Travel Guides
When to Visit Greenland: A Season-by-Season Guide
Whether you’re chasing the midnight sun or the dancing Northern Lights, find the perfect window to experience the beauty of Greenland.
Seth Woodward October 25, 2025
✅ Must Do: See icebergs calve at Ilulissat Icefjord
✅ Must Eat: Mattak (raw whale skin with blubber)
✅ Bring Home: Tupilak figure (carved bone or antler)
🧠 Trivia: Greenland is the world’s largest island (not a continent), with 80% of its surface covered by ice.
Discover Why Adventurers Love These Greenland Destinations
Yodl's Expert Travel Advisors Know How to Experience Greenland
Our Expert Insights for Your Greenland Vacation
Whether you’re chasing the midnight sun or the dancing Northern Lights, find the perfect window to experience the beauty of Greenland.
With Expertise In Greenland Travel
Not Everything You Need to Know, But a Good Place to Start
The best time to visit Greenland depends on your desired experience. The summer months of June to September offer long days with the midnight sun and the mildest weather, which is ideal for hiking, kayaking, and coastal cruises as the sea ice thaws. For a chance to see the Northern Lights, the best time to visit is during the winter months from September to April, when the skies are darkest.
Read our season-by-season guide on choosing the right time to visit Greenland.
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business travel to Greenland for up to 90 days. However, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date. Greenland is not a part of the Schengen Area, and a Schengen visa is not valid for entry to Greenland.
There are no roads connecting towns in Greenland. The primary modes of transport are by air and sea. Domestic flights and helicopters, operated by Air Greenland, are the fastest way to get around. A coastal ferry service, Arctic Umiaq Line, also connects towns along the west coast and is a popular way to see the scenery.
A rental car is not necessary for most travelers. There is no road system between towns, so a rental car can only be used to travel within a single settlement. Most towns are small and very walkable. For excursions outside of town, transportation is typically provided by tour operators.
The official currency of Greenland is the Danish Krone (DKK). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in the main towns. However, it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases in more remote villages or for local markets.
Tipping is not a cultural requirement in Greenland. Service charges are included in the price of services, and workers are paid a fair wage. While it is not expected, leaving a small tip for exceptional service is a common gesture.
Yes, the tap water in Greenland is of excellent quality and is perfectly safe to drink. There is no need to buy bottled water, and you can confidently refill your water bottle from any tap.
Pack in layers, as the weather is notoriously unpredictable. Essential items include a waterproof and windproof jacket, waterproof pants, and warm layers like wool or fleece. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are also a must. A hat, gloves, and a scarf are also good to have on hand.
Cruises are an excellent way to see Greenland’s dramatic coastal landscapes, majestic icebergs, and abundant wildlife. Expedition cruises are particularly popular, as they allow you to get close to glaciers and explore remote fjords. A cruise can be a convenient way to get a taste of Greenland without arranging individual travel between towns.
Greenland is a fantastic destination for adventurous families. It is a very safe place and offers a wide range of unique, kid-friendly activities, such as boat tours to see icebergs and whales, dog sledding, and guided glacier walks.
Popular activities include hiking, kayaking, boat tours to see icebergs and whales, and dog sledding in the winter. During the polar night, hunting for the Northern Lights is a popular activity.
It is highly recommended to book flights and accommodations at least six to nine months in advance, especially for travel during the peak summer months. Given the limited number of flights and lodging options, booking early is crucial to securing the best prices and availability.
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