Best time to visit Svalbard
Svalbard does not have four seasons but three of its own: the dark polar night, the bright sunlit winter, and the polar summer with its midnight sun. When you should travel depends entirely on what you want to experience.
Here is an overview of the seasons in Svalbard — and which activities suit each one best.
The three seasons of Svalbard
Broadly, the year falls into three: the polar night (November to January) with total darkness and the northern lights; the sunlit winter (March to May) with snow, light and the snowmobile season; and the polar summer (June to August) with the midnight sun, open sea and green mountainsides. Each season offers something completely different.
The dark season and polar night (November to January)
During the polar night the sun never rises at all. That gives a remarkable blue winter light and the very best conditions for seeing the northern lights — even in the middle of the day. It is also the season for atmospheric trips such as the snowmobile tour in the polar night.
Sunlit winter (March to May)
When the light returns, Svalbard becomes ideal for snowmobile tours. Snow conditions are at their best, the days grow long, and the long tours to the east coast and Tempelfjorden open up. This is the high season for winter activities.
Polar summer and midnight sun (June to August)
In summer the sun shines around the clock. The snow melts, the fjords open, and you can enjoy hiking, sightseeing and rich birdlife. A completely different, green and bright side of Svalbard.
When should you travel?
For the northern lights, travel during the dark season (November to February). For snowmobiling in fine winter light, choose the sunlit winter (March to May). For the midnight sun, wildlife and hiking, come in summer (June to August). If you want a bit of both, March and April catch the turn between snow and light nicely.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to travel to Svalbard?
It depends what you want: the dark season (November to February) for the northern lights, the sunlit winter (March to May) for snowmobiling and bright winter landscape, and the polar summer (June to August) for the midnight sun and hiking.
When is the midnight sun in Svalbard?
The midnight sun lasts from around 20 April to 23 August, when the sun stays above the horizon around the clock.
When is the dark season in Svalbard?
The sun stays below the horizon from late October to mid-February. The fully dark polar night, with night around the clock, runs from mid-November to the end of January.
When is the snowmobile season in Svalbard?
The snowmobile season runs roughly from December or January to mid-May, and is at its very best from March to May with good light and stable snow.
How cold is it in Svalbard?
In winter the temperature is often between -10 and -20 °C, and can be colder. In summer it is usually around 3 to 7 °C. Wind makes it feel colder than the thermometer suggests.
