Are you planning a trip to Greenland? If so, it’s essential to understand the different time zones in this large Arctic island.
Before you book any flights or make any vacation plans, it’s essential to understand how time works in Greenland and what kind of changes you may need to make depending on where in the country you plan to visit.
This article will discuss the different time zones in Greenland and tips for staying on schedule and keeping track of your itinerary while traveling across multiple zones.
Read on for more information about Greenland’s time zones!
What time is it in Greenland?
Greenland is divided into four main time zones. Greenland is called the most oversized island in the world, not for nothing, right?
But back to the time zone: The regular time zone that most of Greenland is located in is UTC-2 – and that will probably be your time zone when you travel to Greenland:
But, again, that’s because most tourist areas are in southwest Greenland.
The city Ittoqqortoormiit in the Eastern part of Greenland operates on UTC -1, while the weather station “Danmarkshavn” and Pituffik (Thule Air Base) operate on UTC +0 and -4, respectively.
The New Time Zone in Greenland
Greenland is on the move!
Until just recently, the famous time zone in Greenland was UTC-3.
But in an exciting yet unexpected move, most of Greenland is changing their time from UTC-3 to UTC-2.
This means only a three-hour time difference between North America and Europe – and much closer to European time!
Let’s make it official: Greenland is (literally) stepping up their game regarding global timekeeping!
Why did Greenland change their time zone?
The change was made in response to the fact that although Greenland is part of the North American continent, the island is much more economically, politically, and socially connected to Europe than North America.
This time shift is intended to make communication and travel much easier between Greenland and Europe and foster a closer connection between the two regions.
The dissection to remain most of Greenland simultaneously, UTC-2, was made on the 25th of March, 2023.
What does this mean for travelers?
For travelers visiting Greenland, not much will change due to this timezone shift.
Most tourist destinations are still in South West Greenland, operating on UTC-2 – just like before.
And now it’s even easier for tourists to remember the time zone because it will remain the same after the 25th of March 2023 and won’t move one hour like before.
However, it is essential to remember the other time zones across the country, especially if you plan on visiting more remote areas.
Daylight saving time in Greenland
The daylight saving time in Greenland is observed from the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in October. During this period, clocks are moved forward one hour.
So the standard time in Greenland is, as mentioned above:
Most of Greenland uses UTC-2; the city Ittoqqortoormiit in the Eastern part of Greenland operates on UTC-1. The weather station “Danmarkshavn” uses UTC +0, and Pituffik (Thule Air Base) operates on UTC-4.
And during daylight saving time in Greenland, time changes:
While most of Greenland still uses UTC-2, the city Ittoqqortoormiit in the Eastern part of Greenland will move to UTC+0, and Pituffik (Thule Air Base) will use UTC-3.
Danmarkshavn will remain on UTC +0 all year round.
So, what time zone is Greenland in?
As a tourist, you will probably travel only to the southern part of Greenland, which uses UTC-2 all year round.
However, it is essential to know the different time zones across the country when planning your travels and adjust your itinerary accordingly.
What time zone is East Greenland?
East Greenland uses the same time zone as the rest of Greenland, UTC-2.
The one exception is the city of Ittoqqortoormiit in the Eastern part of Greenland, which operates on UTC-1 during standard time and UTC+0 when daylight saving time is in effect.
Does Greenland have 24 hours of daylight?
During the summer in Greenland, days can last up to 24 hours near the Arctic Circle.
This phenomenon is called the midnight sun and occurs in Greenland between late April and late August.
However, during winter, daylight only lasts about 4-6 hours daily – sometimes even less or not at all for some months near the Arctic Circle.
At least they have a chance to see the northern lights!
So, whether you’re looking for 24 hours of daylight or just a few hours of it – Greenland has something unique to offer.
Does Greenland have six months of daylight?
The midnight sun phenomenon is only experienced in Greenland’s part above the Arctic Circle and typically lasts from late April to late August.
The best place to experience this is in the northernmost town of Qaanaaq, where you can experience up to 24 hours of daylight during this time.
And while you will not get six months of daylight, it still offers a fantastic opportunity to explore a unique part of the world.
What GMT is Nuuk Greenland?
Nuuk is the capital of Greenland, and it operates on UTC-2 all year round
In conclusion
Hopefully, this article has given you a better understanding of Greenland’s different time zones and how to best plan your travels across the island.
Double-check your itinerary for any changes related to daylight saving time before heading off on your adventure.
And don’t forget to bring your camera – Greenland has so much beauty and uniqueness to offer, you won’t want to miss out!
Good luck on your travels, and happy exploring!
