You know that feeling when winter has gone on just a little too long, and then one day you step outside and something has shifted? The air feels different, lighter somehow. That is what summer arriving in Greenland feels like. Except here, the whole world seems to wake up at once.
Summer in Greenland arrives with a burst of excitement in June and lasts until early September. After eight long winter months the snow finally melts, and suddenly the landscape takes on a whole new colour and light. The mountains turn green, flowers bloom across the hillsides, and waterfalls trickle their way down the rocks. The wildlife comes out too. Whales break the surface of the sea while birds fill the air above. Greenland’s long winters make the summer season all the more vibrant when it finally comes.
The towns and villages hum with summer energy as people enjoy the warmer weather and the daylight that seems to go on forever.
The magic of the midnight sun
The midnight sun is a famous phenomenon that fills many visitors with awe. For people living close to the Arctic Circle, it is simply part of the yearly cycle. Even so, every spring there is a quiet excitement as the days grow rapidly longer. The feeling those long days and late evening light bring is hard to put into words. It fills your heart with the beauty of life. Yes, it sounds like a cliché, but that really is the feeling. You will simply have to experience it for yourself.
In East Greenland, the midnight sun can be experienced throughout June and July. By mid-August the nighttime darkness begins to return, bringing with it the first chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
Summer weather in East Greenland
The weather is of course another defining feature of the summer season. Summers here are colder than most places. But you might be surprised how warm a sunny day can actually feel, thanks to the dry climate.
In July, daytime temperatures typically range between 7°C and 13°C (45°F to 55°F), with nights between 4°C and 8°C (39°F to 46°F). Calm, sunny weather is often the norm, so it tends to feel warmer than the numbers suggest. That said, rain and wind are always possible, so it is wise to pack for the worst. Proper storms are rare in summer, but the weather can change.
By late August, dark nights return and temperatures can dip to freezing overnight.
The mosquitos…
The only downside to summer in East Greenland? The mosquitos. They are very much real and very much present. Just don’t forget to pack your mosquito repellent:)
But all things considered, summer in East Greenland is a truly magical season. The light, the nature, the wildlife and the energy of the place all come together in a way that is hard to find anywhere else. If you are thinking about visiting, July and August are the sweet spot. Come and see for yourself.
