When to go · Nuuk
Nuuk in December
Mixed month. Polar-night light; holiday travel fills flights.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- −3°C27°F / −8°C18°F
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 11
- Crowds
- Low
- Greenland overall
- Prices
- Medium
- Greenland overall
Verdict
Polar-night light; holiday travel fills flights.
Weather in December
- NuukHighs around -3 °C, lows around -8 °C, rain on about 11 daysHighs around 27 °F, lows around 18 °F, rain on about 11 days
- Nuuk and the southwest coast, Greenland · Nuuk, Maniitsoq, Paamiutcool
Maritime: winters around −8 °C, summers 5–10 °C; fog and wind can ground flights any time.Maritime: winters around 18 °F, summers 41–50 °F; fog and wind can ground flights any time.
Winter season
Snow, northern lights, calm cold days and short light.
Watch: Few tours, shorter hours and ice.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Christmas
24–26 December · Nuuk
Families gather; shops, restaurants and tours close.
Midwinter
21 December · Nuuk
The shortest day, about four hours of daylight.
Northern lights season
Sep–Mar
Evening tours sell out on clear nights.
Short days and dark
Nov–Feb
Fewer tours and shorter museum hours; northern lights on clear nights.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Greenland overall
- Low
- Prices · Greenland overall
- Medium
Greenland overall: Polar night in Ilulissat; Christmas at home; limited flights.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket