Kangerlussuaq in May

In May, Kangerlussuaq averages 7°C (45°F) during the day and 0°C (31°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (17 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

May in Kangerlussuaq 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.).

7°C
Avg high
0°C
Avg low
12
Rain days
17 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Kangerlussuaq

4th
warmest month of the 12
6th
wettest month of the 12
6%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
19 h 41 min
daylight on the 15th

May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Kangerlussuaq (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 8°C above the annual average (-1°C). May runs 9°C warmer than April (-2°C) and warms a further 7°C into June (14°C).

May sunrise & sunset in Kangerlussuaq

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
4:28 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
12:09 AM
Day length
19 h 41 min

Times shown for Kangerlussuaq local time (America/Nuuk), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Kangerlussuaq — May

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Kangerlussuaq's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
3:28 AM – 4:08 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
4:08 AM – 5:08 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
11:29 PM – 12:29 AM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
12:29 AM – 1:09 AM

📅 When to book — Kangerlussuaq in May

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 May's tier (Shoulder) and Kangerlussuaq's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.

Crowds & pricing — May in Kangerlussuaq

Shoulder

Kangerlussuaq is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Sun & mosquito risk — May in Kangerlussuaq

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
7.7
High
Cover up and apply SPF 30+ for any outdoor activity longer than 30 minutes.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●○○○○
Minimal
Occasional mosquitoes possible near standing water. Repellent rarely needed.

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.

🌬 Frosty nights — Kangerlussuaq in May

Snow days (typical)
0
days/month
Avg low
0°C
31°F
Avg day high
7°C
45°F

Gear: Cold nights, milder days. Light insulated jacket fine for daytime, real coat for after dark.

Kangerlussuaq in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January -15°C / 4°F -22°C / -8°F 10 mm 10
February -17°C / 2°F -24°C / -11°F 7 mm 7
March -11°C / 12°F -18°C / 0°F 8 mm 8
April -2°C / 29°F -9°C / 16°F 15 mm 9
May 7°C / 45°F 0°C / 31°F 17 mm 12
June 14°C / 57°F 6°C / 43°F 35 mm 15
July 18°C / 64°F 9°C / 48°F 46 mm 13
August 14°C / 58°F 7°C / 44°F 44 mm 14
September 6°C / 43°F 0°C / 33°F 36 mm 15
October -2°C / 29°F -7°C / 19°F 22 mm 13
November -9°C / 16°F -15°C / 4°F 15 mm 10
December -13°C / 9°F -20°C / -3°F 11 mm 8

Other cities with similar May weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Kangerlussuaq in May →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Kangerlussuaq in May?

In May, Kangerlussuaq averages a high of 7°C (45°F) and a low of 0°C (31°F) — generally cold.

Does it rain a lot in Kangerlussuaq in May?

May can be fairly wet in Kangerlussuaq, with about 12 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Kangerlussuaq?

May 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 Kangerlussuaq in May?

Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Kangerlussuaq for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Kangerlussuaq on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.