Ilulissat in December
In December, Ilulissat averages -9°C (15°F) during the day and -15°C (4°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (26 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are deeply cold — proper winter gear is essential. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December in Ilulissat is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Ilulissat
December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Ilulissat (9th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 8°C below the annual average (-2°C). December runs 2°C cooler than November (-7°C) and cools 3°C in January (-13°C).
December daylight in Ilulissat
At 69° N latitude, Ilulissat experiences polar night — no direct sunlight in mid-December.
📅 When to book — Ilulissat in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Off-peak) and Ilulissat's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Ilulissat
This is off-peak for Ilulissat — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Ilulissat
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
🥶 Bitter cold — Ilulissat in December
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
Ilulissat in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -13°C / 9°F | -19°C / -2°F | 18 mm | 13 | — |
| February | -14°C / 6°F | -21°C / -6°F | 11 mm | 10 | — |
| March | -11°C / 12°F | -18°C / 0°F | 14 mm | 11 | — |
| April | -3°C / 26°F | -10°C / 14°F | 25 mm | 11 | — |
| May | 3°C / 38°F | -3°C / 27°F | 27 mm | 10 | — |
| June | 10°C / 49°F | 3°C / 38°F | 24 mm | 10 | — |
| July | 13°C / 56°F | 6°C / 43°F | 44 mm | 10 | — |
| August | 11°C / 51°F | 4°C / 40°F | 58 mm | 13 | — |
| September | 4°C / 40°F | -1°C / 30°F | 39 mm | 14 | — |
| October | -2°C / 28°F | -8°C / 18°F | 41 mm | 13 | — |
| November | -7°C / 19°F | -13°C / 8°F | 26 mm | 12 | — |
| December | -9°C / 15°F | -15°C / 4°F | 26 mm | 12 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Ilulissat in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Ilulissat in December?
In December, Ilulissat averages a high of -9°C (15°F) and a low of -15°C (4°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Ilulissat in December?
December can be fairly wet in Ilulissat, with about 12 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Ilulissat?
December is cold. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Ilulissat in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Ilulissat for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.