Nuuk in May
In May, Nuuk averages 3°C (37°F) during the day and -2°C (28°F) at night, with around 13 days of rain (67 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May in Nuuk 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 May compares to the rest of the year in Nuuk
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Nuuk (5th of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (0°C). May runs 4°C warmer than April (-1°C) and warms a further 6°C into June (9°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Nuuk
Times shown for Nuuk 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 Nuuk — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Nuuk's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Nuuk 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 (Off-peak) and Nuuk's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Nuuk
This is off-peak for Nuuk — 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
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Nuuk
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 — Nuuk in May
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
Nuuk in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -9°C / 16°F | -15°C / 5°F | 73 mm | 18 | — |
| February | -10°C / 13°F | -16°C / 3°F | 53 mm | 16 | — |
| March | -7°C / 19°F | -13°C / 9°F | 51 mm | 16 | — |
| April | -1°C / 30°F | -6°C / 20°F | 79 mm | 14 | — |
| May | 3°C / 37°F | -2°C / 28°F | 67 mm | 13 | — |
| June | 9°C / 48°F | 3°C / 37°F | 90 mm | 14 | — |
| July | 12°C / 54°F | 6°C / 43°F | 63 mm | 13 | — |
| August | 11°C / 53°F | 6°C / 42°F | 75 mm | 14 | — |
| September | 7°C / 44°F | 2°C / 35°F | 110 mm | 17 | — |
| October | 1°C / 33°F | -5°C / 24°F | 94 mm | 15 | — |
| November | -5°C / 24°F | -10°C / 13°F | 87 mm | 15 | — |
| December | -7°C / 20°F | -13°C / 9°F | 69 mm | 14 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Nuuk in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Nuuk in May?
In May, Nuuk averages a high of 3°C (37°F) and a low of -2°C (28°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Nuuk in May?
May can be fairly wet in Nuuk, with about 13 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Nuuk?
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 Nuuk 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 Nuuk for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.