Qaqortoq in January
In January, Qaqortoq averages -6°C (21°F) during the day and -13°C (9°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 18 days of the month see precipitation (81 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are deeply cold — proper winter gear is essential. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
January is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Qaqortoq. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Qaqortoq
January is one of the coolest months in Qaqortoq (11th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 8°C below the annual average (3°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (-5°C) and cools 1°C in February (-7°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Qaqortoq
Times shown for Qaqortoq local time (America/Nuuk), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Qaqortoq — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Qaqortoq's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Qaqortoq in January
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 January's tier (Off-peak) and Qaqortoq's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Qaqortoq
This is off-peak for Qaqortoq — 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 — January in Qaqortoq
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 — Qaqortoq in January
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
Qaqortoq in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -6°C / 21°F | -13°C / 9°F | 81 mm | 18 | — |
| February | -7°C / 20°F | -13°C / 8°F | 57 mm | 15 | — |
| March | -3°C / 26°F | -10°C / 14°F | 59 mm | 14 | — |
| April | 1°C / 35°F | -4°C / 24°F | 48 mm | 13 | — |
| May | 5°C / 42°F | 0°C / 31°F | 73 mm | 16 | — |
| June | 10°C / 50°F | 3°C / 38°F | 109 mm | 15 | — |
| July | 12°C / 54°F | 5°C / 42°F | 74 mm | 14 | — |
| August | 12°C / 54°F | 6°C / 42°F | 108 mm | 15 | — |
| September | 8°C / 47°F | 2°C / 36°F | 148 mm | 16 | — |
| October | 3°C / 38°F | -2°C / 28°F | 73 mm | 12 | — |
| November | -2°C / 29°F | -8°C / 17°F | 116 mm | 16 | — |
| December | -5°C / 24°F | -11°C / 12°F | 78 mm | 12 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Qaqortoq in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Qaqortoq in January?
In January, Qaqortoq averages a high of -6°C (21°F) and a low of -13°C (9°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Qaqortoq in January?
January is quite rainy in Qaqortoq, with about 18 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Qaqortoq?
January is cold but on the rainy side. 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 Qaqortoq in January?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Qaqortoq for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.