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Best Time to Visit Svalbard

Best Time to Visit Svalbard

Table Of Contents

  • Svalbard is a year-round destination, and the best month to visit ultimately comes down to what you would like to see.
  • The best time to visit the Svalbard archipelago for an expedition cruise is during the summer months between May and August. This period offers the best opportunities for wildlife encounters and is when polar bears are most active.
  • For the northern lights, the best time to visit Svalbard is between late October and February during the polar night when there is 24 hours of darkness.
  • The best months for winter sports, including dog sledging and snowmobiling, are between February and April.

In this article, I take a deep dive into what Svalbard offers each month, from the magic of the midnight sun during the summer to the darkness of the winter, to help you plan your Svalbard trip. I have visited Svalbard multiple times throughout the year and share what you can expect.

The good news is that it is possible to visit Svalbard all year round, and each season and month has unique highlights. The best time to visit Svalbard ultimately depends on what you would like to see and experience while you are there.

Svalbard’s Seasons

Due to its location in the High Arctic, Svalbard has three distinct seasons.

  • The Polar Summer (from mid-May to September)
  • Northern lights Winter (October – February)
  • Sunny Winter (March – Mid-May)

Each season offers an entirely different perspective of Svalbard. In my experience, Svalbard is like a completely different place during each season. Here is what to expect:

The Polar Summer

a panoramic view of Smeerenburg best time to visit svalbard in the summer

If you haven’t visited Svalbard before, I recommend planning your first visit during the polar summer season. The archipelago comes alive after a long, freezing winter, awoken by the glorious midnight sun. Wildlife returns to the islands, and polar bears can be seen on ice floes and land.  

The Polar Summer corresponds to the season for expedition cruising and offers the best months to explore the islands on an expedition ship. It’s also an excellent time for hiking, boat tours and other land-based activities.

The Northern Lights Winter

northern lights in svalbard during the winter

As the name suggests, this is the best season to see the Aurora borealis across Svalbard. As the sun disappears beneath the horizon and the polar night returns, Svalbard is bathed in 24 hours of darkness. The Northern lights greet visitors. It’s a cosy and quiet time to visit Svalbard, with limited activities.

Sunny Winter

Svalbard weather and a frozen landscape in April

As the sun returns after the polar night, Svalbard is a frozen wonderland. The snow-covered landscapes are perfect for expeditions, snowmobiling, exploring ice caves and dog sledging.

Best Time To Visit Svalbard Month by Month

So now you have an overview of the 3 main seasons in Svalbard, here is a month-by-month guide to help you find the perfect time to visit.   

Svalbard Summer

During the summer months in Svalbard, the sea ice retreats and frozen landscapes thaw, revealing a beautiful natural paradise ready for exploring on a Svalbard expedition cruise.

svalbard glacier in the summer months

May In Svalbard Highlights

  • The first expedition cruise ships arrive in Svalbard to be greeted by Svalbard’s pristine snowscapes and fjord ice.
  • The midnight sun is visible, illuminating the Arctic scenery.
  • Expedition cruise routes are shorter due to the pack ice, but the rewarding scenery and sense of adventure make up for this.
  • Polar bears head out from their winter dens on land to the sea ice, making for some superb encounters.
  • Due to the amount of ice, it is challenging to land on the shore, so excursions often take place as Zodiac rides.
  • Hikes ashore with the expedition team involve wrapping up warm and donning snow shoes.

Temperature Range: High -3°C – Low -7°C

June In Svalbard Highlights

  • Svalbard transforms as spring turns to summer and the frosty shores melt. On Svalbard cruises, shore landings and longer hikes become possible.
  • Wildlife is in full swing as millions of migratory birds return to the archipelago, and the bird cliffs are bustling.
  • June is a great month for spotting walruses, which haul out on remote beaches, and polar bears searching for prey.
  • The sea ice extent reduces, and expedition cruise ships venture further to the North and East of Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s largest island.

Temperature Range: High 7°C – Low 0°C

July In Svalbard Highlights

  • The busiest time for expedition cruises in Svalbard with the broadest selection of itineraries and ships.
  • The warmest month to visit Svalbard with temperatures consistently above freezing.
  • Wildlife activity is at its peak. The Bird cliffs at Alkefjellet are alive and bustling with 10,000s of Brünnich’s guillemots.
  • As the sea ice recedes throughout the summer, it becomes possible to visit the furthest reaches of the archipelago on longer expedition cruises.
  • Polar bears are spotted on land and the remaining sea ice in the North.

Temperature Range: High 10°C – Low 3°C

August In Svalbard Highlights

  • August is the best month for hiking with the shores now completely clear of snow.
  • The sea ice is close to its minimum extent, giving ships the best access to the islands.
  • Expedition cruises from Svalbard to the North Pole take place on the icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot.
  • Towards the end of August, the sun finally sinks beneath the horizon, marking the start of autumn.
  • August is a good month for wildlife watching with excellent polar bear and walrus sightings. Birds begin to migrate south towards the end of the month.

Temperature Range: High 8°C – Low 0°C

September In Svalbard Highlights

  • An excellent month for photography, as long sunrises and sunsets create an extended golden hour over the Arctic Tundra.
  • The first snow returns to the hills of Svalbard, and autumnal colours abound.
  • Expedition cruises sail from Svalbard to explore the coast of East Greenland.
  • Whilst most of the birds have migrated south, wildlife sightings for polar bears and walruses are still excellent.

Temperature Range: High 5°C – Low -5 °C

Svalbard Winter Months

The last expedition ships have left, and the dark season approaches. After the endless summer light, winter temperatures set in, bringing a completely different atmosphere.

a snowmobile tour in Svalbard in the winter

October in Svalbard Highlights

  • As the dark season approaches, the first Northern lights of the winter can be seen over Svalbard.
  • The sky is illuminated with deep shades of blue as the snow returns to the landscapes.
  • The Dark season blues festival takes place to mark the start of the Polar Night in Longyearbyen.

Temperature Range: High -5°C – Low -10 °C

November in Svalbard Highlights

  • The polar night commences on November 14th, plunging Svalbard into 24 hours of constant darkness.
  • A quiet time to visit Longyearbyen and see the Northern Lights.

Temperature Range: High -10°C – Low -15 °C

December in Svalbard Highlights

  • Christmas lights up Longyearbyen with a festive market.
  • Northern lights are frequently sighted throughout the month.

Temperature Range: High -10°C – Low -20 °C

January in Svalbard Highlights

  • Take advantage of the quietest time of year with the most affordable flights.
  • An excellent month for snowmobiling and dog sledging adventures in the polar night.

Temperature Range: High -10°C – Low -20 °C

February in Svalbard Highlights

  • The first light returns to Svalbard with gorgeous twilight hues and freezing temperatures.
  • Snowmobiling and dog sledging are the top winter activities.

Temperature Range: High -15°C – Low -20 °C

March in Svalbard Highlights

  • The sunny winter is now in full swing with the lowest temperatures Svalbard experiences.
  • Ideal month with thick snow cover for snowmobile safaris, skiing expeditions and dog sledding.

Temperature Range: High -10°C – Low -30 °C

April in Svalbard Highlights

  • The midnight sun returns to Svalbard at the end of April.
  • Skiing expeditions across Svalbard take place.

Temperature Range: High -5°C – Low -15 °C

My Personal Experience Of When To Visit Svalbard

I have been fortunate enough to visit Svalbard’s islands over 10 times at different times of the year, and there is never a disappointing time to visit. If I had to choose one of the months that stands out to me but is often overlooked, it would be May.

The expedition cruise season is just starting, so it’s quieter with fewer ships, and the landscapes are fresh with snow. The archipelago has a picture postcard look as it emerges from the long winter. May has an average high temperature of -3°C and 24 hours of daylight, so it’s perfect for photography and exploration. The fjords are choked full of sea ice, which adds to the adventure and the potential for ice landings.

We have always had excellent polar bear viewing in May. On the last expedition, we saw three polar bears, including a mother and her cubs, on the edge of the fjord ice. It was a magical moment to see.  

The temperatures are lower than in the summer months, and the air is crisp, so be sure to wrap up warm. As there is a lot of ice on the shores, if hiking is your preference, it is better to choose a cruise later in the summer.  

FAQ

When is the best time to take a cruise in Svalbard?

The best time to take a cruise in Svalbard is during the summer months between May and September. Each month has different highlights from sea ice early in the season to longer in-depth itineraries later in the summer. The best month to cruise Svalbard ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Expedition cruises operate in Svalbard between early May and the last ships departing in September, so outside of this time it is not possible to cruise in Svalbard.  

guests on an expedition cruise in Svalbard looking at mountains

When is the best time to see the midnight sun in Svalbard?

In Svalbard, it is possible to see the midnight sun between April 20th and August 22nd. This remarkable phenomenon is visible throughout the cruise season. If you are not used to it, adjusting to the 24-hour light schedule can take some time.

What is the best month to see polar bears in Svalbard?

The best months to see polar bears in Svalbard are between May and September during the summer on an expedition cruise. Expedition cruises provide the safest way to see polar bears in the wild in Svalbard.

There isn’t a single month during the summer in my experience which is better for polar bear viewings. I have had excellent sightings on early-season cruises in May and June, and this is the best time for photographers to capture polar bears on ice. We have also had outstanding polar bear sightings in July and August, although polar bears tend to be on land due to the reduced ice coverage.

As with any expedition cruise, nothing is specific; guaranteed, and sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you don’t. For a complete guide, please see How to See Polar Bears in Svalbard.

how to see polar bears in svalbard

When is the best time to see the northern lights in Svalbard?

While it’s possible to see the Northern Lights in Svalbard between September and March, the best time to see the Northern Lights in Svalbard is during the polar night between November and February. The period of constant darkness in Svalbard starts on November 14 and lasts until January 29.

As there are 24 hours of darkness, you have an extended viewing window, and it is when the most frequent aurora activity takes place. The peak times are often in the middle of the night, between 9 pm and 2 am on clear nights. It is quite a sight stepping outside of your hotel in Longyearbyen to be greeted by some of the most vivid auroras in the Arctic. Remember to wrap up warm due to the low temperatures!

best time to visit svalbard to see the northern lights over longyearbyen

Best time to visit Svalbard Summary

  • Svalbard is an all-year-round destination and the best time to visit ultimately comes down to what you would like to see and experience during your visit.
  • During the summer months between May and September, Expedition cruises offer the best way to see the archipelago and encounter wildlife including polar bears, Arctic foxes, walruses and a wealth of birdlife.
  • For winter activities, the sunny winter between March and mid-May is the best time to visit Svalbard for snowmobiling, dog sledging and skiing.
  • If seeing the Aurora borealis is your goal, visit Svalbard during the polar night between November and February.
  • And remember, there is never a bad month to visit Svalbard!

Explore Svalbard With Polar Escapes

Plan your trip with seasoned Svalbard professionals. With over 20 Svalbard cruises under our belts, we are here to help you at every stage of your journey.

At Polar Escapes, we compare itineraries, ships, and prices from multiple expedition cruise operators — so you get the best price, guaranteed. All bookings are covered by 100% financial protection for peace of mind.

See our Svalbard cruises to find out more.

Happy Exploring!

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About The Author
Andy is the founder of Polar Escapes and has been exploring the polar regions for over 15 years. He draws on a wealth of first hand experience travelling in the Arctic and Antarctica in his writing. With over 20 expeditions under his belt he specialises in writing in-depth travel guides and articles to help others. He is passionate about small ships and sustainable travel.

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