Ilulissat

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Ilulissat is Greenland’s most visited town, and it’s easy to see why. Sitting at 69°N on the west coast, it overlooks the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where enormous icebergs calved from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier drift out to sea. The icebergs, some towering over 100 metres above the water, create an extraordinary foreground for aurora viewing. The Northern Lights reflected in calm fjord water between cathedral-sized blocks of ice is a sight few other places can match.

The Sermeq Kujalleq glacier is one of the fastest-moving and most productive glaciers in the world, draining roughly 6.5% of the Greenland ice sheet. A boardwalk trail from the town leads to viewpoints overlooking the icefjord mouth where bergs queue up before floating into Disko Bay. The scale is difficult to comprehend until you see it in person.

The town itself has a population of around 4,500 and a growing tourism infrastructure. Hotels, guesthouses and restaurants cater to visitors, and the Ilulissat Museum (housed in the birthplace of polar explorer Knud Rasmussen) covers the region’s Inuit history and the Danish colonial era. Boat trips among the icebergs, whale watching (humpbacks and fin whales are common in summer) and dog sledding on the sea ice in winter are the main excursions.

Ilulissat has a domestic airport with connections to Kangerlussuaq and Nuuk, and will receive direct international flights once runway extensions are complete. The town’s high latitude means long winter darkness and frequent aurora activity on clear nights, though the coastal position brings more cloud than inland Kangerlussuaq.

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How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Ilulissat. Geomagnetic activity, cloud cover and the amount of ambient light all play a big part. Check the forecasts for how good the viewing conditions are today.

Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions

4%

There is a 4% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Ilulissat area (forecast for 25 August 2026 at 12:55am UTC)

Kp 1.33

The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.

  • 0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
  • 3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
  • 6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
  • 8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.
HPI 15 GW

The Hemispheric Power Index (HPI) is a vital measure used to assess the strength of auroral activity at the poles. It estimates the total auroral energy input, with values above 20 GW indicating an aurora-active state. When the HPI reaches levels of 100 GW or more, it signifies a very significant geomagnetic storm, which can lead to spectacular auroral displays.

Bz 1 nT

Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).

When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced aurora activity.

Bt 6 nT

Bt measures the overall power of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) from the Sun; higher numbers (e.g., above 20 nT) mean more energy available for aurora.

Density 3.08 p/cm3

Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimetre (p/cm3).

A typical solar wind density is around 2.76 p/cm3.

The density of the solar wind affects how many particles reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. A higher density means more particles are available to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 348.9 km/s

Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

A typical solar wind speed is about 375 km/s. When both speed and density are high, the energy transferred to the Earth’s magnetosphere increases, enhancing the chances of seeing vibrant auroras.

Light Levels

Moon

Waxing gibbous 76%

Sunrise 6:11am

Sunset 10:42pm

Weather Forecast for Ilulissat

Clear

6°C Feels like 5°C

High
6°C
Low
0°C

  • Chance of precipitation 0%

  • Cloud cover 10%

  • Easterly winds 4 km/h

Aurora season in Ilulissat

The aurora season in Ilulissat runs from September to March, with the best viewing conditions in September, October, February and March.

Peak viewing In season Off season

Book an amazing adventure in Ilulissat

Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Ilulissat.

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Ilulissat Heritage Smartphone Guided Audio Walking Tour

    3.0 (1)

    40 - 1 hour From £7.27

    Ilulissat sits on the edge of Disko Bay in western Greenland and is famous for its breathtaking views of giant icebergs, its deep Inuit roots, and its stories of famous explorers and artists. The tour will take you from the historic Det sorte pakhus, the oldest building in town and home to the tourist information center, you’ll see the famous statues, the museums, learn the history of the land and walk all the way to the Ilulissat Kunstmuseum, where creativity and Arctic spirit shine bright. Go at your own pace, anytime. The tour is hands free and plays automatically as you walk.

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Private Transfer from Helsinki Port to Helsinki Airport (HEL)

    5.0 (1)

    40 minutes From £50.59

    Book your Private Transfer from Helsinki West Harbour Cruise Terminal to Helsinki Airport (HEL). Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttle queues and use our private, door-to-door airport/port transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination. • Meeting with a Nameplate. • We track your Flight. • Door-to-door Service. • No Hidden Charges. • Clean cars & Professional drivers.

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    A Private Romantic Journey Through Ilulissat

    No reviews

    2 hours From £185.73

    Skip the crowds this is a private tour for your group only! Indulge in an exclusive tour tailored for couples in Ilulissat, Greenland. Guided by a local expert, explore the city's most beautiful spots, where nature and connection intertwine seamlessly. Discover the best places for a date, capture picturesque moments, and listen to hidden stories that echo through the city's streets. Discover Ilulissat's natural charm. Capture photos in many scenic locations. A great activity for the Valentine’s period. A private tour means a more intimate experience.

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Christmas Wonders in Ilulissat: Exclusive Private Walking Tour

    No reviews

    2 hours From £312.54

    Skip the crowds this private Christmas tour is only for your group! Together with a professional local guide, you will explore the most beautifully decorated places in Ilulissat and experience the city’s magical holiday spirit. Feel the unique charm of this special season as you hear fascinating stories and legends—what is the origin of the Christmas tree, who decorated it first, and what magical traditions surround this time of year? Discover miraculous Christmas tales from Ilulissat while strolling through its festive streets. Known as one of Greenland’s most iconic destinations, Ilulissat is home to the dramatic Icefjord, sending a steady stream of icebergs toward the Arctic Ocean. During December and much of January, the sun never rises above the horizon, creating a truly Arctic holiday atmosphere lit by festive decorations. Taste local Christmas specialties, enjoy the warmth of the season, and fill your heart with the magic of Ilulissat.

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Discover Gems of Ilulissat: A Private Walking Tour

    4.0 (4)

    2 hours From £185.73

    Skip the crowds this is a private tour for your group only! Together with a professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. You will have a chance to explore the city while hearing fascinating facts and legends. In direct translation, Ilulissat is the Kalaallisut word for "Icebergs". The nearby Ilulissat Icefjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has made Ilulissat the most popular tourist destination in Greenland. You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, and corners of Ilulissat. Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. Perfect for those who are visiting the city for the first time and want to get the most out of it!

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