Nuuk in December

Polar-night light; holiday travel fills flights.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

December is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• JuneGreatNear-24-hour light; boat trips and hiking; National Day on 21 June.
• JulyGreatWarmest month; insects near water; book hotels early.
• AugustGreatLong light, boat trips; northern lights return late in the month.
• SeptemberGoodAutumn colours; boat trips continue; fewer visitors.

• NuukHighs around -3 °C (27 °F), lows around -8 °C (18 °F), rain on about 11 daysHighs around 27 °F (-3 °C), lows around 18 °F (-8 °C), rain on about 11 days
• Nuuk and the southwest coast, Greenland · Nuuk, Maniitsoq, Paamiutcool

  Maritime: winters around −8 °C (18 °F), summers 5–10 °C (41–50 °F); fog and wind can ground flights any time.Maritime: winters around 18 °F (−8 °C), summers 41–50 °F (5–10 °C); fog and wind can ground flights any time.

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 · Greenland overall

Low

Prices · Greenland overall

Medium

Greenland overall: Polar night in Ilulissat; Christmas at home; limited flights.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Nuuk, side by side.

• 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

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