Ilulissat
Ilulissat is a town on Disko Bay in western Greenland, where icebergs from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier drift past the harbor.
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Ilulissat is a town of about 4,500 people on the west coast of Greenland, on the shore of Disko Bay. Icebergs calved from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier drift into the bay and past the harbor. The Ilulissat Icefjord, where the glacier's ice moves out to sea, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Most people come for the icefjord, seen from boat trips on the bay and from walks around the town. Summer brings long daylight and open water for boats. Winter brings dog sledding and a chance to see the northern lights. Ilulissat suits travelers who want an Arctic trip built around ice and the open water of the bay. Plan two to three nights to see the icefjord by boat and on foot.
Ilulissat in five
- Book Air Greenland flights earlyIlulissat has no road link to other Greenland towns, so most visitors arrive by air, usually from Kangerlussuaq or Nuuk. Book flights before you fix any tour dates.Getting around
- Book the Icefjord boat trip aheadThe Ilulissat Icefjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and boat trips to the ice are the main way to see it up close. Reserve a departure before you arrive, and ask the operator what happens if wind or ice stops the boat.Tours and tickets
- Get insurance with medical evacuationA serious injury can mean a flight out of Greenland, which costs far more than a local clinic bill. Check that your policy covers medical evacuation from Greenland and read its exclusions for boat trips and dog sledding.Travel insurance
- Set up a Tusass SIM or eSIMTusass is the main mobile network in Greenland. Set up data before the flight so maps, tour bookings and the weather forecast work from your first day.Phones and eSIM
- Pack warm layers for the fjordBoat trips on the ice are cold even in summer, and wind off the water makes it colder. Bring a windproof outer layer, a warm hat and gloves, and wear them on the boat, not in your bag.
Need to know
- Currency
- Danish krone (DKK)
- Entry
- Danish entry rules; visa-free for many passports, check yours Read more
- Emergency
- 112 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC−3 standard time; check summer time locally
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDark, cold
- FebruaryDark, cold
- MarchSun returns, cold
- AprilSea ice, longer days
- MayIce breakup
- JuneMidnight sun
- JulyMidnight sun, boats
- AugustBoat season
- SeptemberAutumn, aurora returns
- OctoberDark, freezing
- NovemberDark, cold
- DecemberDark, cold
Right now in Ilulissat
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
8
- Feels like
- 4°
- Humidity
- 42%
- Wind
- 25 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 2%
Ilulissat
07:16 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today6°-2°2%Monday: Cloudy. High 6°, Low -2°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Tue2°0°51%Tuesday: Snow. High 2°, Low 0°. Chance of rain 51%.
- Wed0°-4°12%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 0°, Low -4°. Chance of rain 12%.
- Thu-1°-3°20%Thursday: Snow. High -1°, Low -3°. Chance of rain 20%.
- Fri2°-2°53%Friday: Snow. High 2°, Low -2°. Chance of rain 53%.
- Sat1°-5°51%Saturday: Fog. High 1°, Low -5°. Chance of rain 51%.
- Sun-1°-5°51%Sunday: Snow. High -1°, Low -5°. Chance of rain 51%.
Updated 03:19 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 6.694 DKK
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Ilulissat IcefjordThe ice stream where icebergs leave the fjord, reached by boat or on foot.
- Disko IslandA boat trip across Disko Bay to Qeqertarsuaq, for hiking and village visits in season.
- SermermiutRuins of an old settlement in the valley beside the Icefjord.
Before you go to Ilulissat
Rules for Ilulissat, checked
- Check entry rules for Greenland on the Danish immigration website before you fly. Passport requirements depend on your nationality.Source
- Do not pet sled dogs without asking the owner first. They are working animals, and teams may be tied up near the town.
- Stay off sea ice and away from the glacier front unless a local guide takes you. Ice can break and move without warning.
- Ask the tourist office or your guide for polar bear advice before walking outside town, and do not hike alone in remote areas.
Plan around Ilulissat
Towns, the ice sheet and the country beyond Ilulissat
Read the guideGetting aroundAir Greenland flights and getting around town without a car
Read the guideMoney and costsCurrency, cards and typical prices for a day in Ilulissat
Read the guideWhere to stayTown center, the harbor side and the airport area
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules for Greenland and what to check before you fly
Read the guideTours and ticketsIcefjord boat trips and other tours to book in advance
Read the guideIlulissat FAQ
Is Ilulissat worth visiting?
Yes, for the Icefjord, where the glacier sends icebergs into Disko Bay. The town is small, so most of a stay goes to boat trips and walks.
How many days do you need in Ilulissat?
Two to three days covers the Icefjord boat trip, a walk to the Sermermiut ruins and the town. Add a day if wind or ice stops the boat.
How do you get to Ilulissat?
The main route is an Air Greenland flight from Kangerlussuaq or Nuuk. Book it early, since seats are limited.
When is the best time to visit Ilulissat?
June to August for the midnight sun and boat trips to the ice. December to March for dark nights and the northern lights.
Can you see the northern lights in Ilulissat?
Yes, on clear winter nights away from the town lights. Pack warm clothes and check the cloud forecast before you go out.
Do I need a rental car in Ilulissat?
No. The town is small and walkable, and taxis cover trips out of town, including the airport.