Nuuk's climate is subarctic: cold winters (around -8°C average in February), mild summers (around 10°C average in July), and persistent wind much of the year. The sun does not set between approximately late May and late July, producing the phenomenon of the midnight sun, which is disorienting for the first few nights and then strangely addictive. Conversely, December sees only a few hours of twilight — no true sunrise.
Summer (June to September) is the most visited season: fjord tours run regularly, whale watching is possible, and the landscape is accessible. Winter (November to March) suits those specifically coming for the northern lights. The shoulder months — April to May and September to October — balance access, lower prices, and the chance of good weather. The new international airport has made Nuuk accessible year-round from Copenhagen, Reykjavik, and since 2024, from transatlantic points.