Svalbard is a year-round destination with three seasons: Polar summer, Northern Lights Winter, and Sunny Winter. Each season offers unique activities and highlights, so deciding when is the best time to visit Svalbard ultimately depends on what you want to see and do.
I have created this comprehensive guide from my experience traveling throughout the seasons. It breaks down the highlights of the Svalbard archipelago monthly, including wildlife, activities, temperatures, and weather, to help you plan your Svalbard adventure all in one place.
In Svalbard, there are three main seasons to choose from.
Top Tip: If this is your first time visiting Svalbard or you are interested in wildlife watching, I highly recommend visiting during the summer, as these are the peak months.
May 17th – September 30th
During the polar summer, travelers are greeted by the midnight sun and milder temperatures. These are the best months for wildlife watching, as animals become active after a long winter. Wildlife is bustling, with bird cliffs teeming with activity, walruses hauling out on remote beaches, and polar bears sighted on the shores and remaining sea ice. The bird cliffs are teeming with breeding birds, providing a spectacular sight for visitors.
The best way to experience all that Svalbard offers during the polar summer is on an expedition cruise to explore the islands. You can find information about our Svalbard cruises.
A Svalbard landscape during the autumn as the first snow returns. Note the gorgeous shades of light.
October 1st – February 28th
In contrast to the midnight sun of the summer in Svalbard, the dark season in Svalbard experiences a swap from daylight to darkness. Svalbard’s proximity to the North Pole results in unique climatic and environmental conditions, such as the extreme daylight during summer and the phenomena of the polar night. From November 14th to January 29th, Svalbard is enveloped in darkness during the 24-hour polar night. This period offers the chance to experience a very different Svalbard, from a cozy hotel stay in Longyearbyen to adventurous outdoor activities under the aurora. Winter is the optimal time to witness the mesmerising spectacle of the Northern Lights in the High Arctic and is one of the quietest periods to visit.
The Northern Lights above Longyearbyen during the polar night.
March 1st – May 16th
The sunny winter is the peak season for land-based activities in Svalbard. The land is covered in snow and ice as the sunlight returns. It is the perfect time for snowmobiling and dogsled expeditions because there is more daylight. For photographers, it is an ideal chance to capture Svalbard’s raw, untouched beauty as it emerges from the winter months.
Are you looking for some inspiration on what to do in Svalbard? Check out our 35 things to do in Svalbard and Longyearbyen.
Svalbard is located high above the Arctic Circle and has an Arctic climate characterized by long, cold winters and cool summers. Despite its northern location (Longyearbyen is at 78 degrees north), Svalbard experiences warmer winters than other parts of the Arctic at the same latitude in Russia and Canada.
This is due to the Gulf Stream, which carries warm ocean currents up Norway’s coast to Spitsbergen’s western shores. As a result, the seas on the west coast are ice-free for most of the year.
During summer, the weather in Svalbard is often cloudy with little precipitation or wind, and fog is common. During the summer months, the ice melts, allowing for increased accessibility to waterways and wildlife sightings. Severe winds and heavy snowfall are more common in winter.
Svalbard experiences extreme temperature variations between winter and summer due to its far northern location and the polar night. The coldest temperature ever recorded was -46.3°C in March 1986, an anomaly. The average temperature in February, the coldest month, is -15°C.
In contrast, summer temperatures are significantly warmer, with an average of 7°C in July, the warmest month. On bright days, the sun reflecting off the ice can make it feel even warmer. The highest temperature recorded in Svalbard was 23.0°C (73.4°F) in July 2020.
As a result of climate change, temperatures in Svalbard are rising annually, leading to more rainfall and accelerated glacier melting.
Each month in Svalbard offers something unique to the visitor. Many travelers who have visited Svalbard in the summer often return to experience it in the winter. Below is a guide to visiting Svalbard each month based on my experience, which will help you choose the right month based on what you want to see.
The best season to visit Svalbard for animal encounters is during the summer when you can observe polar bears. Visitors can also spot the elusive arctic fox, whose darker summer fur stands out against the landscape. As the sea ice recedes from the coast, navigating the Archipelago on an expedition cruise becomes possible, offering the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Svalbard.
A polar bear seen on an ice flow during an expedition cruise to Svalbard in the summer.
May is one of my favorite months in Svalbard. It offers the opportunity to witness the transition from winter to spring as the first expedition cruises arrive. The landscapes are still covered in snow, and sea ice blocks the East and far north of the Archipelago, making sea routes shorter.
The first wildlife returns under the midnight sun, and Polar bears, which have spent the winter in dens inland, return to the ice on the edge of Svalbard fjords. Shore landings are trickier as ice and snow still block the shoreline, but it does offer the opportunity for snowshoeing. It’s an excellent month for photographers looking to capture the raw beauty of the Arctic as it emerges from the harshness of winter.
Land-based winter activities are coming to an end, although dogsledding and snowmobiling are still possible until the middle of May.
Svalbard Temperature In May: -1°C to -5°C (30°F to 23°F)
Daylight: 24 hours
Highlights: Expedition cruises, snowy landscapes, photography, dog sledging, snowmobiling, midnight sun.
The first time I visited Svalbard was in June. June is a magical month when the Arctic archipelago transforms as the snow begins to melt and summer takes hold. Walruses haul out on beaches free of ice, birds return to their nesting spots on cliffs in the tens of thousands, and polar bears are sighted in the fjords. Arctic foxes are also commonly seen during this time, actively hunting and displaying their seasonal fur color changes.
June temperatures are milder than May, but snow remains on the higher land. Areas further north and to the East may still have sea ice, preventing longer passages around Svalbard until later in the summer.
Svalbard Temperatures in June: 1°C to 4°C (34°F to 39°F)
Daylight: 24 hours
Highlights: Expedition cruises, wildlife watching, midnight sun, and hiking.
In Svalbard, July is the warmest and busiest month for expedition cruising, offering the widest selection of cruises. This time of year provides the best opportunities for wildlife watching as the Hinlopen Strait becomes accessible. Visitors can also encounter Svalbard reindeer, which are more active during the summer months as the landscape becomes teeming with life. Visitors can explore the Akefjellet bird cliffs and witness 40,000 migrating guillemots. Polar bears are frequently sighted along the shores and on the sea ice to the north. In addition, longer-length expedition cruises to the Far East become possible in July.
Furthermore, July is one of the best months for hiking in Svalbard, as the landscape is now snow-free, allowing for longer hikes.
Svalbard Temperatures in July: 4°C to 7°C (39°F to 45°F)
Daylight: 24 hours
Highlights: Longer expedition cruises, wildlife watching, midnight sun and hiking.
In August, the brief summer comes to an end. The first snow returns to the mountains and the sea around Svalbard is ice-free, making it possible to explore the far East of Svalbard. It’s an excellent time to hike longer into Svalbard’s beautiful landscapes.
Wildlife is still active, but birds begin to migrate south towards the end of the month. Polar bears are frequently seen throughout the islands. The weather is usually calm and overcast, with occasional rain.
Expedition ships depart from Svalbard to East Greenland, providing opportunities to explore various Arctic regions.
Svalbard Temperatures in August: 3°C to 6°C (37°F to 43°F)
Daylight: 24 hours (until 23rd August)
Highlights: Longer expedition cruises, wildlife watching, midnight sun and hiking.
During the autumn months in Svalbard, known as the Golden Autumn, the skies are illuminated with long, almost never-ending sunrises and sunsets, casting beautiful golden hues across the Arctic archipelago. This time offers travelers a peaceful opportunity to visit Svalbard and witness the transition from summer to the stark winter.
The last expedition cruise ships have left Svalbard, except for a few late-season photography tours aimed at capturing the landscapes in the beautiful sunset oranges that are not seen at other times of the year.
Polar bears, walruses, and whales are still being sighted throughout the islands, but migratory birds have returned south as the temperatures cool once more. As the end of the month approaches, darkness returns to the night sky, and the first northern lights are seen in the skies above the Arctic.
Svalbard Temperatures in September: -1°C to 2°C (30°F to 36°F)
Daylight: 14-10 hours
Highlights: Photography, autumn colours, a chance to see the Northern Lights and the first snow.
October quickly decreases in daylight hours as the dark season approaches. This month is known as the twilight month before the 24 hours of darkness set in. The temperature drops and the last wildlife has left the Archipelago. Northern lights are more frequent in the skies above Longyearbyen. Day trips to visit Barentsberg and Pyramiden by boat are still possible.
Svalbard Temperatures in October: -5°C to -2°C (23°F to 28°F)
Daylight: 10-6 hours
Highlights: Photography, autumn colours, Northern Lights, early winter activities.
Starting November 11th, Svalbard experiences the polar night, bringing 24 hours of darkness. Temperatures are consistently below freezing and will continue to drop throughout November. This is an ideal time to visit Longyearbyen to see the Northern Lights and enjoy the town during a peaceful season of continual darkness.
Svalbard Temperatures in November: -10°C to -5°C (14°F to 23°F)
Daylight: 4-0 hours (transition to Polar Night)
Highlights: Northern Lights, snowmobiling, dog sledging
During the polar night, Svalbard experiences complete darkness. December is the perfect time to enjoy the festive atmosphere in the world’s northernmost town and to spend time outdoors on clear nights looking for the frequently seen northern lights.
Svalbard Temperatures in December: -13°C to -18°C (9°F to 0°F)
Daylight: Polar night (24 hours of darkness)
Highlights: Northern Lights, festive season, snowmobiling, dog sledging
January is popular for winter activities such as dog sledging and snowmobiling in the polar night. These activities provide an excellent opportunity to experience Svalbard’s unspoiled nature and witness the spectacular northern lights in the beautiful Arctic landscapes.
Svalbard Temperatures in January: -14°C to -18°C (7°F to 0°F)
Daylight: Polar night (24 hours of darkness)
Highlights: Northern Lights, snowmobiling, dog sledging.
In Svalbard, February is the coldest month, and the twilight returns as the polar night ends. The Archipelago is now covered in snow and ice and looks its most untouched. The first sunrise takes place in the middle of February. This month is the peak season for multi-day snowmobile expeditions and dog sledge tours.
Svalbard Temperatures in February: -15°C to -17°C (5°F to 1°F)
Daylight: Increasing daylight hours (3-4 hours by month-end)
Highlights: Northern Lights, snowmobiling, dog sledging, photography
In March, Svalbard marks the start of the sunny winter season, with daylight returning and temperatures milder than in February but still below freezing. This month is excellent for photographers who want to capture Svalbard’s frozen landscapes in the crisp light of the returning sun. With the sunlight back, activities like skiing, snowboarding, and polar hiking can be enjoyed on the untouched, pristine snow.
Svalbard Temperatures in March: -12°C to -16°C (10°F to 3°F)
Daylight: 8-12 hours
Highlights: Winter hiking, Ice caves, skiing, Dog Sledding, Snowmobiling
In April, the Arctic experiences a significant shift from darkness to increasing daylight. By April 20th, the midnight sun reappears in the sky. This was when small expedition ships started offering photography tours of the Arctic islands. April is considered a peak month for winter activities in Svalbard and is one of the best times for snowmobiling and ski touring.
Svalbard Temperatures in April: -8°C to -12°C (17°F to 10°F)
Daylight: 16-24 hours
Highlights: photography tours, skiing, dog sledging
The best time to see a polar bear in Svalbard is during the summer months on the safety of an expedition cruise. While it is possible to encounter polar bears during the winter on snowmobile tours, it is unsafe to view them, and guides will take immediate action to move away from them.
The best months for wildlife viewing in Svalbard are between June and August, when all species, including birds, can be seen in the Archipelago.
November and February are the prime months for observing the Northern Lights in Svalbard. At this time, the region experiences constant darkness and clear skies, greatly enhancing the possibility of witnessing the stunning aurora borealis in the high Arctic.
The best time for dog sledging in Svalbard is during the sunny winter months between February and the middle of May when the last snow leaves. Going dog sledging and snowmobiling during the polar night from November through February is possible, but trips will occur in total darkness.
The ski season in Svalbard runs from March until the last snow in May.
The midnight sun is visible in Svalbard from April 19th until August 23rd.
Each season in Svalbard offers a unique experience. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking to experience the extremes of the Arctic, Svalbard has something to offer year-round. You can visit at different times of the year and have an exceptional experience.
If you need help planning your cruise to Svalbard, please contact our team. They have extensive experience in the area.
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