Summer In Greenland: Packing List for Trips (June-September)

Planning a summer trip to Greenland means preparing for one of the world's most dramatic landscapes - and one of its most unpredictable climates. This packing list covers everything you need for boat tours, day hikes, and stays at remote lodges, whether you're heading to Ilulissat, Nuuk, or exploring the fjords in between.

What to Expect: Summer Temperatures in Greenland

Greenland's summer weather doesn't follow a script. You can be warm enough for a t-shirt on a tundra hike and genuinely cold two hours later on an evening boat tour. These ranges are a reality check, not a guarantee.

Month	Temperature Range
June	36-50°F (2-10°C)
July	41-59°F (5-15°C)
August	37-54°F (3-12°C)
September	32-46°F (0-8°C)

Coastal towns like Nuuk and Ilulissat tend to be milder. Inland and northern areas run cooler. Wind chill near glaciers and on the water makes it feel significantly colder.

Use these ranges as your baseline - every item in the rest of this packing list is chosen with this climate in mind.

The Layering System: How to Dress in Greenland

One heavy jacket won't cut it here. Greenland's weather shifts fast enough that you'll add and shed clothing several times in a single day - which means three layers you can mix and match beat one bulky piece every time.

Base layer - moisture-wicking, worn directly against the skin. Choose merino wool or technical synthetic fabric. Avoid cotton - it absorbs moisture, stays wet, and makes you cold.

Mid layer - insulation. A merino or fleece sweater, a vest, or a lightweight down jacket. Two thin sweaters work better than one thick one because they're easier to regulate.

Outer layer - wind and waterproof shell. Must block wind completely and allow moisture to escape. Make sure it's long enough to cover your hips and has adjustable neck and sleeve openings.

When in doubt, pack one extra mid layer rather than a heavier outer shell - flexibility matters more than warmth on paper.

Clothing Packing List

Greenland clothing is practical, not fashionable - and that's the right approach. Every item below serves a specific function; nothing is decorative padding.

Outer Layer

• Windproof, waterproof shell jacket (breathable material; must be 100% waterproof, not just water-resistant)
• Rain pants (thin, packable - essential for boat tours and wet weather)
• Insulated jacket or packable down jacket (for cold evenings and glacier visits)

Mid Layer

• Fleece or merino wool sweater (×2 - one warmer, one lighter)
• Lightweight vest (great for regulating temperature without overheating)
• Hiking shirt or blouse (wool or quick-dry synthetic)

Base Layer

• Merino wool or technical long-sleeve top
• Thermal long underwear (essential for evening sailings and colder days)

Bottoms

• Hiking pants - lightweight, quick-dry, windproof (×2)
• Zip-off convertible pants (optional but practical for warmer days)
• Thermal base layer pants

Accessories

• Warm hat and lightweight cap (10-40% of body heat is lost through the head)
• Mittens or warm gloves
• Buff or scarf
• Sleep mask - Greenland has 24-hour daylight in summer; this is not optional

If you're unsure about something, leave the bulky option at home and add an extra shirt instead.

Footwear

Your feet take more punishment in Greenland than anywhere else on the trip. Most hiking is off-trail across wet tundra, loose rock, and boggy ground - the wrong footwear can ruin a day or cause an injury.

• Waterproof hiking boots - ankle support is essential; most hiking in Greenland is off-trail. Break them in before departure. Leave room for thick socks.
• Light shoes or sneakers - for towns, indoors, and crossing rivers
• Merino wool hiking socks (×3-4 pairs) - wool keeps feet dry and blister-free
• Thin socks (×2-3 pairs) - for layering or town use

Do not hike in running shoes - wet tundra and rocky terrain demand real grip and waterproofing. Well-chosen footwear is one investment that pays off every single day of the trip.

Bags and Luggage

What you carry your gear in matters almost as much as what you pack. Greenland's remote lodges, small aircraft, and boat transfers all place specific constraints on luggage.

Day backpack (20-30L): Essential for every excursion. Choose one with a rain cover. Hip belt and chest strap are useful for longer hikes.

Main luggage: Suitcases work for most hotels. However, if you're staying at Glacier Lodge Eqi or Ilimanaq Lodge, you carry your own bags from the boat - a soft duffel or backpack is required. Pack light enough to carry yourself.

Carry-on: Maximum 8 kg on Greenland flights. Liquids must be in containers of 100 ml or less. Pack sharp objects (hiking poles, knives) in checked baggage.

Soft bags survive Greenland's boat landings and bumpy transfers far better than a hard-shell suitcase ever will.

Toiletries and Essentials

Greenland's environment is fragile and its Arctic sun is deceptively strong. Pack light, but don't skip the items that protect your skin and health in extreme conditions.

• High-SPF sunscreen - Arctic sun reflects off ice and snow; reapply often
• Lip balm with SPF
• Mosquito repellent - strong formulas (DEET-based) are effective; you can also buy repellent locally in Greenland
• Fine-mesh mosquito head net - especially useful in tundra areas
• Eco-friendly soap and shampoo - biodegradable products are the right call in a place this pristine
• Earplugs - for shared cabin accommodations
• Personal medication - pharmacies are limited outside larger towns

Small and lightweight, these items prevent the most common discomforts of Arctic travel - don't leave them out of your bag.

Gear and Extras

Clothing gets most of the attention, but these items are what you'll actually miss if you forget them. Greenland is remote enough that there's no running to a pharmacy or gear shop once you're out there.

• Sunglasses - high UV protection; non-negotiable near ice and snow
• Reusable water bottle - tap water in Greenland is safe to drink and excellent quality
• Snacks - food options are limited outside towns; bring nuts, energy bars, or dried fruit
• Headlamp - useful even in summer for reading in a tent or navigating at dawn
• Camera and waterproof bag - protect your gear from rain and sea spray
• Travel insurance - strongly recommended for remote Arctic travel; evacuation from Greenland is expensive
• Binoculars - for whale watching, iceberg spotting, and wildlife
• Drone (if applicable) - drones are restricted near settlements, wildlife zones, and heliports; check local rules before flying

None of these weigh much. All of them get used.

Safety Essentials

The landscapes here are genuinely remote - not in a marketing sense, but in a practical one. If something goes wrong and you're alone or unprepared, getting help takes time that you may not have.

• Never hike alone; always inform your group of your plans and expected return
• Carry a map and compass; do not rely solely on GPS
• Use bright, visible colors in the mountains for safety
• Check weather forecasts before every outing - conditions change rapidly
• Bring an extra layer even on short day hikes

These habits take seconds to build. Out here, they matter. Browse our tours to Greenland to find the right itinerary for your experience level and travel style.

Complete Checklist

Use this checklist in the days before departure - check off each item as it goes into your bag.

Clothing

• Waterproof shell jacket
• Insulated/down jacket
• Rain pants
• Fleece or wool sweater (×2)
• Lightweight vest
• Hiking shirt (×2)
• Thermal base layer top and bottom
• Hiking pants (×2)
• Underwear (×4-5)
• Warm hat
• Light cap
• Gloves or mittens
• Buff or scarf
• Sleep mask

Footwear

• Waterproof hiking boots (broken in)
• Light shoes or sneakers
• Merino wool hiking socks (×3-4)
• Thin socks (×2-3)

Bags

• Day backpack 20-30L with rain cover
• Main luggage (soft bag or backpack for lodge stays)

Toiletries

• High-SPF sunscreen
• Lip balm with SPF
• Mosquito repellent
• Mosquito head net
• Eco-friendly soap and shampoo
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Earplugs
• Personal medication

Gear

• Sunglasses (UV-rated)
• Reusable water bottle
• Snacks
• Headlamp + spare batteries
• Waterproof camera bag
• Binoculars
• Travel insurance documents

Documents

• Passport
• Flight and booking confirmations
• Travel insurance policy
• Cash and debit/credit cards (some remote areas are cash-only)

Go through it twice before you leave. The things most people forget - sleep mask, mosquito net, a spare mid layer - are never the obvious ones.

Planning where to go? Our Nordic Tours packages focus on icebergs and glacier hikes. Our Greenland Cruises go deeper into fjords and local culture. Both are worth looking at before you book.