January Weather in Ilulissat, Greenland

Last updated: August 21, 2025

January in Ilulissat, Greenland, brings a stark yet captivating winter landscape, where temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -31°C (-24°F), contrasting with maximum highs reaching 7°C (44°F). The month features an average temperature of -16°C (4°F), inviting visitors to experience the chilly charm of this Arctic town. With 19 mm (0.7 in) of precipitation spread across 5 days, the air is often laden with 90% humidity, enhancing the ethereal quality of the snow-covered vistas. This unique climatic blend not only offers breathtaking scenery but also highlights the profound beauty of Greenland’s winter.

January Temperature in Ilulissat

In Ilulissat, Greenland, January experiences a biting chill, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -31°C (-24°F) at their lowest to a brisk 7°C (44°F) at the peak. This month showcases an average of -16°C (4°F), setting the tone for the deep winter prevalent in the region. As the season progresses into February, temperatures drop even further, reaching a stark minimum of -34°C (-30°F). However, by March, a slight warming trend emerges, with average temperatures hovering around -15°C (5°F), indicating the slow transition towards spring. The shift becomes more pronounced in April, as the landscape begins to thaw, bringing averages closer to -6°C (21°F), and signaling the gradual retreat of the harsh winter. This gradual increase throughout the subsequent months hints at the dramatic fluctuations in temperature that characterize life in this Arctic landscape, where the extremes are as breathtaking as they are daunting.

January Weather in Ilulissat: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Ilulissat, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Ilulissat, January typically has an average temperature of {2}°C ({3}°F), with highs reaching up to {4}°C ({5}°F) and lows dropping to around {6}°C ({7}°F).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4-15213446504734251411
Data source: Temperature data for Ilulissat generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Ilulissat

In January, Ilulissat experiences a modest precipitation of 19 mm (0.7 in), falling over approximately 5 days. This sets a tone of winter's lingering grip, as the precipitation levels remain relatively low compared to the milder months ahead. Notably, this month serves as a precursor to gradual increases in precipitation, peaking in July and August with 52 mm (2.1 in) each, highlighting the seasonal transition from the cold, dry winter to the warmer, wetter summer. As winter wanes and spring approaches, the subsequent months show a consistent increase, with April and June also reporting significant upticks, signaling the onset of melting ice and greater moisture availability in the atmosphere. Thus, January's relatively low but steady precipitation lays the groundwork for the dynamic weather patterns that follow in Ilulissat’s unique Arctic climate.

January Precipitation Trends in Ilulissat

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Ilulissat, with values for each month alongside January’s data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how January’s conditions compare to those of other months. In Ilulissat, January typically receives around {2} mm ({3} inches) of precipitation spread over approximately {4} days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec19919281324525240383026
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Ilulissat

In January, Ilulissat, Greenland, experiences a notably high humidity level at 90%, setting the tone for a winter characterized by moisture-laden air. This trend of elevated humidity continues into March, peaking again at 91%, while February shows a slight dip to 86%. As the seasons transition, humidity levels remain relatively stable throughout the spring, hovering around 87% in both April and May. The summer months bring a gradual decrease, with July hitting its lowest at 82%, before rising again in August to match January’s moisture levels. The year concludes with a return to higher humidity, closing out in November at 90%. Overall, the data highlights a pattern where humidity remains robust throughout the year, with only minor fluctuations, particularly during the winter and summer months.

January Average Humidity in Ilulissat

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Ilulissat, with January’s data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, helping you understand how conditions vary by season. In January, average humidity in Ilulissat is approximately {2}%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec90%86%91%87%88%84%82%90%87%89%90%87%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Ilulissat

In January, Ilulissat enjoys a low UV Index of 1, reflecting the region's wintery embrace, where sun exposure is minimal and the burn time lingers around 45 minutes. This pattern continues into February, maintaining the same level of protection as the sun's presence remains subdued. However, as March rolls in, the index edges up to 2, still categorized as low but marking the beginning of a gradual increase in sunlight. The transition into spring brings April and May, where the UV Index rises to moderate levels of 3 and 4, respectively, reducing burn time to 30 minutes as the days grow longer and the sun becomes more piercing. By June, the Index reaches its peak at 5, requiring additional sun safety measures. Post summer, July and August continue with a moderate index of 4, paving the way into a slight decrease in September, where it drops back to 3. Finally, October and November revert to a low UV Index of 1, offering a reprieve until December, when the Index dips to 0. This annual cycle in Ilulissat highlights the region's fluctuating sun exposure, making it essential for residents and visitors to stay informed about the UV Index trends throughout the year. For more detailed information, check out Ilulissat UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Ilulissat for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Ilulissat in January, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues. In January, the maximum UV index in Ilulissat typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec112345443110
Data source: Ilulissat January UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

January Sunshine in Ilulissat

In January, Ilulissat, Greenland experiences a mere 13 hours of sunlight, casting a long, twilight shadow over the stunning icy landscapes. However, as the month gives way to February, the sun's embrace begins to warm the frozen surroundings, escalating to 111 hours of light. The progression continues, with March bringing 215 hours, and by April, the sun nearly doubles its presence, shining for 310 hours. The days grow longer as May ushers in 423 hours of glorious daylight, peaking in June with 426 hours; sunlight graces almost every hour of the day. As summer surrenders to autumn, the hours gradually taper off: July sees 409 hours, while August offers a farewell glow with 362 hours. By September, the daylight dwindles to 248 hours, leading into October with 170 hours, and as November arrives, only 44 hours remain before the long, dark winter reigns. The cycle culminates in December, where 0 hours of sunlight envelops Ilulissat in a deep, serene darkness, a stark reminder of nature's rhythm in this majestic Arctic sanctuary.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Ilulissat: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Ilulissat experiences direct sunlight during the month of January, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of January with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec13h111h215h310h423h426h409h362h248h170h44h0h
Data source: Ilulissat January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Ilulissat During January

In Ilulissat, Greenland, the likelihood of sunny weather in January stands at a modest 37%, hinting at a mix of cloudy and clear days during this mid-winter month. Interestingly, while January enjoys a relatively stable chance of sunshine, it is outshone by February, which sees a significant uptick to 54%, suggesting that as winter progresses, the sun makes more frequent appearances. The trend continues into the spring months, with March and April both dipping back to 30%, before bouncing back in May to 36%. Overall, January's sun chances are emblematic of the region's wintry climate, yet the slight fluctuations throughout the early months indicate a gradual transition toward brighter days as the year unfolds.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Ilulissat

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Ilulissat throughout the year, with January highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Ilulissat experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec38%54%30%30%36%39%31%31%58%42%28%37%
Data source: Ilulissat January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Ilulissat in January

In Ilulissat, Greenland, January marks the beginning of a gradual increase in daylight, with just 5 hours illuminating the frigid landscape. As winter wanes, February brings 2 more hours, hinting at the longer days to come. March ushers in an impressive leap to 11 hours of daylight, as the sun's presence grows stronger, giving way to the exuberance of spring. By April, daylight extends to 16 hours, and May dazzles with 21 hours, reflecting the enchanting transformation of the Arctic environment. In June, the sun reigns supreme with a remarkable 24-hour daylight phenomenon, a true spectacle of nature. The trend begins to wane in July, where daylight slightly decreases to 23 hours, and continues its descent through August with 17 hours. By September, the Arctic nights creep back in with 13 hours of daylight, progressively reducing to 8 hours in October and just 6 hours in November. Finally, December plunges into darkness, offering no daylight at all, encapsulating the seasonal extremes of this stunning northern locale.

Average Daylight Hours in Ilulissat for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Ilulissat throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec5h 31m7h 28m11h 47m16h 10m21h 54m24h23h 19m17h 40m13h 10m8h 55m6h 47m
Data source: Ilulissat daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Ilulissat

In Ilulissat, Greenland, January ushers in the winter with an average wind speed of 2.8 m/s (6 mph), a gentle breeze that sets the stage for colder months ahead. Throughout the winter, the winds remain relatively consistent, only modestly fluctuating, with February's winds dropping to 2.7 m/s and March reaching a slightly calmer 2.6 m/s. As spring approaches in April, a noticeable shift occurs, with wind speeds increasing to 3.1 m/s (7 mph), hinting at the arrival of warmer temperatures. This trend continues into May but stabilizes as summer arrives in June, where the average returns to 2.8 m/s. Interestingly, the winds tend to taper off during the peak of summer, reaching a low of 2.3 m/s in August, before gradually climbing again as fall sets in. December surprises with a brisk 3.6 m/s (8 mph), making it the liveliest month, while the overall pattern reveals a rhythm of gentle breezes punctuated by seasonal shifts, painting a vivid picture of the Arctic's climatic dance.

Average January Wind Speed in Ilulissat

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Ilulissat, with values for each month shown alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how January's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2.8 m/s2.72.63.13.02.82.62.32.52.62.73.6
Data source: Ilulissat January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Ilulissat Compares to Other Months

Weather in Ilulissat varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Ilulissat, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.

In comparing the weather conditions of January and February, January typically experiences a milder average temperature, ranging from a minimum of -31°C (-24°F) to a maximum of 7°C (44°F), with an average of -16°C (4°F). This month also sees slightly higher precipitation levels at 19 mm (0.7 in) over 5 days, along with a humidity of 90%.

In contrast, February tends to be colder, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -34°C (-30°F) and only reaching a maximum of 0°C (33°F), resulting in an average temperature of -18°C (0°F). Precipitation is lower during this month, totaling 9 mm (0.4 in) spread across just 2 days, and humidity decreases to 86%.

For more detailed climate information, you can visit Ilulissat weather in February.

January and March present a striking contrast in temperatures, though both months exhibit frigid conditions. In January, the average temperature hovers around -16°C (4°F), with a maximum of 7°C (44°F), while March sees a slight drop, with an average of -15°C (5°F) and a maximum of 5°C (41°F). Interestingly, both months receive the same amount of precipitation at 19 mm (0.7 in), but January experiences it over five days compared to just four in March. Humidity levels are also quite similar, with January at 90% and March slightly higher at 91%. For more detailed insights, you can check Ilulissat weather in March.

In January, the weather is significantly colder, with average temperatures around -16°C (4°F) and a maximum of just 7°C (44°F). The month experiences high humidity at 90% and minimal precipitation, totaling 19 mm (0.7 in) over 5 days. In contrast, April brings a notable warming trend, with average temperatures rising to -6°C (21°F) and maximums reaching 11°C (52°F). Although it has slightly more precipitation at 28 mm (1.1 in) across 7 days, the humidity remains fairly high at 87%. For more details on April weather, check this link: Ilulissat weather in April.

In January, the weather is starkly cold, with temperatures dipping as low as -31°C (-24°F) and averaging around -16°C (4°F). The month sees 19 mm (0.7 in) of precipitation over about 5 days, coupled with high humidity at 90%. In contrast, May brings a significant temperature rise, with minimums around -17°C (1°F), averages reaching 1°C (34°F), and maximums soaring to 19°C (66°F). Precipitation decreases to 13 mm (0.5 in) but occurs over just 3 days, with humidity slightly lower at 87%. The transition from January's frigid atmosphere to May's milder climate is quite pronounced, as illustrated in Ilulissat weather in May.

In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -31°C (-24°F) and an average of -16°C (4°F), while the maximum only reaches 7°C (44°F). The month sees a relative humidity of 90% and experiences minimal precipitation of 19 mm (0.7 in) over five days. In stark contrast, June offers a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (30°F) to an average of 8°C (46°F) and a pleasant maximum of 22°C (72°F). Although June experiences slightly more precipitation at 24 mm (0.9 in), the humidity is lower at 84%, contributing to a more comfortable atmosphere. For more details, visit Ilulissat weather in June.

In January, the weather in Ilulissat is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -31°C (-24°F) and an average of -16°C (4°F), offering a stark contrast to July’s milder climate, where temperatures range from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to an average of 10°C (50°F) and can reach a maximum of 23°C (73°F). While January sees limited precipitation at 19 mm (0.7 in) over five days amid high humidity levels of 90%, July experiences more rainfall, totaling 52 mm (2.1 in) across seven days, although the humidity drops slightly to 82%. These differences highlight the seasonal extremes in Ilulissat, making January a time for frosty landscapes and July a season for moderate warmth and occasional showers. For more details on the weather in July, check out Ilulissat weather in July.

In January, the weather is starkly cold, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -31°C (-24°F) to a maximum of just 7°C (44°F). The average temperature hovers around -16°C (4°F), with the month experiencing about 19 mm (0.7 in) of precipitation over five days, all amidst a high humidity of 90%. In contrast, August brings a significant transformation with a much milder climate; temperatures range from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a pleasant maximum of 24°C (76°F), with an average of 8°C (47°F). Precipitation increases to 52 mm (2.1 in) over eight days while maintaining the same humidity level of 90%. For more detailed insights, you can check Ilulissat weather in August.

In January, the weather is harshly cold, with temperatures plunging to a minimum of -31°C (-24°F) and an average of -16°C (4°F), while precipitation is relatively low at 19 mm over just 5 days. The high humidity of 90% adds to the chilling atmosphere. In stark contrast, September sees a notable shift as temperatures rise to a minimum of -13°C (10°F) and an average of 1°C (35°F), with a maximum reaching 12°C (54°F). Precipitation increases to 40 mm spread over 9 days, and humidity levels decrease slightly to 87%. For more detailed insights, you can explore Ilulissat weather in September.

January exhibits much harsher conditions compared to October, with average temperatures plummeting to -16°C (4°F) and a chilling minimum of -31°C (-24°F). In contrast, October offers a milder climate, with average temperatures rising to -4°C (25°F) and a maximum of 11°C (52°F). Precipitation is also more pronounced in October, totaling 38 mm (1.5 in) over seven days, compared to January's 19 mm (0.7 in) over five days. Humidity levels remain relatively high during both months, hovering around 90%. For detailed weather insights, check Ilulissat weather in October.

January and November present stark contrasts in temperatures, despite their similar humidity levels of 90%. In January, the temperatures dip significantly lower, with a minimum of -31°C (-24°F) and an average of -16°C (4°F), while November is milder, featuring a minimum of -27°C (-16°F) and an average of -10°C (14°F). Additionally, November experiences slightly more precipitation, totaling 29 mm (1.2 in) over 7 days compared to January's 19 mm (0.7 in) over 5 days. For a closer look at November weather, you can check Ilulissat weather in November.

In comparing the weather of January and December, January typically experiences colder temperatures with an average low of -16°C (4°F) compared to December's average of -11°C (12°F). While both months share the same maximum temperature of 7°C (44°F), January sees a slightly lower minimum at -31°C (-24°F) versus December's -27°C (-17°F). Precipitation is more frequent in December, with 26 mm (1.0 in) falling over 7 days compared to January’s 19 mm (0.7 in) over just 5 days. Humidity levels are similar, with January at 90% and December at 87%. For more detailed insights on December weather, visit Ilulissat weather in December.

Compare Ilulissat's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Ilulissat

As January ushers in the depths of winter in Ilulissat, the weather presents a stark contrast to the milder months that precede and follow it. With temperatures plummeting to their lowest averages and a month marked by significant humidity, the atmosphere can feel quite brisk, especially against the backdrop of the often clear skies. Though precipitation is relatively low, the biting cold captures the essence of the Arctic winter. For those curious to explore the striking differences in seasonal weather patterns, more insights can be found in the detailed Ilulissat Climate.