What type of climate does Greenland have?

Greenland has an Arctic climate, which is characterized by rapid weather changes and extreme cold. While the island is largely covered by a massive ice sheet, the climate is slightly modified in the southwest by the influence of the Gulf Stream.1

Key features of Greenland's climate include:

• Temperature: Winters are severe, with average January temperatures ranging from the low 20s °F (about −7 °C) in the south to approximately −30 °F (about −34 °C) in the north. Summer temperatures are relatively cool, averaging in the mid-40s °F (about 7 °C) in the southwest and near 40 °F (about 4 °C) in the far north.1
• Precipitation: Annual precipitation varies significantly, decreasing from over 75 inches (1,900 mm) in the south to about 2 inches (50 mm) in the north. Large portions of the island are classified as Arctic deserts due to this limited precipitation.1
• Conditions: The island experiences the midnight sun during the summer and frequent, rapid shifts between sunshine and blizzards. Strong winds blowing off the ice cap are common across the island.12