Qaqortoq, Greenland: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Qaqortoq, Greenland? If you're planning to go to Qaqortoq, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Qaqortoq, Greenland

Based on the climate and weather in Qaqortoq, Greenland, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Qaqortoq, Greenland

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Qaqortoq, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Qaqortoq, Greenland by month

January

January in Qaqortoq is unbearably cold and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It snows about half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 80% to 80% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Greenland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Qaqortoq. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, E, F and K. Check that you choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you see the Qaqortoq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February in Qaqortoq can be dangerously cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It snows about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Greenland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Qaqortoq. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, E, F and K. It's important that you choose the right type. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Qaqortoq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March in this region can be extremely cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains once in a while and snows about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Greenland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Qaqortoq. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, E, F and K. Take care to find the right type. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you see the Qaqortoq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

In April, Qaqortoq can be extremely cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Qaqortoq, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In April, humidity reaches as high as 80%. Additionally, it is very breezy.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Greenland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Qaqortoq. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, E, F and K. Take care to choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Qaqortoq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

If you visit Qaqortoq during May, you will probably find that it is brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time and snow 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Greenland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Qaqortoq. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, E, F and K. Check that you get the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you see the Qaqortoq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June in Qaqortoq is brisk and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Greenland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Qaqortoq. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, E, F and K. Make sure to get the correct kind. A lot of adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you see the Qaqortoq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

In July, Qaqortoq is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Qaqortoq, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In July, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Greenland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Qaqortoq. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, E, F and K. Make sure to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Qaqortoq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

In August, Qaqortoq can be brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Qaqortoq, with several of the days of the month having rain. In August, humidity reaches as high as 90%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Greenland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Qaqortoq. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, E, F and K. Make sure to pick the correct kind. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Qaqortoq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

In September, Qaqortoq is brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) and occasionally jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Qaqortoq, with several of the days of the month having rain. In September, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Greenland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Qaqortoq. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, E, F and K. Check that you find the correct type. Many adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Qaqortoq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

If you are traveling to Qaqortoq in October, you will notice that it is cold and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time and snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Greenland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Qaqortoq. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, E, F and K. It's important that you pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

If you see the Qaqortoq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

In November, Qaqortoq is very cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Qaqortoq, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 80%. Additionally, it is very windy.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Greenland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Qaqortoq. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, E, F and K. It's important that you get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

If you see the Qaqortoq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

In December, Qaqortoq is frosty and somewhat snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) range. At night, lows are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Qaqortoq, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In December, humidity reaches as high as 80%. Additionally, it is very windy.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Greenland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Qaqortoq. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, E, F and K. Check that you get the right kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Qaqortoq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Qaqortoq, Greenland

Qaqortoq, situated in southern Greenland, is one of the hidden gems of the Arctic region. This quaint town is full of natural beauty and cultural experiences that are worth exploring. Here are some of the top tourist attractions that you shouldn't miss out on when visiting Qaqortoq.

1) Qaqortoq Museum:

The Qaqortoq Museum features a variety of exhibits on the history, culture, and geography of southern Greenland. Artifacts related to the Norse settlers, displays on the traditional Inuit way of life, and exhibits on the town's fishing industry are among the many interesting things to view in the museum.

2) Hvalsey Church Ruins:

Hvalsey Church Ruins is located less than an hour away from Qaqortoq and is evidence of the Norse settlement in the region. The beautifully scenic location of the ruins is perfect for a picnic or a leisurely walk.

3) Kvanefjeld Rare Earth Mine:

Greenland is known for its rich deposits of rare earth elements, and Kvanefjeld Rare Earth Mine is one of the largest mines in Greenland. The mine offers fascinating insight into the region's geological history and the significance of rare earth elements in modern technology.

4) The Great Greenland Fur House:

The Great Greenland Fur House is known for its high-quality qiviut, a type of wool harvested from musk oxen. The store also features a vast array of fur clothing, accessories, and souvenirs, making it a one-stop-shop for luxury winter clothing items.

5) The Icefjord:

A boat trip to the Icefjord is a must-see attraction when visiting Qaqortoq. This incredible glacier-carved landscape is home to numerous species of wildlife, including whales, seals, and sea birds. The spectacular views of the fjord are sure to take your breath away.

6) The Qaqortoq Aqqutibirat Park:

The Qaqortoq Aqqutibirat Park is an amusement park that is popular among tourists and locals alike. The park features a variety of attractions, including a giant slide, a mini golf course, and a zip line. The park is a fun place to enjoy with family and friends while immersing yourself in the local culture.

7) Art Galleries in Qaqortoq:

Qaqortoq is home to numerous art galleries that showcase the works of local artists. One of the most prominent galleries is the Qaqortoq Art Center, where visitors can view and purchase unique and beautiful pieces of art that often incorporate Greenlandic motifs.

Conclusion:

Qaqortoq may be small, but it has a lot to offer tourists. From the natural beauty of the Icefjord to the cultural and historical treasures in the Qaqortoq Museum, there is something for everyone in this charming town. No trip to southern Greenland is complete without a visit to Qaqortoq.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Moruya, New South Wales, Australia, Depew, Oklahoma, United States of America, Sebring, Florida, United States of America, Turda, Romania, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, United States of America, Cookeville, Tennessee, United States of America, Stryn, Norway, Spišské Podhradie, Slovakia, St Neots, England, United Kingdom, Wagamon, India, and Motala, Sweden.