Climate Overview
The climate in Ilulissat is cold. The average annual temperature is -4°C and approximately 368mm of precipitation falls per year. August is the wettest month, receiving around 57mm of rainfall. Ilulissat is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: July, August, June. The coldest months are February, January, March, when temperatures can drop to -20°C. Snowfall occurs from January to December, with around 170cm accumulating over the season.
Temperature
Temperatures in Ilulissat vary considerably across the year, with a 34°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. July is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 14°C with a mean of 10°C. February brings the harshest conditions, with lows dropping to -20°C and an average temperature of -17°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 6°C between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between March and April, with a 8°C shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Ilulissat is a quite dry location, receiving approximately 368mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 31mm per month. The wettest month is August, averaging 57mm of rainfall. July and September also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is February, with just 9mm. That's 48mm less than August, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic. Snowfall is a regular feature from January to December, with around 170cm accumulating over the season. October typically sees the most snow at around 28cm.
Wind
Ilulissat is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 9km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is December, averaging 11km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in August, with average winds dropping to 8km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 3km/h between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
87 days until Winter
It is currently autumn in Ilulissat, which began on September 23, 2026. Ilulissat is in the Northern Hemisphere, where spring begins in March, summer in June, autumn in September, and winter in December. The warmest period peaks in July at around 14°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in February near -20°C. Winter is next, beginning on December 21, 2026 (87 days from now).
Spring
Temperatures range from -17 to 4°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 61mm over the season and a monthly average of 20mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 9km/h. Light layers work well as temperatures warm through the season. It is a great time to be outdoors.
Summer
Temperatures range from 4 to 14°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 139mm over the season and a monthly average of 46mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 9km/h. Comfortable clothing with a light layer for cooler evenings is all you need.
Autumn
Temperatures range from -13 to 5°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 119mm over the season and a monthly average of 40mm. Expect around 62cm of snow accumulation during this period. Winds are generally light, averaging 9km/h. Layered clothing works best as temperatures gradually cool. Enjoy the crisp air and changing scenery.
Winter
Temperatures range from -20 to -10°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 49mm over the season and a monthly average of 16mm. Expect around 47cm of snow accumulation during this period. Winds are generally light, averaging 10km/h. Heavy layering and insulated outerwear are essential. Exposed skin should be minimised outdoors.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Ilulissat based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Snow is measured in centimetres (cm) and reflects average monthly snowfall accumulation. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.
