See the northern lights
The northern lights, polar light or Aarora Borealis is a true spectacle of nature! Green, sometimes purple, red and yellow streaks of light colors the dark skies.
Nuuk Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Nuuk.
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Climate overview of Nuuk
Nuuk, Greenland, experiences significant temperature variation throughout the year. Summers bring daytime highs of 11°C (52°F) in July, while winters cool to -8°C (18°F) in February.
Nuuk sees a moderate amount of rain/snowfall, totalling around 951 mm (37 in) per year. It experiences cold summers and very cold winters, creating some seasonal variation. The most sunshine falls in June, with an average of 6.9 hours of daily sunshine.
Nuuk Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Nuuk - and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Nuuk
Depending on the time of the year, temperatures range from chilly to very cold in Nuuk. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a chilly 11°C (52°F) in July, the warmest time of the year, to a very cold -8°C (18°F) during cooler months like February.
At night, you can expect temperatures ranging from 5°C (41°F) in July to around -14°C (7°F) during February.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Nuuk
Generally, Nuuk has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 951 mm (37 in) of rain/snowfall annually. While rainfall varies throughout the year, each season offers its own charm. September brings wetter days averaging 113 mm (4.4 in) of precipitation, spread over 14 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month March experiences a drier climate, with about 63 mm (2.5 in) of snowfall spread across 15 snowy days. For more details, please visit our Nuuk Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Nuuk
Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in Nuuk. While June receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 6.9 hours, December marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce with only 0.2 hours of sunlight per day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Water Temperature in Nuuk
The mean water temperature over the year ranges from 0°C (32°F) in December to 5°C (41°F) in June.
Water temperature over the year
Humidity in Nuuk by Month
The city experiences its highest humidity in July, reaching 87%. In November, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 76%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Wind Speed in Nuuk
The mean wind speed over the year ranges from 4 m/s (8 knots) in June to 7 m/s (14 knots) in December. What does this mean?
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
Best Time to Visit Nuuk
Compared with the rest of the year, the most comfortable conditions in Nuuk are usually found in July and August. Conditions are generally least comfortable in January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December.
Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.
Jan
very cold
Feb
very cold
Mar
very cold
Apr
cold
May
cold
Jun
cold
Jul
mixed
Aug
mixed
Sep
wet
Oct
cold
Nov
very cold
Dec
very cold
- Best overall: July and August
- Warmest weather: July and August
- Most sunshine: June and July
- Seasonal pattern: Cold summers and very cold winters
- Coldest conditions: February, with freezing nights around -14°C (7°F).
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Nuuk
What is the best time to visit Nuuk?
July and August typically offer the most optimal weather in Nuuk. In contrast, January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Nuuk has cold summers and very cold winters.
What temperatures can I expect in Nuuk?
Daytime highs range from -8°C (18°F) in February to 11°C (52°F) in July. Nighttime lows range from -14°C (7°F) to 5°C (41°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Nuuk get?
Annual rainfall is around 951 mm (37 in). September is the wettest month with 113 mm (4.4 in), while March is the driest with 63 mm (2.5 in).
How sunny is Nuuk?
Nuuk receives around 1,443 hours of sunshine per year. June is the sunniest month with 207 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 7 hours.
Nuuk 3-Day Forecast
Nuuk on the map
Nuuk is highlighted - select any city to see its climate.
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