Nuuk Weather in January
Nuuk in January sees very low daytime temperatures of -7°C (19°F) and nighttime lows of -14°C (7°F). Rainfall is fairly high this month at around 74 mm (2.9 in), so pack a rain jacket to stay dry.
Rainfall in Nuuk in January
You can expect snow on roughly 14 days based on historical data, averaging 74 mm (2.9 in) for the month. Neither particularly heavy nor particularly frequent, the rain this month is about average. A light jacket should be enough on most wet days.
Temperature in Nuuk in January
January in Nuuk sees highs of -7°C (19°F) and lows of -14°C (7°F) overnight. January is typically considered a winter month. Even daytime conditions remain cold, making layers, a warm coat, and winter accessories a good idea. Nights drop below freezing to -14°C (7°F). An extra blanket is worth packing if you're unsure about the heating where you're staying. It's a frigid month, so wearing warm clothing is crucial. Don't underestimate the cold; prepare accordingly.
Sunshine in Nuuk in January
The month has fewer sunny days, with around 17 hours of sunshine.
Wind Speed in Nuuk in January
Wind speeds average 6 m/s (12 knots) during January. At this speed, expect strong winds that make large branches move and create some resistance when walking. Since this is an average, some days have fresh winds while others have strong breezes that can make umbrellas tricky to control.
Average water temperature in January
At 1°C (34°F), the water is very cold. Most people find it too uncomfortable for anything beyond a brief wade.If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, January may not be the ideal month to visit Nuuk. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Greenland, check out our Nuuk's climate page.
Nuuk Temperature in January
Min Temperature
-14°C (7°F)
Max Temperature
-7°C (19°F)
Water Temperature
1°C (34°F)
Chance of Rain
46%
Precipitation
74 mm (2.9 in)
Rainy days
14 days
Humidity
78%
Windspeed
6 m/s (12 knots)
Sunshine
17 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
49-year average (1976-2026)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Nuuk typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around -7°C (19°F). Nights are very cold, with lows typically ranging from -11°C (12°F) to -8°C (18°F).
Average temperatures in January
Historical weather for Nuuk in January
Browse day-by-day weather records for Nuuk spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Nuuk historical weather extremes in January
Based on weather observations in Nuuk between 2006 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes during January.
- The hottest January day on record in Nuuk reached 12°C (54°F) (January 22, 2007).
- The lowest daytime temperature in January was -22°C (-8°F), recorded on January 15, 2006.
- The lowest overnight temperature recorded in January was -23°C (-9°F) (January 25, 2015).
Best Places in Greenland in January
Find out more about the weather in Greenland and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Greenland in January →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
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What to Wear in Nuuk in January
We recommend you pack up your warm winter gear for Nuuk in January. If you have insulated boots, thermal layers, and a heavy winter coat that can handle snow and freezing temperatures it's smart to bring them. Don't forget gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf. Rain is likely on several days, so bring a good rain jacket. With water temperatures around 1°C (34°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. Sunglasses aren't essential this month, though you might want them for the occasional bright moment.What To Do in Nuuk in January
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Greenland, check out our Nuuk's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Nuuk climate overview or explore weather in Greenland.
