Climate & Weather Guide · GreenlandClimate & Weather Guide in Greenland
Climate zones, seasonal temperatures, rainfall patterns, and best travel times
Greenland has an Arctic and subarctic climate shaped by its high latitude, vast ice sheet, and strong coastal contrasts. The interior ice sheet is extremely cold and dry, while coastal settlements are milder but still cool, windy, and highly seasonal. Based on the 1991-2020 climatology and Greenland's geography, residents should expect short, cool summers, long winters, frequent storms along exposed coasts, and very limited warm-season comfort outside the south. The country is large and climatically diverse enough to require multiple regional zones, but most inhabited areas remain cold year-round. Greenland's climate is generally classified as polar tundra with some ice cap conditions and limited subarctic coastal pockets.
Summer Average
0-10°C
Winter Average
-30-0°C
Climate Types
Polar tundra and Ice cap and Subarctic
50-800 mm
800-2,200 hrs/yr
60-85%
Regional Climate Variations
Southwestern Coastal Settlements
This is Greenland's mildest inhabited region, including areas around Nuuk and the southwest coast. Winters are still cold and snowy, but ocean influence keeps temperatures more moderate than elsewhere on the island. Summers are short and cool, with occasional days that feel pleasantly fresh rather than icy. Precipitation is higher here than in the dry interior because of maritime exposure, and weather can change quickly with cloud, wind, and fog. For residents, this region offers the best balance of access, livability, and relatively manageable winter severity.
Cold maritime weather with frequent wind, damp coastal air, and the most resident-friendly climate in Greenland.
Western and Central Coastal Belt
The western and central coasts have a true Arctic coastal climate with long cold seasons and short summers. Sea ice, wind, and moving low-pressure systems strongly shape daily weather, making temperatures feel colder than the thermometer suggests. Summer warmth is limited, but this zone is still among the more practical parts of Greenland for year-round settlement because of marine access and established towns. Snow cover lasts much of the year, and shoulder seasons can be unsettled with rain, sleet, or wet snow.
A cold, windy coastal climate with short thaw periods and frequent weather shifts between snow, sleet, and drizzle.
Eastern and Southeastern Coasts
The east and southeast coasts are colder and stormier than the southwest, with stronger exposure to Atlantic weather systems and rugged terrain that can intensify local climate contrasts. Snowfall and freezing conditions are common for most of the year, and marine weather can be harsh for transport and outdoor work. Summer is brief and cool, with only limited opportunities for warmth. For expats, this zone can feel more remote and demanding, but coastal communities benefit from sea access and dramatic scenery.
A raw maritime Arctic climate with frequent storms, icy winds, and long stretches of cold weather.
Northern Arctic Coast
Northern Greenland is one of the harshest inhabited environments, with very long winters, limited summer thaw, and persistent cold. The climate is firmly polar, with low sunshine in winter, frequent snow cover, and very short periods when temperatures rise above freezing. Conditions are especially challenging for permanent residence because of isolation, sea ice, and limited infrastructure. Even in summer, the air remains crisp and cold, and the season is too brief to provide much agricultural or recreational comfort.
Severe polar conditions with long dark winters, minimal thaw, and one of the most challenging climates for daily life.
Interior Ice Sheet
The interior is dominated by the Greenland Ice Sheet and has an ice cap climate with extreme cold, very low humidity, and minimal snowfall by volume. Although it is an icy desert rather than a wet one, snow accumulation and persistent freezing conditions define the environment. Summer temperatures remain well below the comfort level for habitation, and winter conditions are severe even by Arctic standards. This zone is not suitable for normal residential life and is primarily relevant for research, expeditions, and scientific operations.
An ice cap environment with intense cold, extreme dryness, and conditions far beyond typical settlement comfort.
Greenland's climate is overwhelmingly cold, but coastal regions vary enough to matter for residents and expats: the southwest is the mildest and most practical, while the north and interior are far harsher. The island is best suited to people who can tolerate long winters, strong winds, and short cool summers, with the most livable conditions concentrated in a few coastal settlements.
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