Best Time to Visit Greenland (Month-by-Month Guide)
Because in Greenland and in the Arctic in general, light changes everything
On a moody day, the Icefjord icebergs were incredibly bright
Greenland isn’t a “summer vs winter” destination. It’s:
• Ice vs open water
• Midnight sun vs polar night
• Hiking season vs sea ice season
• Ferry running vs ferry closed
We’ve experienced Greenland in spring — ferry between Nuuk and Ilulissat, iceberg-filled waters, long Arctic evenings — and the timing shaped every single part of the trip. And we’ve experienced every season in the Arctic. Here’s how to choose yours.
Your Greenland planning starts here: Explore hotels, apartments and things to do
In a hurry? Here’s the short answer
Even in April, don’t forget your sunglasses!
Best overall balance (hiking + boats + access): July–September
Best for midnight sun: June
Best for iceberg photography: June–August
Best for Northern Lights: September–March
Best for snow & Arctic winter landscapes: February–April
If you want flexibility and movement between towns, summer is the easiest.
If you want frozen drama, winter is unforgettable — but logistically tighter. You’ll also find cheaper prices in spring and fall.
🐻❄️ Far north in Greenland, the ice is home to polar bears.
If you’d like to help protect them, Fahlo’s Polar Bear Bracelet supports polar research and lets you follow a real bear’s journey.
🐾 Use our link for 20% off your bracelet: Track a polar bear with Fahlo
Summer (June–August): Open water, midnight sun & ferry season
On a sunny day, Nuuk beach is pretty inviting (but the sea doesn’t get warm, believe me…)
This is Greenland’s most accessible season.
Summer means:
• Boat tours run regularly
• Arctic Umiaq Line ferry operates
• Hiking trails are snow-free
• Towns are fully accessible
• Midnight sun in June (especially north of the Arctic Circle)
Ilulissat in summer is pure scale — Disko Bay/Icefjord scattered with icebergs under golden light. Nuuk (read our Nuuk Travel Guide) feels lively and green by Arctic standards.
If you’re planning to combine destinations, summer gives you the most flexibility.
You can read more about how we structured our route in our Greenland Travel Guide, why it’s a good idea to combine Nuuk and Ilulissat, and how the ferry connects towns.
Who should go in summer?
• First-time Greenland travelers
• Multi-stop itinerary planners
• Photographers chasing ice + light
• Anyone wanting easier logistics
Downside? Higher prices and more visitors — though “crowded” in Greenland is relative.
September: Shoulder season gold
Autumn bring gold colors to the tundra. Here in Ilulissat.
September is underrated.
• Fewer visitors
• Northern lights season begins (check our Northern Lights Hub for tips)
• Sea routes still partially accessible
• Cooler, moodier landscapes
This is a strong compromise month if you want auroras but don’t want full winter logistics.
Winter (October–April): Snow, darkness & Arctic silence
Greenland — and the Arctic — in winter is not casual tourism. But it’s extraordinary.
• Landscapes turn fully snow-covered
• Sea ice can reshape coastal access
• Northern lights dominate the sky
• Tours shift from boats to sleds and snowmobiles
Ilulissat becomes particularly dramatic — frozen fjord, dog sledding routes, deep quiet (read our Ilulissat Travel Guide). But movement between towns is more limited. Ferry schedules change or stop a lot, and flights become more central.
Winter suits travelers who:
• Want snow certainty
• Prioritize northern lights (learn more about the best time to see the aurora)
• Are used to extreme cold and have some Arctic Travel experience (read our Arctic Travel Survival Guide)
• Don’t mind limited inter-town movement
• Prefer atmosphere over mobility
Spring (April–May): The transition
We had fun exploring drifted icebergs on Nuuk beaches (early May)
This is a tricky but fascinating period. We visited Greenland in late April/early May, as we found reasonable prices and wanted to get there before the launch of direct flights from New York to Nuuk airport.
It never got totally dark, the sun reflection on the iceberg at night was amazing, and we even got a snowfall. It was incredibly beautiful and eerie to see empty, snow-covered roads in Nuuk in plain daylight at midnight.
Expect:
• Some snow still present
• Longer daylight
• Fewer visitors
But conditions shift quickly — some winter activities wind down while summer access hasn’t fully ramped up.
Not sure what to wear? Check our Greenland Packing Guide.
Ice ice baby
We slept in Ilulissat with icebergs drifting just offshore — and even in April, it was very bright through the night due to the ice reflection. By June, darkness disappears north of the Arctic Circle.
So even if the sun technically dips below the horizon, it can still feel like late afternoon at 2 a.m.
If you’re visiting between April and July, bring a sleep mask, as blackout curtains are not really a thing in Nordic countries.
Pic: View from our rental cabin in Ilulissat late April (11pm)
Month-by-month overview
If you can, we strongly recommend taking the ferry to visit several towns — Here between Ilulissat and Nuuk in spring
Here’s the quick planner table.
Penguin Trampoline tip:
Any rescue operation in Greenland, and in the Arctic in general, can be very expensive. Our travel partner HeyMondo offers insurance that covers outdoor activities, and if you book through our link, you’ll get 5% off (up to 15% with seasonal offers).
Nuuk vs Ilulissat — Does timing matter?
In any season, expect some sea ice, unexpected weather shifts and magical Arctic light — Here from the ferry between Nuuk and Ilulissat in spring
Yes. Nuuk works year-round. It’s Greenland’s capital and more resilient to seasonal shutdown.
Ilulissat changes more dramatically:
• Summer = boat tours + floating ice
• Winter = frozen fjord + sledding
If you’re deciding between them, check our comparaison: Nuuk vs. Ilulissat.
And if you’re staying in the capital, explore our favorite hotels in Nuuk.
Find a hotel or apartment in Nuuk on the map below
Explore Ilulissat cabins and hotels with iceberg views on the map below
🌍 Plan Your Greenland Adventure
✈️ Find flights to Greenland — fly into Nuuk, Ilulissat, or Kangerlussuaq from Iceland or Denmark.
🚢 Book your Arctic Umiaq Line ferry — the most unforgettable way to see the coast.
🏨 Find hotels in Greenland — from iceberg-view lodges to colorful harbors.
🧭 Heymondo Travel Insurance (5–15% off) — reliable coverage for the world’s wildest weather.
🧳 Arctic gear— check our travel essentials on Amazon.
🐾 Fahlo Wildlife Bracelets (20% off) — track a real Arctic animal and stay connected to the north.
FAQ — Best time to visit Greenland
What is the best time to visit Greenland?
For most first-time travelers, mid-June to mid-September is the easiest and most flexible window. Boat tours run regularly, hiking trails are accessible, and you can move more easily between towns like Nuuk and Ilulissat.
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Greenland?
The Northern Lights season typically runs from mid-August through April, when nights are dark enough again. For strong aurora chances combined with winter landscapes, February–March is a particularly good balance.
When can you see the midnight sun in Greenland?
North of the Arctic Circle, you can experience true midnight sun. In places like Ilulissat, it typically runs from early June to mid-July, while farther north it lasts even longer.
What is the best time to visit Ilulissat for icebergs?
Icebergs are visible year-round, but June through August offers the best combination of open-water boat tours, long daylight hours, and access to Disko Bay. It’s the most flexible season for exploring the icefjord.
When is the best time to visit Greenland for whale watching?
Whale watching in West Greenland and Disko Bay is generally strongest from July to September, when humpbacks and other species are frequently spotted.
Is Greenland worth visiting in winter?
Yes — but it’s a different experience. February to April is often a sweet spot for winter landscapes, Northern Lights, and fewer visitors. Travel logistics are more limited than summer, but the atmosphere is powerful and quiet.
What is the cheapest time to visit Greenland?
Greenland is expensive year-round. Shoulder periods like September or late winter can offer better availability and sometimes slightly better value than peak summer, but “cheap” is relative here.
Can you visit Greenland without a cruise?
Yes — absolutely. You do not need a cruise to visit Greenland. You can fly into towns like Nuuk or Ilulissat and travel independently. In summer, the Arctic Umiaq Line coastal ferry connects several towns, making it possible to build a multi-stop itinerary without a cruise ship. We explain exactly how we did it here.
How many days do you need in Greenland?
For a first trip combining two destinations (for example Nuuk + Ilulissat), 7–10 days is ideal. If you stay in just one base, 4–6 days can still be meaningful.
Should I choose Nuuk or Ilulissat?
If you can, combine both. Nuuk offers culture, food, and capital-city energy. Ilulissat delivers iceberg-scale drama. If you’re deciding between them, use our comparison guide to choose based on season and travel style.
Greenland doesn’t have a “best month.” It has different versions of itself.
Summer is movement, winter is stillness, shoulder seasons are balance.
Choose based on what kind of Arctic you want to meet.
Ready to plan your Greenland adventure? Explore our dedicated guides:
🧭 Nuuk Travel Guide
🇬🇱 Greenland Travel Guide
🧊 Ilulissat Travel Guide
⛴ Greenland by Ferry
🇬🇱 Nuuk vs. Ilulissat (where to stay)
🏨 Best Hotels in Nuuk
🧳 Packing for Greenland
💸 How to travel cheaper in Greenland and anywhere else
And while you’re thinking about the best season to visit Greenland, listen to some Kalaallisut music:
