut. With the highest temperature of 9.8°C (49.6°F), the longest sunshine duration reaching 8.3 hours, and 24 hours of daylight, July presents optimal conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, it's essential to note that it's also wet, with 44mm (1.73") of rainfall over 10.3 days.

On the contrary, December sits on the polar opposite of the spectrum, making it the least favorable time to visit Sisimiut. The combination of lowest daylight duration, experiencing just 2.2 hours, zero sunshine hours, and harsh temperatures dipping to -13.3°C (8.1°F), contributes to extremely daunting conditions that may not be suitable for most visitors.

A moderate shift in weather patterns in Sisimiut is perceived as spring ushers in. Pedestrian temperatures ranging from -10.1°C (13.8°F) to 2.9°C (37.2°F) and a gradual increase in daylight from 11.8 hours to 20 hours signify a transition from the harsh winter. April sees the maximum rainfall of this period with 28mm (1.1") over 10.7 days.

The summer months in Sisimiut, although short, bring slightly warmer weather. Temperature highs vary from 6.8°C (44.2°F) to 9.8°C (49.6°F), while lows range from 0.8°C (33.4°F) to 3.3°C (37.9°F). Coupled with the long daylight hours extending to 24 hours in June, summer offers a reprieve from the extensive dark and cold weather of the remaining year.

As autumn ascends in Sisimiut, a significant drop in temperatures and daylight hours indicates the return of the dominant cold conditions. Average high temperatures drop from 5.8°C (42.4°F) in September to -3.2°C (26.2°F) in November, while daylight hours fall from 13.1 hours to a mere 5.5 hours by November's end.

Winter in Sisimiut is marked by a confluence of plummeting temperatures, dwindling daylight, and a substantial number of snowfall days. High temperatures veer between -3.2°C (26.2°F) in November and -9.4°C (15.1°F) in January, while low temperatures know no limit, dipping to -16.3°C (2.7°F) in January. Concurrently, daylight hours diminish to their lowest point, registering a lone 2.2 hours in December. It's worthwhile to note the prominent snowfall in this period, accounting for over 10 days each month.

Expect cold and darker days in Sisimiut during this month. The month's significant characteristics are the freezing temperatures, limited amount of daylight, and snowy conditions. Recorded data indicates temperatures ranging from -16.3°C (2.7°F) to -9.4°C (15.1°F), and snowfall on approximately 10.1 days. Weather in January »

February in Sisimiut continues to deliver freezing cold temperatures similar to January. Snow is a common sight, and one can marvel at how beautifully it blankets the area. The recorded lowest and highest temperatures show a slight drop from last month, falling between -17.7°C (0.1°F) to -10.2°C (13.6°F). Weather in February »

March continues to hold on to the winter weather but gives a slight hint of the upcoming spring, marked by gradual temperature rise and increase in sunshine hours. The monthly temperature, marginally higher than February, bounces from -18°C (-0.4°F) to -10.1°C (13.8°F). Weather in March »

April in Sisimiut shifts the weather even more toward spring as the temperatures become comparatively less harsh and daylight increases significantly. The decrease in snow-filled days from the previous months is also noticeable. The weather shows an improved warmth with temperatures climbing between -10.9°C (12.4°F) to -3.6°C (25.5°F). Weather in April »

May is a significant weather turning point in Sisimiut, bringing in the warmth of the spring season, clear skies, and plentiful sunshine. The average lowest and highest temperature takes a big leap up to -3.2°C (26.2°F) and 2.9°C (37.2°F) respectively. Weather in May »

Sisimiut residents witness the most vibrant period of the year during June. The sun stays up in the sky throughout the day and temperatures continue their climb, marking the arrival of summer in the Arctic region. Recorded data shows temperatures fluctuating between 0.8°C (33.4°F) to 6.8°C (44.2°F). Weather in June »

July is the warmest month of the year in Sisimiut, with temperatures soaring to a summer peak. Unsurprisingly, the hottest month sees an increased frequency of rain instead of snow. The temperatures oscilate from 3.3°C (37.9°F) to the year's high of 9.8°C (49.6°F). Weather in July »

August continues the summer trend but with signs of an approaching fall, as temperatures begin to decrease slightly in Sisimiut. Though still largely pleasant and bright, the end of summer is noticable with dropping temperatures and shorter days. Weather in August »

September in Sisimiut is the start of the anticipated fall season, evident from the crust of frost returning to the landscape and daylight hours decreasing. Furthermore, it's also characterized by the most rainfall in the year. Weather in September »

October solidifies the arrival of fall in Sisimiut with the drop in temperature being more marked and extensive snowfall recorded. The average range of temperatures hovers between -4.4°C (24.1°F) and 0.7°C (33.3°F). Remarkably, the weather transformation happening in October makes it a perfect choice for those interested in experiencing the Arctic fall. Weather in October »

November ushers in winter, with the environment in Sisimiut changing drastically with plummeting temperatures, increased snowfall, and shorter days. In fact, the lowest registered temperature drops to chilling -8.7°C (16.3°F) while the highest barely makes it past -3.2°C (26.2°F). Weather in November »

December, in the heart of winter, is the coldest and darkest month in Sisimiut. The snowy landscapes and freezing temperatures make for a typical Arctic winter scene. Temperatures are icy cold, descending from -13.3°C (8.1°F) to -6.9°C (19.6°F), and daylight is limited to merely over 2 hours. Weather in December »