Last updated: August 21, 2025
May in Ilulissat, Greenland offers a striking contrast in temperatures, ranging from a maximum of 19°C (66°F) to a minimum of -17°C (1°F), with an average hovering around 1°C (34°F). This month is characterized by a relatively low precipitation amount of 13 mm (0.5 in), falling over just three days, making it a relatively dry time of year. The atmosphere remains notably humid at 87%, contributing to the unique, brisk feel of spring in this stunning Arctic destination. Whether you're drawn to the glacial landscapes or the vibrant wildlife, May offers an intriguing glimpse into the raw beauty of Ilulissat.
In May, Ilulissat, Greenland, experiences a noticeable shift as temperatures begin to rise, painting a picture of transition from the harsh winter months. With a minimum of -17°C (1°F) and an average hovering around 1°C (34°F), the essence of spring is evident. As the days lengthen, the maximum temperature can reach a delightful 19°C (66°F), inviting locals and visitors to enjoy the stunning landscapes. This month marks a significant improvement compared to the biting cold of earlier months, setting the stage for a warmer summer season. With the glaciers starting to melt and wildlife awakening, May is a vibrant time where the chill of winter fades, leaving room for the freshness of spring to emerge in all its glory.
In May, Ilulissat, Greenland experiences a relatively modest precipitation total of 13 mm (0.5 in), falling on just 3 days throughout the month. This is a slight decrease from the previous month, April, which recorded 28 mm (1.1 in) over 7 days, indicating a trend toward drier conditions as spring progresses. Following this pattern, overall precipitation begins to ramp up again leading into the summer months, with June seeing an increase to 24 mm and more rainy days. This transition underscores the gradual shift from the crisp dryness of early spring to the wetter conditions of summer, creating a dynamic and evolving climate landscape in Ilulissat during this time of year.
In May, humidity in Ilulissat, Greenland remains steady at 87%, aligning with the preceding months of April and February, which also showcase similar moisture levels. This consistency hints at a relatively stable climate as spring transitions towards summer. The humidity begins to decline slightly in the early summer months, where June reports 84%, followed closely by July at 82%, indicating a shift as warmer temperatures begin to dominate the landscape. Despite this, August sees a resurgence in humidity, peaking back up to 90%, suggesting the influence of lingering summer warmth and seasonal changes. Overall, the humidity trends throughout the year in Ilulissat reflect the region's unique climatic conditions, characterized by high moisture in the winter and fluctuating levels as the seasons evolve.
In May, Ilulissat experiences a noticeable increase in the UV Index, which reaches a moderate level of 4. This rise signals a shift from the previous months, where UV exposure was largely low to moderate, peaking at 3 in April. As the days grow longer and the sun's intensity increases, visitors should be mindful with a burn time of just 30 minutes. This trend continues into June and July, where the UV Index remains at 5 and 4, respectively, emphasizing the importance of sun protection as summer approaches. For a detailed look at how UV levels fluctuate throughout the year, check out the Ilulissat UV Index.
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As May unfolds in Ilulissat, Greenland, residents and visitors alike are greeted with the blooming brightness of longer days, basking in an impressive 423 hours of sunshine. This marks a significant increase from earlier months, reflecting a steady ascent from the mere 13 hours in January to a sun-soaked high that heralds the transition to summer. The steadfast climb in sunlight hours reaches its peak in June, with 426 hours, before gradually waning in the subsequent months. This vibrant month not only captures the essence of melting snow and blooming landscapes but also symbolizes a rejuvenating awakening, inviting exploration of the wonderful Arctic beauty that lies ahead.
In Ilulissat, Greenland, the likelihood of sunny weather experiences some fluctuations throughout the year. While May offers a 36% chance of sunshine, this figure is slightly lower than the preceding months of January through April, where probabilities hover around the 30-54% range. Interestingly, the trend shifts in the upcoming months; by June, the chance of sunny days increases to 39%, and peaks further in September at 58%. Thus, while May might not present the sunniest conditions, it serves as a transitional month leading into brighter days ahead as summer approaches.
In Ilulissat, Greenland, the arrival of May heralds a remarkable shift in daylight hours, with the sun gracing the landscape for 21 hours each day. This increase is part of a striking trend that begins in January with a mere 5 hours of daylight, gradually climbing through the months. By March, the days lengthen significantly to 11 hours, and as April unfolds, the 16 hours of sunlight prepare residents for the near-constant daylight of summer. The transition into June brings the stunning phenomenon of 24 hours of sunlight, a breathtaking experience that continues until July. As summer wanes, daylight begins to recede, transitioning to 17 hours in August and dwindling further to 13 hours in September. This gradual descent into darkness culminates in the depths of winter, where December receives no sunlight at all. The daylight fluctuations throughout the year in Ilulissat vividly illustrate the dynamic interplay between the earth's tilt and the shifting seasons.
In May, Ilulissat experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 3.0 m/s (7 mph), maintaining a pleasant atmosphere as spring unfolds. This slight increase from April’s 3.1 m/s (7 mph) indicates a seasonal shift towards milder conditions, yet it remains fairly consistent, reflecting the overall stability of wind patterns in this stunning region. As the summer months approach, wind speeds generally taper off, suggesting a transition towards more tranquil weather. Compared to the winter months, where winds are notably calm, May serves as a precursor to the summer's more subdued breezes, inviting residents and visitors alike to savor the serene beauty of the Ilulissat landscape.
Weather in Ilulissat varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Ilulissat, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In contrast to the icy embrace of January, which sees temperatures plunge to a minimum of -31°C (-24°F) and an average of -16°C (4°F), May offers a more temperate climate with a minimum of -17°C (1°F) and an average of 1°C (34°F). While January experiences a higher precipitation of 19 mm (0.7 in) over five days, the milder May typically receives only 13 mm (0.5 in) across three days, reflecting the transition toward warmer weather. Additionally, January's humidity stands at 90%, slightly higher than May's 87%, yet the chilly air of January creates a more biting cold. For a more detailed look at the January weather in Greenland, you can visit Ilulissat weather in January.
Comparing the weather in May and February reveals a significant shift in temperatures and conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of -17°C (1°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), with an average of around 1°C (34°F). This month experiences 13 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation over three days and a humidity level of 87%. In stark contrast, February features much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -34°C (-30°F) and a maximum of 0°C (33°F), averaging -18°C (0°F). Precipitation is slightly lower at 9 mm (0.4 in) over just two days, while humidity remains 86%. The drastic difference between these two months highlights the transition from the depths of winter to the early warmth of spring. For more detailed insights about February's weather in Ilulissat, you can visit Ilulissat weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, May presents a significantly milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -17°C (1°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), while March experiences much colder conditions, with a minimum of -35°C (-30°F) and a maximum of 5°C (41°F). Precipitation is slightly lower in May, totaling 13 mm (0.5 in) over 3 days, compared to March's 19 mm (0.7 in) over 4 days. Additionally, humidity remains high in both months, with May at 87% and March slightly higher at 91%. For more detailed insights, you can check the Ilulissat weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, May experiences a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -17°C (1°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F). In contrast, April is notably colder, with temperatures dipping as low as -26°C (-14°F) and only reaching a maximum of 11°C (52°F). Additionally, May sees less precipitation, with only 13 mm (0.5 in) over 3 days, whereas April has a considerably higher precipitation of 28 mm (1.1 in) across 7 days. Interestingly, both months share the same high humidity level of 87%, but the milder conditions in May suggest a transition towards more spring-like weather. For more detailed information about April's weather, check out Ilulissat weather in April.
In May, the weather is characterized by a wide temperature range, with minimums dropping to -17°C (1°F) and maximums peaking at 19°C (66°F), while the average hovers around 1°C (34°F). Precipitation is relatively low at 13 mm (0.5 in) over just 3 days, and humidity remains high at 87%. In contrast, June brings a notable warm-up, featuring minimum temperatures of -1°C (30°F) and maximums reaching 22°C (72°F), with an average of 8°C (46°F). However, the month sees increased precipitation at 24 mm (0.9 in) over 5 days and slightly lower humidity at 84%. For more specific details on June weather, visit Ilulissat weather in June.
In May, the weather exhibits a more pronounced chill, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -17°C (1°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F) and an average temperature of just 1°C (34°F). The month sees limited precipitation, with only 13 mm (0.5 in) over three days and a relatively high humidity level of 87%. In contrast, July experiences milder conditions, with temperatures increasing significantly, recorded between 0°C (33°F) and 23°C (73°F), and an average of 10°C (50°F). However, July is wetter, receiving 52 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over seven days and slightly lower humidity at 82%. For more detailed information, refer to Ilulissat weather in July.
In comparing the weather of May and August, we can observe significant differences in temperature and precipitation. May experiences a much wider temperature range, with a minimum of -17°C (1°F) and a maximum of 19°C (66°F), yielding a chilly average of 1°C (34°F). In contrast, August boasts milder conditions, particularly with higher maximum temperatures reaching 24°C (76°F) and a warmer average of 8°C (47°F). Additionally, precipitation levels in August are notably higher at 52 mm (2.1 in) over 8 days, compared to May's modest 13 mm (0.5 in) across just 3 days. Humidity remains quite elevated in both months, hovering around 87% in May and increasing to 90% in August, contributing to a damp and humid environment. For more details on August weather in this region, you can visit Ilulissat weather in August.
In comparing the weather of May and September, both months exhibit a mean temperature around the freezing point, yet they differ significantly in their temperature extremes and precipitation levels. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of -17°C (1°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), with only light precipitation of 13 mm (0.5 in) over a mere three days. In contrast, September sees temperatures decrease, with a minimum of -13°C (10°F) and a maximum of 12°C (54°F), accompanied by notably heavier rainfall totaling 40 mm (1.6 in) across nine days. Despite the similarity in average humidity levels at 87%, September's weather tends to feel much wetter and chillier. For more specific information about the weather in September, you can visit Ilulissat weather in September.
In May, the weather in Ilulissat is characterized by a milder average temperature of 1°C (34°F), with minimums reaching -17°C (1°F) and maximums up to 19°C (66°F). The month experiences relatively low precipitation, with only 13 mm (0.5 in) over about three days, and humidity levels around 87%.
Conversely, October brings cooler conditions, with an average temperature of -4°C (25°F), while minimum temperatures can drop to -23°C (-10°F), and maximums only reach 11°C (52°F). Precipitation increases significantly to 38 mm (1.5 in) spread over seven days, accompanied by a slight rise in humidity to 89%. For a detailed look at the weather conditions in October, you can check Ilulissat weather in October.
May and November present markedly different weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -17°C (1°F) to a comfortable maximum of 19°C (66°F), with an average of around 1°C (34°F). The month sees relatively low precipitation at 13 mm (0.5 in) over just 3 days, and humidity is a bit high at 87%. In contrast, November experiences a more severe climate, with temperatures dipping as low as -27°C (-16°F) and peaking at only 9°C (48°F), leading to an average of -10°C (14°F). This month also records higher precipitation at 29 mm (1.2 in) over 7 days, along with an increased humidity level of 90%. For more details on November's weather, you can check Ilulissat weather in November.
In comparing the weather between May and December, significant differences in temperature and precipitation emerge. May experiences milder conditions with an average temperature of 1°C (34°F), ranging from a minimum of -17°C (1°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F). The month brings minimal precipitation, averaging just 13 mm (0.5 in) over only three days, with consistent humidity at 87%.
In contrast, December is much colder, with average temperatures dipping to -11°C (12°F), and extremes ranging from -27°C (-17°F) to 7°C (44°F). Precipitation is also higher in December, totaling 26 mm (1.0 in) across seven days while maintaining the same humidity level of 87%. For more details on December weather, visit Ilulissat weather in December.
As spring takes hold in Ilulissat, May brings a notable shift in weather, trading the biting chill of winter for milder temperatures that hint at summer's approach. With average highs reaching a comfortable 1°C (34°F) and occasional peaks hitting 19°C (66°F), outdoor adventures become more inviting, though the landscape still retains a touch of wintry charm with lows dipping to -17°C (1°F). While May experiences relatively low precipitation with only 3 days of rain, the high humidity at 87% can make the air feel brisk and fresh, marking a stark contrast to the harsher elements of previous months. For those eager to explore the unique climate of this region, insights can be found at Ilulissat Climate.