The best time to travel in Greenland

The summer is the best time to discover Greenland, avoiding temperatures which are too low in the coldest months. Choose spring to practice snow sports.

At a glance

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The best period to go to Greenland is short: we advise you to go between June and August, the island's high season. You will be (a little) less cold in the North, and will able to make the most of the only moment where the South is not iced over. Don't be too scared of the cold though: as Greenland's climate is so dry, low temperatures are not paralysing.

The South

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Greenland's south coast is the only part of the island which is free from ice during the summer: therefore go there between June and August for the high season. And if the ice doesn't bother you, you can go there between May and September: it's actually the hottest part of the country. Temperatures can rise to around 10 degrees in summer, and at that time the climate is almost pleasant.

The East

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Favour the months of June to August to go to the East of Greenland: this way, you'll perhaps benefit from temperatures above zero! The climate of this region is very dry and is characterised by quite a violent wind. Cover yourself up, and choose the summer to discover this region, unless you want to ski in which case go in spring.

Snow sports holidays

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Choose spring to benefit from the best climatic conditions to practice skiing, helicopter skiing on glaciers, as well as trips in dog sleds. You can also attend the Arctic Circle Race, the toughest skiing race in the world, the golf World Championships, or even the Snow Sculpture Festival in Nuuk.

Cruise holidays

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Exploring Greenland by boat is an unforgettable experience. You will navigate between icebergs of all sizes, and you will also spend time on the deck: it's actually your only chance to spot humpback whales close up. You should also come across seal colonies in your path. Let yourself be impressed by nature's show. Go preferably between June and August.

The West

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It's best to go in summer to discover the West of Greenland. Temperatures there are actually very low, and can fall to -30 degrees in winter! The climate there is cold and dry, and the wind blows throughout the whole year. Choose summer then to make your trip more pleasant, or spring for snow sports.

Tiphaine Leblanc

11 contributions

Updated 26 October 2018

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