Greenland’s three seasons

Many other countries have a winter and a summer season, but in Greenland we actually have three.

Our spring season
After a long winter, the sun and light return during the first few months of the year, and in March and April it is time to harness up the dogs and ready the sled. Dog sledding can be experienced from Sisimiut and further north up the west coast of Greenland and in East Greenland in Tasiilaq and Ittoqqortoormiit. Spring is also the period in which the Nuuk Snow Festival is hosted in the capital and the Arctic Circle Race, the world’s toughest cross-country skiing race, is held in Sisimiut.

Our summer season
By June the ice has melted in the fjords, and as a result boat trips to glaciers, settlements and sites of historical interest are once again available all over the country. The summer, which often runs all the way into September, is Greenland’s high season. People go sailing in the fjords, the flora is spectacular and the icebergs can be seen in the vicinity of the active glaciers. The periods just before and just after the calendar summer – i.e. May and September – are two relatively overlooked months for travelling in Greenland, when the climate can be surprisingly mild in a period in which transport timetables are still offering high season services.

Our winter season
If you want to experience the real Arctic nature, then come to Greenland between November and February. At this time of year, better than at any other, you can see the spectacular northern lights. The dark winter sky and the cold, clear Arctic air provide the optimum conditions in which to experience this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.

The winter months also offer dogsled and snowmobile tours in the snow-covered landscape, which, when darkness falls under a clear sky, is illuminated by the moonlight and the glow of the stars reflected by the snow.
During the winter period the warmth and hospitality of the local population is even more welcome, and the well-reputed Greenlandic coffee warms any thirsty palate.