Climate and monthly weather forecastUpernavik, Greenland
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Upernavik
Upernavik, Greenland sits within the ET Köppen climate zone, characterized as a Tundra climate. Enduring freezing temperatures year-round, Upernavik's climate is harsh and frigid. The longitude and latitude of the town coupled with its arctic location results in a unique weather profile.Temperature profiles across the months indicate icy cold conditions without variations that typically mark other climates. High temperatures hover from -13.6°C (7.5°F) to 8°C (46.4°F) while lows range from -23.2°C (-9.8°F) to 2.5°C (36.5°F). No season escapes the below-freezing temperatures, as the averages remain constantly low. The warmest temperatures occur in July, with highs reaching up to 8°C (46.4°F).
Rainfall in Upernavik exhibits quite a consistency, with monthly averages ranging from 8mm (0.31") to 38mm (1.5"). The town experiences between 6 to 15 rainfall days each month. The months of September to November see the most rainfall with averages well above 30mm (1.18").
Sea temperatures display a similar pattern to land temperatures, with values between -1.8°C (28.8°F) to 5.2°C (41.4°F). Daylight hours present a most remarkable trend. Upernavik basks in continuous daylight from June to August while no sunlight is visible from late November to January.
The best time to visit Upernavik
Given the harsh, cold climate, defining the "best" time to visit Upernavik largely depends on visitors' intentions and tolerance to extreme cold. For those interested in studying the fascinating nature of arctic climates or with a desire for snow-related activities, June to August would be optimal. During these summer months, temperatures rise to the year's highs between 3.9°C (39°F) to 8°C (46.4°F), and continuous daylight prevails.The worst time to visit Upernavik
The severity of Upernavik's winter would deter the average visitor. Ice-cold temperatures reach their harshest from December to February with lows dropping to between -23.2°C (-9.8°F) and -16.1°C (3°F), and highs range between -16.4°C (2.5°F) to -11.2°C (11.8°F). Precipitation is also frequent during these months, and sunlight is minimal to none. Unless one is well-adapted or particularly inclined towards such extreme conditions, these months are best avoided.Spring weather in Upernavik
Spring in Upernavik, from March to May, is still a period of extreme cold. Daily high temperatures move from -16.4°C (2.5°F) to -1.3°C (29.7°F), while lows range from -23.2°C (-9.8°F) to -6.5°C (20.3°F). The area experiences 8 days of rainfall per month, with an average precipitation of 8mm (0.31") to14mm (0.55"). Daylight starts to increase significantly, reaching up to 23.7 hours by May.Summer weather in Upernavik
Summer, the warmest season in Upernavik, spans June to August. The average high temperatures shift from 3.9°C (39°F) to 8°C (46.4°F), while the low temperatures vary from -0.9°C (30.4°F) to 2.5°C (36.5°F). Monthly precipitation totals are at their highest and daylight is continuous.Autumn weather in Upernavik
Autumn months, from September to November, present a steady decline in temperatures. High temperatures reduce from 3°C (37.4°F) to -6.5°C (20.3°F), while low temperatures fall from -1.1°C (30°F) to -10.7°C (12.7°F). Rainfall varies from 38mm (1.5") to 34mm (1.34"), occurring across 11 to 15 days each month. Daylight gradually diminishes, dropping to just 1.4 hours by November.Winter weather in Upernavik
Winter, the coldest season in Upernavik, transpires between December and February. Average high temperatures range from -13.6°C (7.5°F) to -15.8°C (3.6°F), and low temperatures vary from -19.8°C (-3.6°F) to -22.3°C (-8.1°F). December receives the highest rainfall of winter at 20mm (0.79"). During these months, Upernavik sees minimal to no daylight, characterizing the polar night phenomenon.Weather in January
January in Upernavik, Greenland, greets residents and visitors with much colder conditions than December. The drastic drop in mercury compared to December results in the coldest conditions of the year, which also present formidable temperatures for outdoor activities. Weather in January »Weather in February
February continues the deep freeze, yet eases slightly, with temperatures averaging out to be slightly colder than January, making it the second coldest month in Upernavik. The daylight hours incrementally increase though, allowing more opportunity for outdoor pursuits. Weather in February »Weather in March
When March arrives, Upernavik's weather begins to hint at a slow, impending spring thaw. The average temperature remains cold, yet marks an increase compared to February. Despite these chilling temperatures, March heralds a set of brighter days accumulating up to 11.7 daylight hours. Weather in March »Weather in April
Come April, Upernavik's weather curriculum begins setting into spring, although winter continues its firm grip. Minor elevation in temperature from March to April indicates a subtle shift from the deep freeze towards more temperate conditions. Weather in April »Weather in May
May brings a significant relief from the intense cold as Upernavik transitions towards milder weather. Temperatures rise considerably from those in April, making it much more bearable for residents. The light of the sun graces the city longer each day, pushing daylight hours to a remarkable 23.7 hours. Weather in May »Weather in June
June, marking the arrival of summer in Upernavik, offers the warmest temperatures of the year. Although the climb from May to June remains moderate, residents welcome this appreciable relief from the prolonged winter chill. Excitingly, the sun shines brightest in this month with a maximum UV index of 3. Weather in June »Weather in July
July continues to bask in the mild warmth, as it competes with June for the title of Upernavik's warmest month. The weather remains essentially constant, with just minor fluctuations in temperature from June to July. An uplifting presence of sun hovers over the city, powering up outdoor activities. Weather in July »Weather in August
In August, Upernavik witnesses a mild touch-down from the peak summer temperatures of July. There remains ample warmth to sustain a thriving outdoor lifestyle for both locals and visitors. However, daylight hours start to decline, providing the first signs of the approaching fall. Weather in August »Weather in September
As September steps in, Upernavik slowly begins to embrace the colder half of the year. A considerable decline in temperature from August to September ushers in the first traces of chills. Weather transforms remarkably, as it moves away from the summer patterns, signifying the onset of autumn. Weather in September »Weather in October
October brings a significant shift, as Upernavik transitions back into its customary lesser temperatures. The city's weather spells the definite arrival of winter, as the mercury drops considerably from September to October. The rainfall continues to dominate, coupled with decreasing sunlight and shorter days. Weather in October »Weather in November
November in Upernavik announces the near arrival of the depth of winter. The temperature exhibits an evident decline from October, preparing the city for the upcoming harsh winter. Consequently, daylight hours reduce drastically, with only 1.4 hours of light, mirroring the waning warmth. Weather in November »Weather in December
In December, Upernavik plunges back into the heart of winter. The temperature descends further from November, signaling the second coldest month of the year. Daylight literally disappears and Upernavik endures an entire month of Polar Night, making outdoor activities extremely challenging. Weather in December »Updated: Feb 9, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
Throughout the year, in Upernavik, Greenland, there are 113 rainfall days, and 251mm (9.88") of precipitation is accumulated.
January, November and December, with an average of 0h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine.
The months with the lowest UV index are January through March, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 0.
The month of March, characterized by an average high of -16.4°C (2.5°F) and a low of -23.2°C (-9.8°F), is recognized as the coldest.
The month with the least rainfall is March, when the rain falls for 8 days and typically collects 8mm (0.31") of precipitation.
March through May, with an average sea temperature of -1.8°C (28.8°F), are months with the coldest seawater in Upernavik, Greenland.
With an average of 17h and 18min of daylight, April has the longest days of the year in Upernavik.
The months with the most sunshine are May through July, with an average of 8h of sunshine.
The months with the shortest days in Upernavik, Greenland, are June, July and December, with an average of 0h and 0min of daylight.
The months with the highest UV index in Upernavik, Greenland, are June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 3.
In Upernavik, July is the warmest month, with temperatures averaging a high of 8°C (46.4°F) and a low of 2.4°C (36.3°F).
With an average sea temperature of 5.2°C (41.4°F), August is the month with the warmest seawater in Upernavik.
September is the month with the most rainfall in Upernavik. Rain falls for 11 days and accumulates 38mm (1.5") of precipitation.
On Sunday, 27. October 2024, at 00:00, Daylight Saving Time ends in Upernavik, and the time zone changes from -01 to -02. The next Daylight Saving Time starts on Saturday, 29. March 2025, at 23:00, and the time zone reverts from -02 to -01.
Average temperature
Upernavik, Greenland
- Average high temperature in January:
-13.6°C - Average high temperature in February:
-15.8°C - Average high temperature in March:
-16.4°C - Average high temperature in April:
-9.5°C - Average high temperature in May:
-1.3°C - Average high temperature in June:
3.9°C
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (8°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is March (-16.4°C).
- Average low temperature in January:
-19.8°C - Average low temperature in February:
-22.3°C - Average low temperature in March:
-23.2°C - Average low temperature in April:
-16.6°C - Average low temperature in May:
-6.5°C - Average low temperature in June:
-0.9°C
The month with the highest average low temperature is August (2.5°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is March (-23.2°C).
Average rainfall
Upernavik, Greenland
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is September (38mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is March (8mm).
Average rainfall days
Upernavik, Greenland
- Average rainfall days in January:
9 days - Average rainfall days in February:
8 days - Average rainfall days in March:
8 days - Average rainfall days in April:
8 days - Average rainfall days in May:
7 days - Average rainfall days in June:
6 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
8 days - Average rainfall days in August:
8 days - Average rainfall days in September:
11 days - Average rainfall days in October:
12 days - Average rainfall days in November:
15 days - Average rainfall days in December:
13 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is November (15 days).
The month with the least rainy days is June (6 days).
Average sea temperature
Upernavik, Greenland
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (5.2°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are March, April and May (-1.8°C).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Upernavik, Greenland
- Average daylight in January:
0h and 12min - Average daylight in February:
6h and 12min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 42min - Average daylight in April:
17h and 18min - Average daylight in May:
2h and 48min - Average daylight in June:
0h and 0min
- Average daylight in July:
0h and 0min - Average daylight in August:
15h and 24min - Average daylight in September:
13h and 36min - Average daylight in October:
8h and 18min - Average daylight in November:
1h and 24min - Average daylight in December:
0h and 0min
The month with the longest days is April (Average daylight: 17h and 18min).
The months with the shortest days are June, July and December (Average daylight: 0h and 0min).
The months with the most sunshine are May, June and July (Average sunshine: 8h).
The months with the least sunshine are January, November and December (Average sunshine: 0h).
Average UV index
Upernavik, Greenland
The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 3).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, October, November and December (UV index 0).
