Nuuk Weather in May
May in Nuuk averages 4°C (39°F) during the day and -1°C (30°F) at night. Quite a bit of snow/rainfall is typical this month, with around 68 mm (2.7 in) on average. An umbrella is a good idea.
Rainfall in Nuuk in May
You can expect snow/rain on roughly 12 days based on historical data, averaging 68 mm (2.7 in) for the month. Rain this month is fairly typical, a standard mix of wet and dry days with no particularly heavy or persistent showers.
Temperature in Nuuk in May
May in Nuuk sees highs of 4°C (39°F) and lows of -1°C (30°F) overnight. Staying warm is the main priority this month, especially during mornings and evenings. With overnight lows of -1°C (30°F), temperatures fall below freezing at night. An extra thick blanket can make a real difference if your accommodation runs cold. It's a frigid month, so wearing warm clothing is crucial. Don't underestimate the cold; prepare accordingly.
Sunshine in Nuuk in May
The month enjoys around 192 hours of sunshine, creating mostly sunny days despite the cool temperatures.
Wind Speed in Nuuk in May
Wind speeds average 5 m/s (10 knots) during May. At this speed, gentle to moderate breezes make small trees sway and the wind creates whitecaps on water bodies. Daily variations range from moderate winds to stronger breezes, creating excellent conditions for sailing, kite flying and wind sports.
Average water temperature in May
At 4°C (39°F), the water is too cold for most people to swim comfortably. A wetsuit is pretty much essential if you plan to go in.If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, May 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 May
Min Temperature
-1°C (30°F)
Max Temperature
4°C (39°F)
Water Temperature
4°C (39°F)
Chance of Rain
39%
Precipitation
68 mm (2.7 in)
Rainy days
12 days
Humidity
84%
Windspeed
5 m/s (10 knots)
Sunshine
192 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
47-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Nuuk typically rise from around 1°C (34°F) at the start of May to approximately 5°C (41°F) by the end. Nights are very cold, with lows typically ranging from -3°C (27°F) to 1°C (34°F).
Average temperatures in May
Historical weather for Nuuk in May
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.
Best Places in Greenland in May
Find out more about the weather in Greenland and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Greenland in May →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Nuuk in May
We recommend to layer up for chilly conditions in Nuuk in May. You could start with thermal underwear or a good base layer to keep your core warm on the cooler days this month. Maybe also add a sweater or fleece, and top it off with a windproof jacket. Rain is likely on several days, so bring a good rain jacket. With water temperatures around 4°C (39°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.What To Do in Nuuk in May
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.
