"Ilulissat - Ikerasaaq | Ilulissat - The Icebergs"
About:
Ilulissat, Greenland, founded as Jakobshavn in 1741, is the third-largest city in Greenland. It's known for the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its economy is based on fishing, tourism, and an increasing interest in minerals. The town has a history of Inuit habitation dating back over 4,000 years. In the 19th century, it became a base for Danish and American explorers. Today, Ilulissat is a significant location for climate change research.
When to visit:
Ilulissat, located in western Greenland, is best visited during the summer months of June to August. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures, ranging from 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. Travelers can witness the stunning midnight sun phenomenon, where the sun remains visible throughout the night. Additionally, summer is the ideal time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord and witness the majestic icebergs breaking off from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier.
When to avoid:
Ilulissat, a popular holiday destination in Greenland, experiences harsh winter conditions making it the worst time to travel to the region. The period between November and February sees extremely low temperatures, limited daylight hours, and frequent snowstorms. Travel during this time can be challenging due to icy conditions and reduced accessibility to outdoor attractions. Visitors are advised to plan their trip to Ilulissat during the summer months when the weather is milder, and activities such as boat tours to the nearby ice fjord are more enjoyable.
"Winter (Oct-Apr)"
Ilulissat, Greenland, is coldest from December to February, with average temperatures ranging from -10 to -20°C. Snowfall is frequent, and daylight is scarce, with the sun barely peeking over the horizon. The town is often blanketed under a thick layer of snow, with the skies usually overcast. Despite the harsh weather, the breathtaking Northern Lights often light up the sky. For a visitor, an average day would involve bundling up in warm clothing, enjoying winter activities like dog-sledding, and watching the spectacular Aurora Borealis.
"Midnight Sun Season (June-August)"
In Ilulissat, Greenland, the warmest part of the year is the summer, specifically July and August. During this time, the average high temperature is around 10°C (50°F), while the average low is approximately 4°C (39°F). Rainfall is relatively low, with an average of 30-50mm falling over the course of 7-10 days per month.
The summer season in Ilulissat is also marked by its long daylight hours due to the phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun. This means that the sun is visible for almost 24 hours a day, providing plenty of sunlight.
Humidity is generally low, ranging between 70-80%, and the sky is often partially cloudy, with cloud cover around 60-70%.
For a visitor, a typical summer day in Ilulissat would start off chilly in the morning and gradually warm up, though it rarely feels hot. The weather is generally mild and comfortable, perfect for outdoor activities. Despite the long hours of daylight, the sun is not particularly intense due to Ilulissat's high latitude. The presence of clouds can also provide some cover from the sun. It's important to carry rain gear, as showers can occur. Overall, summer in Ilulissat offers a unique experience with its cool temperatures and continuous daylight.
Language:
In Ilulissat, the most commonly spoken language is Greenlandic, also known as Kalaallisut. This language is an Eskimo–Aleut language, closely related to the Inuit languages in Canada. Danish is also widely spoken due to Greenland's historical ties with Denmark. English is increasingly used in tourism and international trade.