Greenland in Summer Guide

Of all the seasons in Greenland, summer is the best time to visit. It’s the season of the midnight sun when the skies stay light long into the night. And while it’s deep in the Arctic Circle, Greenland during summer is typically mild enough to be explored in comfort. 

In this guide, discover unique experiences that visitors to Greenland can enjoy in summer. 

• Uncover unforgettable adventures among these Greenland luxury tours.

1. Kayak, paddleboard, or swim between icebergs

Around Greenland’s coasts, the ice caps that cover this island crumble into the Arctic Ocean, scattering icebergs across the sea. In the summer months, visitors can paddle between these serene chunks of ice. 

Kayaks or paddle boards are one of the most thrilling options. Led by a knowledgeable guide and protected by warm, dry suits and life jackets, adventurers can enjoy their spectacular surroundings in safety and comfort.

Alternatively, the brave can even swim in the Arctic waters. Travellers can walk across icebergs in a thermal survival suit and jump into the water.

• Discover more unique adventures among our activities in Greenland and Iceland.

2. Catch local fish in the Arctic waters

In summer, local waters teem with fish that visit Greenland. The sea around Nuuk, the island’s capital, is one of the best spots for open-water fishing. You can catch wolffish, flounder, cod, halibut, and more.  

On a deep-sea fishing tour, visitors are guided to prime locations and supplied with all the equipment and skills they need. Then, they return to shore and learn to clean and dry the catch before settling down for a hearty seafood meal. 

3. Spot wildlife on Greenland’s seas

Throughout the warmer season, Greenland’s abundant fish stocks don’t just attract human visitors. During these months, whales travel to Greenland from the south in search of a feast.

You’ll have a chance to glimpse these magnificent creatures whenever you head to sea. On a sea-life tour through Disko Bay, the UNESCO Heritage Site, your captain and guide can take you to the best places to spot up to 15 species. 

Among the sea ice and expansive views, keep a lookout for dolphins, seals, and even eagles. 

• Explore these exclusive itineraries in Iceland and Greenland.

4. Discover Inuit culture in Kapisillit

For a taste of Inuit culture, visitors to Greenland can venture to the small village of Kapisillit, deep in the sea fjord, Nuup Kangerlua. It’s a settlement of just 50 people accessible only by boat or helicopter. 

The journey itself is breathtaking. When guests arrive, they can meet local families and participate in kaffemik – a local gathering involving coffee, cake, and other traditional delicacies. It’s an unforgettable insight into the local way of life. 

5. Go glamping in Greenland’s wilderness

Wake up to views over fjords and ancient mountains. Sleep and dine in comfort around a fire. Enjoy the silence of the Arctic wilderness. Visitors can do all this and more on a glamping trip in Greenland.

There are 2 exclusive camping destinations available in Greenland – Camp Kiattua and Disko Island. Each only has space for a maximum of 10 guests, making this an extra-special opportunity for a select few. 

Glamping promises an intimate and refined way to experience the outdoors. Alongside dazzling views from your luxury tipi, you’ll have every possible comfort, including hot showers, locally sourced meals, and guided activities. 

• Find other exclusive places to stay among these accommodation options.
• Related: Nine Worlds experiences in Iceland & Greenland.

6. Bask in the midnight sun

While Arctic winter is known for the northern lights, the summer is the season of the midnight sun. Otherwise known as the polar day, this is the time when the sun never drops below the horizon. This phenomenon allows visitors to enjoy light throughout the night from May to July. 

These longer days offer more time for unique adventures in Greenland’s outdoors. To experience these never-ending evenings is calming and rejuvenating. 

7. Hike on deserted islands, mountain peaks, and dramatic coastlines 

Exploring Greenland on foot is only really possible in the summer. Much of the snow melts during this season, revealing the rocky terrain beneath and opening paths between the coast and the Greenland Ice Sheet.  

Travelers to Iceland can explore the country’s many breathtaking hiking destinations. For instance, the island of Uummanaq, with its jagged rocky peak, is a hiker’s paradise, with views over the ice-strewn fjord.

Alternatively, from the Inuit village of Ilulissat, a trail follows the coast south to Sermermiut, a settlement site dating back thousands of years. 

Greenland summer weather

While Greenland is located almost entirely in the Arctic Circle, it’s not as cold as you might expect for a country at this latitude. Greenland receives the Gulf Stream, which brings milder air from the south in winter and summer. 

While winter in Greenland does tend to be snowy, average temperatures for the summer in Nuuk are as follows:

• May: 1.1°C (34°F)
• June: 4.7°C (41°F)
• July: 7°C (45°F)
• August: 6.7°C (44°F).

Of course, the climates in Greenland differ across the country. For instance, the fjord systems around the capital, Nuuk, can be frequently foggy and overcast. Meanwhile, east Greenland is known for its high winds. In the south of Greenland, you’re likelier to feel warmer temperatures than in the north.

Discover unique summer experiences in Greenland with Nine Worlds

In this guide, you’ve delved into some of the exclusive adventures available in Greenland in summer. With Nine Worlds, visitors to Greenland can enjoy all of these experiences and more. 

We’re a destination management company curating luxury itineraries for visitors to Greenland and Iceland. Based in Reykjavík, we offer private, fully customizable tours to suit each client’s preference. 

Contact us to learn more, and let us help you plan the perfect summer trip to Greenland.