The Best Times to Visit Greenland

When Is the Best Time to Visit Greenland?

The best time to travel to Greenland is generally between June and August, when temperatures are milder, daylight is nearly constant, and travel conditions are the most accessible. This is peak season for cruises, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
That said, Greenland can be visited year-round depending on your interests:

• Summer is ideal for outdoor activities and cruises
• Autumn is best for fewer crowds and the return of the Northern Lights
• Winter is perfect for aurora viewing and dog sledding
• Spring offers snow activities with increasing daylight

Because Greenland is vast, temperatures vary by region. Southern areas are milder, while northern regions can drop well below freezing. Summer temperatures usually range between 5°C and 20°C (41–68°F).

Visiting Greenland by Season

Spring (March–May)
Spring marks the return of daylight and the end of deep winter.
This is a great time for snow-based activities such as dog sledding and snowmobiling. Northern Lights can still be seen in March, especially in western Greenland. Daylight increases quickly, and travel conditions begin to improve.
Best for:

• Dog sledding
• Late-season Northern Lights
• Fewer visitors

Summer (June–September)
Summer is the best time to visit Greenland for most travelers.
This season brings long daylight hours, accessible coastlines, and the widest range of activities. Wildlife is active, fjords are open, and cruises operate at full capacity.
Highlights include hiking, kayaking, whale watching, and visiting the Ilulissat Icefjord. Late summer is especially good for spotting whales along the west coast.
Travelers should be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in July and August.

Autumn (September–October)
Autumn is short but rewarding. September offers a balance between daylight and darkness, making it one of the best months to visit Greenland.
This is the final window for cruises and the beginning of the Northern Lights season. Fewer travelers and dramatic autumn landscapes make it a favorite for photographers.

Winter (November–February)
Winter is ideal for travelers seeking Arctic experiences.
Temperatures drop well below freezing, and daylight hours are limited, especially in the north. However, this is the best time for Northern Lights viewing and dog sledding.
Winter travel requires more planning, but rewards visitors with dramatic scenery and unique cultural experiences.

Best Time to Visit Greenland by Activity

Northern Lights in Greenland

Greenland is one of the best destinations in the world to see the aurora borealis. Clear skies, minimal light pollution, and long winter nights create ideal conditions.
The best months for Northern Lights viewing are from September through April. Popular viewing areas include Kangerlussuaq, Disko Bay, and Nuuk. Summer is not suitable for aurora viewing due to continuous daylight.

Midnight Sun and Polar Night

During summer, parts of Greenland experience continuous daylight, known as the midnight sun. In northern regions, the sun may not set from late April through August.
In contrast, winter brings polar night, when the sun does not rise for weeks in northern areas. Southern Greenland still receives limited daylight during this period.

Wildlife Viewing Seasons

• Musk ox: year-round in western Greenland
• Arctic fox: year-round
• Whales: July to September
• Narwhals: July to September
• Walrus: year-round in select regions
• Polar bears: rare, primarily in northern Greenland

Tips for Choosing the Best Time to Go to Greenland

• Consider daylight hours, which vary dramatically by season
• Book flights and cruises early, especially in summer
• Dress in layers for rapidly changing weather
• Cruises operate only from June to early autumn
• May and September offer fewer crowds and good value