Discover the Climate of Greenland: A Guide to Weather and Seasons

Are you planning a trip to Greenland or just curious about its climate? In this article, we will explore everything related to the climate of Greenland. You will discover all the information you need to know about the temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns of this magnificent country. So, let us dive in!

Location and Geographical characteristics

Greenland is the world’s largest island, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, with a total area of about 2.16 million square kilometers. It shares borders with the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the south, the Norwegian Sea to the east, and the Baffin Bay and Davis Strait to the west. Greenland is part of the North American continent and has a narrow coastline, comprising about one-tenth of its total area.

The country’s highest point is the ice-covered summit of Gunnbjørn Fjeld, at 3,700 meters. The island’s interior is covered mostly by ice, with only a few mountains and introduced wildlife from inhabiting the land.

Climate of Greenland

Greenland’s climate is entirely arctic, with short and cool summers and long and freezing winters. Even though its exposure to the Atlantic Ocean helps to regulate the temperature, being so close to the North Pole creates an entirely different climatic situation, with the weather being cold and dry throughout the year.

What is the climate in Greenland? It is important to note that the climate of Greenland depends significantly on its geographical location and the presence of large ice sheets covering most of the country. In general, Greenland is mainly cold and arid, with average annual temperatures hovering around -10°C or -14 °F. The country experiences two main climates: The east coast has a tundra climate, which is cold and dry, while the west coast has a subarctic climate, which is relatively mild and humid.

Winter

Typically, the winter season starts in October and lasts until April. January is the coldest month, with average temperatures in the capital city of Nuuk being -10°C or 14°F. The mean temperature on the coast can be lower than -30°C or -22°F, while in the mountains, it can drop to as low as -40°C or -40°F. Although winters are long, they are dry, with little precipitation.

Summer

Summer in Greenland begins in June and lasts till September. While the weather is cool, average temperatures are above freezing point, with the temperature hovering around 5°C or 41°F. The maximum temperature can reach a high of 10°C or 50°F, and the minimum temperature can drop to as low as -6°C or 21°F. Similarly, summers are relatively dry, with occasional showers and rain falling mostly on the west coast.

In general, the weather in Greenland is turbulent, with frequent storms and clouds that can move in without warning. Strong winds can whip across the icy landmass, reaching hurricane strengths, which can have consequences for inland activities.

Conclusion

Greenland is known for its climate, which is arctic and cold throughout the year. Though temperatures can vary by region, the interior is covered mostly by ice, and the coastal regions experience harsh weather with strong winds. Greenland is home to some of the world’s largest glaciers, and the impact of global warming can be seen in the shrinking size of the ice cap.

If you’re planning a trip to Greenland, it’s imperative to pack warm clothing, durable shoes, and learn about the weather patterns of the region. I hope this article answered your question, “What is the climate in Greenland?” and provided you essential information on this fascinating country.