The climate in Greenland

Climate zone: arctic polar zone

The climate in Greenland is predominantly frosty cold and in the winter months the mercury column does not even reach the positive range. In the cold season even the maximum temperatures are well below zero. The warmest and rainiest part of the country is Sermersooq. The coldest is Qaasuitsup. Due to the warmer temperatures the best time for traveling is from May to October. Nearly unattractive for tourists are the cold months from November to April.

Temperature records of the last 73 years

The hottest temperature measured from 1949 to February 2022 was reported by the Tasiilaq weather station. In August 2021 the record temperature of 23.6 °C was reported here. The hottest summer from July to September, based on all 13 weather stations in Greenland , was recorded in 2003 with an average temperature of 6.9 °C. This average temperature will normally be measured every 4 to 6 hours, thus also including the nights. Normally, this value is 4.5 degrees Celsius. The average maximum daily temperature at that time was 10.2 °C.

The coldest day in these 73 years was reported by the weather station Danmarkshavn. Here the temperature dropped to -43.6 °C in January 2019. Danmarkshavn lies at an altitude of 12 meters above sea level. The coldest winter (January to March) was in 1989 with an average temperature of -18.8 °C. In Greenland, it is usual to have about 6.2 degrees more at -12.6 °C for this three-month period.

The most precipitation fell in December 2011. With 21.7 mm per day, the Ikerasassuaq weather station recorded the highest monthly average of the last 73 years. Incidentally, the region with the most rainfall for the whole year is around Ikerasassuaq. The driest region is near Danmarkshavn.

Data basis and methodology

The data of the individual measuring stations are based on the archives of the German Weather Service, individual values averaged and supplemented by own elements. In order to determine a representative national average, average values were first calculated for each part of the country, which were then summarized at the national level.