Summer is the more popular time to visit Greenland, especially to visit the small cities above the Arctic Circle. Summer time visits to Greenland usually means more activities to choose from and of course endless daylight. This packing list covers what to pack for Greenland in the summer but can be adapted for winter if needed as well.
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Table of Contents
What is the Weather Like in the Summer?
Generally the summer months are the warmest months. Depending on where you are visiting, temperatures can range from 32–68°F (0–20°C). I visited the city of Ilulissat in early July and had temperatures from 32-50° F. Interestingly most indoor places are kept very warm, so you immediately need to take your layers off the minute you walk inside most places. Another callout about Greenlandic summers is the abundance of mosquitos. When you pack for the summer, you have to remember to keep these pesky little monsters in mind too.
Greenland Packing List Tips
The weather in Greenland can be unpredictable in the summer as well. There are days even in June where it may snow and there maybe still snow on the ground in certain places. Packing for Greenland means packing for most eventualities but it’s not a difficult task. Here are some tips:
- A good all weather and all purpose pair of shoes is very important. Make sure they are waterproof, have a good grip for hiking and is well insulated.
- Layers are also very important. The trick to visiting places where the weather is unpredictable or rapidly changing is to wear layers. You can easily remove layers if you are too warm or bundle up if you are too cold.
- Your outer layer should be both waterproof and windproof. You are bound to take a boat trip or or two (or five in my case) during your trip and wearing a good waterproof and windproof outer layer is very important. During boat trips, you will see amazing icebergs, formations and even wildlife like whales and seals. It would be a pity to have to stay inside the boat because you are too cold or it’s too windy outside.
- I recommend bringing 2 jackets. A thicker one for boat rides and a medium one for hiking, walking etc. (see below for examples)
Greenland Packing List
Clothing
- Base layer top – A breathable base layer or thermal layer is a must in my opinion. I love merino wool because it keeps you warm, dry and does not smell (Men’s HERE)
- Base layer bottoms – I am usually not cold in my legs, but if you get cold in your legs then I recommend a merino wool bottom layer too
- Mid layer – If you opt for merino wool base layers, then pack a few long sleeve moisture wicking top. If you do not opt for merino wool base layers, then you should pack a fleece like this
- Sweaters – If you want to change when you go out for dinner (not necessary) or you may even want to wear these on boat rides
- Outer layer (heavy) – A wind proof and waterproof jacket with a head covering is a must for boat rides or anytime you are on the water. I have now worn my Columbia Emerald Lake Parka several times but it is discontinued. I own winter jackets that are more expensive than Columbia but honestly their omni-tech, omni-heat waterproof and insulated jackets cannot be beat. This jacket has all the technology of my Emerald Lake jacket.
- Outer layer (medium) – A medium weight outer layer like the Patagonia Down Jacket (Men’s HERE) is good for hiking and walking around the city
- Rain jacket – If you cannot find a waterproof jacket, then make sure to pack a rain jacket
- Pants – I always prefer to wear leggings but most people prefer waterproof hiking pants
- Sturdy hiking shoes – This is also a must! It needs to be waterproof and insulated. I highly recommend this pair. I wore these in both Iceland and Greenland and hiked through rocks, mud, water and snow
- Merino wool socks – Merino wool makes sure your feet stay dry and blister free. I love the Darn Tough hiking socks (men’s HERE)! They have a lifetime warranty on their socks and are very high quality. I wore these on the Everest Base Camp trek as well
- Gloves
- Beanie
- Headbands – I love headbands like these
- Scarf – Scarfs are also great for boat rides
- Underwear
- Sleepwear
- Regular sneakers or shoes that are not hiking shoes (you may want to give your feet a breather)
Hiking Gear
- A small daypack – I love this daypack for day hiking. It comes with a rain cover and is the perfect size to hold a jacket, water bladder or bottle and snacks.
- Rain cover – A cover for your daypack if you don’t have a backpack that comes with one like the one above
- Trekking Poles – These are totally optional but I found them useful, especially on the Blue Trail with the gliding mud and marsh. I took this particular one to Everest Base Camp too and love it!
- A water bladder. I really love using a water bladder or hydration pack as you can drink water on the go
- Water bottle – If you are not using a bladder
- Fanny pack – This one is totally optional. I found carrying my personal belongings in a fanny pack tied to my waist saved me some weight off my back
- Polarized sunglasses – I love this pair. It’s stylist and functional
- Hiking hat or cap
Electronics
- Phone
- Camera (GoPro, DSLR etc)
- Chargers
- An external battery pack or two
- SD cards
- A converter depending on where you are coming from
- Adapters for Greenland – They use Type K (like Denmark)
- A multi-plug – I seriously love this one so much because I can plug in several things at once
Check out my travel photography equipment HERE!
Other Items
- Toiletries
- Medicine
- Mosquito repellent
- Mosquito net – The mosquitoes are really bad, especially on the hiking trails. You may benefit from a net like this to keep them away from your face
- Sunscreen – The polar sun is harsh! Don’t forget sunscreen!
Food
Snacks – If you don’t want to go to a grocery store, you would bring some snacks for hikes from home. I brought chocolates and granola bars.
Connectivity
- Sim card – eSims are the way to go! They help you stay connected the minute you land and you don’t have to go looking for a sim card
- Google Maps – Download offline maps on Google so that you can still use navigation
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