Sisimiut Travel Guide

City Greenland city known for fishing industry

A busy Greenlandic port, Sisimiut perches beneath Sermitsiaq and serves as a hub for dog-sled, sea-kayak and hiking trips. Tourists come for Arctic landscapes, brightly painted houses, local seafood and chances to see the northern lights in winter.

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Costs
High-cost destination due to remoteness
Greenland is expensive: plan $200-350 per day for food, activities and lodging.
Safety
Low crime but environmental hazards demand caution
Very safe socially, but extreme weather and remote conditions create real risks outdoors.
Best Time
June to August for hiking; Sept-Apr for Northern Lights
Summer (June-August) for hiking and midnight sun; aurora season runs autumn to spring.
In This Guide
Time
—
Weather
—
Population
5,227
Infrastructure & Convenience
Small airport, no roads to other towns, good local services; guided tours simplify logistics.
Popularity
Niche destination for Arctic adventure travellers, trekking and wildlife enthusiasts.
Known For
Arctic scenery, dog-sledding and sled-dog kennels, northern lights, Sisimiut Museum, colourful houses, hiking trails, whale watching, Ilulissat cruises departures, Inuit culture, Arctic-adventure tourism
Sisimiut is Greenland's second-largest town and the western terminus of the Arctic Circle Trail.

Why Visit Sisimiut? #

A true Arctic outpost, Sisimiut draws travelers who want mountain hikes, sled-dog culture and authentic Greenlandic life without the crowds of larger towns. The jagged Nasaasaaq massif anchors dramatic hiking and views, while dog-sled excursions and traditional Inuit dishes such as mattak introduce visitors to local practices. Colorful wooden houses and a small polar museum round out an experience geared toward active travelers and those curious about Greenland’s coastal communities.

Top Things to Do in Sisimiut

All Attractions ›
1
Nipisat Island
Greenland island with prehistoric Paleo-Inuit archaeological sites
Island
Don't Miss
  • Sisimiut Museum - Museum telling local Arctic history, traditional tools and Sámi and Inuit exhibits.
  • Old Town and harbour - Colourful wooden houses lining the harbor, lively with fishing boats and local cafés.
  • Nasaasaaq mountain hike - Short but steep trail to Nasaasaaq ridge offering panoramic fjord and town views.
Hidden Gems
  • Local dog sledding kennels - Local dog sledding kennels offering introductory tours and winter experiences.
  • Sisimiut art workshops - Small studios where artisans carve bone and craft traditional Greenlandic souvenirs.
  • Coastal boat trips to nearby islands - Day boat trips to nearby islands for birdwatching, seal sightings and photography.
Day Trips
  • Kangerlussuaq glacial valley - Gateway to the Greenland ice cap with guided glacier hikes and wild tundra landscapes.
  • Sections of the Arctic Circle Trail - Begin or end sections of Arctic Circle Trail accessible from Sisimiut for multi-day hikes.

Best Time to Visit Sisimiut #

The best time to visit Sisimiut is June-August for milder weather, midnight sun activities, and sea kayaking. Winter attracts aurora and dog-sledding but requires serious cold-weather prep.

Winter
October - April · -20 to -5°C (-4 to 23°F)
Long, brutally cold polar winter offers aurora, dog-sledding, and frozen landscapes-spectacular but challenging travel with limited daylight and harsh conditions.
Spring & Autumn
May & September · -5 to 5°C (23 to 41°F)
Brief shoulder months bring thawing coastlines and restless seas-unpredictable weather but fewer tourists and good chances for sea-birding and quiet hikes.
Summer
June - August · 2 to 10°C (36 to 50°F)
Short, cool summers mean long daylight, calm seas, and excellent kayak, hike, and whale-watching opportunities-bring layers, as weather changes fast.

Best Time to Visit Sisimiut #

Climate

Polar climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -19°C to 10°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
17°
Warmest Month
-34°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -11°C and lows of -17°C. The driest month with just 23 mm and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-17° – -11°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
3.8h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -13°C and lows of -19°C. The driest month with just 23 mm and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-16°
Feels Like Freezing
-16°C
Temperature
-19° – -13°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.8h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -11°C and lows of -18°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-18° – -11°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

29 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
11.5h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-10° – -4°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

33 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Low
15.2h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

0°
Feels Like Freezing
0°C
Temperature
-3° – 3°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

24 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
19.1h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

5°
Feels Like Cold
5°C
Temperature
2° – 8°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
22.6h daylight

July

July is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

60 Good

Comfort

7°
Feels Like Cold
7°C
Temperature
4° – 11°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
20.6h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 65 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

7°
Feels Like Cold
7°C
Temperature
4° – 10°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
16.6h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

3°
Feels Like Cold
3°C
Temperature
1° – 6°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
12.9h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-4° – 1°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.2h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-9° – -4°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
5.2h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -13°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-13° – -7°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
1.5h daylight

How to Get to Sisimiut

Sisimiut is reached by domestic flights within Greenland (most commonly via Kangerlussuaq) - there are no rail links and road connections to other towns are minimal. Flights are infrequent and relatively expensive, so plan and book early.

By Air

Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ): Kangerlussuaq is Greenland’s main international hub and the usual transfer point to Sisimiut. Flights between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut are operated by Air Greenland; flight time is about 40-60 minutes and fares are higher than in Europe - expect several hundred DKK one‑way depending on season and advance booking.

Ilulissat / Nuuk (seasonal connections): There are also feeder flights from other Greenland airports (e.g. Ilulissat, Nuuk) to Sisimiut on Air Greenland, but schedules are limited and seasonal. Plan connections carefully and book in advance.

By Train & Bus

Train: There are no trains in Greenland.

Bus / Local transport: Sisimiut has limited local bus services; most travel within town is by foot, taxi or private transfer. Transfers from the airport in Sisimiut are short (taxi or airport shuttle) and timing depends on flight arrival.

How to Get Around Sisimiut #

Sisimiut’s compact town centre is easy to explore on foot, with most services and sights within walking distance. There are no road links to southern Greenland; regional flights and boat services connect Sisimiut with other Greenland hubs, and taxis or local transfers are used for short trips. In winter snowmobiles and sleds are commonly used for nearby travel; in summer boats are the main local transport for coastal travel. Plan around limited schedules for air and boat connections.

Where to Stay in Sisimiut #

Budget
Town centre (Qeqqata) - $90-160/night
Sisimiut has limited accommodation; small hotels and guesthouses provide basic, practical rooms for Arctic travellers.
Mid-Range
Town centre - $140-220/night
Mid-range options are few but adequate; most provide practical comforts and are useful bases for excursions and boat trips.
Luxury
Sisimiut region - $300+/night
Sisimiut lacks large luxury hotels. High-end travellers typically book private expedition lodges or bespoke Arctic packages including premium lodging.

Where to Eat in Sisimiut #

Seafood & Hotel Restaurants
Fishing town with Inuit-influenced cuisine: Arctic char, mackerel and foraged herbs. Hotel restaurants and cafés serve simple, fresh seafood meals.
Local Specialties
Traditional preparations include smoked and dried fish, and dishes highlighting local seafood and seasonal tundra ingredients in small, informal settings.

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Sisimiut's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Local
Seafood

Nightlife in Sisimiut #

Nightlife in Sisimiut is modest: a few pubs, hotel bars and cafés provide evening social spots. Tourist season brings more activities and occasional cultural events, but late-night options remain limited.

Shopping in Sisimiut #

Shopping in Sisimiut covers basic needs and outdoor gear, plus local knitwear and handicrafts. You’ll find grocery stores, an outdoor-equipment shop and small boutiques selling Greenlandic souvenirs and locally produced items.

  • Pilersuisoq - State-run supermarket chain supplying groceries and essentials across Greenland.

Nearby Cities #

Maniitsoq
Maniitsoq
173 km away