When To Go To The North Pole

Best Time To Visit

Due to its location at the northernmost point of the planet, in the middle of the frozen Arctic Ocean, the North Pole experiences extreme polar temperatures.

While it is cold all year round, it is significantly warmer during mid-summer, with an average temperature of 32° F (0° C), making this the only realistic time to visit.

During the summer, the midnight sun, with its 24 hours of daylight, warms the frozen Arctic Ocean after a harsh winter freeze. As the sea ice thins out, safe passage through the ice floes becomes possible on an icebreaker ship.

This starkly contrasts the winter months when polar night creates darkness for six months and the temperature plummets to -40 ° F (-40 ° C).

Visiting the North Pole in the winter is an extreme expedition only done by scientists with specialized equipment and training. As you can imagine, most people would not want to experience it, especially with the howling winds and total darkness.

When To Take A North Pole Cruise?

You can reach the North Pole on an icebreaker cruise between late July and September. The ice pack ice is more challenging to navigate before this, reducing the chances of reaching the North Pole. After September, the conditions become more extreme as winter starts in the Arctic. So, the window to get to the North Pole on a cruise is very short.

Only a few North Pole Cruises occur yearly, so booking in advance is necessary.

Top Tip: If you want to see the Northern Lights, consider a September cruise to the North Pole. You won’t see the Northern Lights at the North Pole, but you might see the Aurora Borealis further south in East Greenland.

You can see our North Pole Cruises.

When To Fly To The North Pole?

You can fly to the North Pole by taking a charter flight to the runway carved into the ice at Barneo ice camp. From there, there is a short helicopter flight. This expedition is only possible when the runway at Barneo opens in April. Before April, the conditions are too extreme, and during the summer, the ice runway breaks up, allowing only a short window of time to fly to the North Pole.

When To Get To The North Pole on an Expedition?

Dogsledding and skiing expeditions are weather-dependent on ice conditions. The ice sheets are crucial in determining navigable waters, and climate change is melting them and affecting accessibility and wildlife viewing. The challenges of accessing the Canadian Arctic in the winter make it only for the most adventurous of people due to the extreme temperatures.

Other Arctic Destinations

It is possible to visit other destinations in the Arctic all year round.

The Arctic region’s seasonal changes affect accessibility and wildlife viewing in Svalbard. In the summer, it offers unique experiences like the wildlife watching and exploring different animal habitats. Arctic foxes can be seen in the summer when they take advantage of the food on the bird cliffs.

Beluga whales are most active during the summer, when they migrate in large numbers. June to mid-July is a great time to experience the Arctic Circle as the ice edge has ice and snow, wildlife is more active, and polar bears and walruses are hunting.

It is also possible to visit Svalbard in the winter months and see the Northern Lights.

Churchill is known as the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’ and is busiest during the fall when the polar bears migrate to the area in anticipation of the re-freezing of Hudson Bay. This is the peak season for the town, and many visitors come to see polar bears in their natural habitat. Early in the year, it’s still winter, and the conditions are too extreme with darkness and wind. Later in the summer, the ice starts to break up and melt, and it’s impossible to get there. April is the best month as the ice thickens after winter, and there is daylight as the Arctic heads towards summer.

Northern Norway is also a winter destination, offering the Northern Lights and outdoor activities like snowshoeing and husky sledging. Cruises sail in northern Norway during the winter, and you might see the aurora.

It is also possible to visit the South Pole during the Austral summer. While the North Pole has a cold but dry climate with stable conditions, the South Pole, with the Antarctic ice cap, has more extreme weather and atmospheric effects that can cause significant variations in conditions. Its also more remote and the best way to get there is to fly.

Do you want to go to the North Pole?

If you want to visit the North Pole, our experienced Travel Experience Team, with firsthand experience, will help you plan your trip.

We will help you choose your preferred option, cruise or flight, explain the differences between the voyages and help you pick your cabin based on your preference. We can tell you what’s included and what’s optional. We’re always happy to answer any questions you have.

All bookings with us at the North Pole are 100% financially protected. We include supplier failure insurance free of charge, so you are fully protected. We also guarantee the best price from the operator when you book.