When can you see the northern lights in Svalbard?

Svalbard sits at 78° north, in the middle of the auroral zone, and is one of the very best places in the world to see the northern lights. But when in the year — and when in the day — are your chances best? Here is what you need to know.

The short answer: the northern lights season runs from late September to mid-March, and is at its very best during the dark season from November to February.

What time of year can you see the northern lights in Svalbard?

The aurora needs darkness. In Svalbard that means roughly late September to mid-March. The best months are November, December, January and February, when the sky is dark for most of the day. From late April to mid-August the midnight sun keeps the sky light around the clock, and the northern lights cannot be seen at all.

Northern lights in the middle of the day — unique to the polar night

What makes Svalbard genuinely unusual is that you can see the aurora in the middle of the day. During the polar night (mid-November to the end of January) the sun never rises above the horizon at all, so the sky is dark enough for the northern lights even at noon. Svalbard is in fact the only inhabited place in the world where you can experience this ‘daytime aurora’.

Best time of day, and the weather

Even though the polar night is dark around the clock, auroral activity is often strongest near midnight. What matters most is a clear sky — cloud hides the aurora no matter how strong it is. That is why we drive away from Longyearbyen to find open, dark areas with the best visibility.

Where can you see the northern lights in Svalbard?

In Longyearbyen itself the street lights compete with the aurora, so the best experiences are just outside town. A northern lights tour by car takes you to dark viewpoints, while a northern lights tour by snowmobile takes you deeper into Adventdalen, away from all light pollution.

By car or by snowmobile?

If you want a calmer experience, the northern lights tour by car is a short drive to good viewpoints. If you want to combine the aurora with an active adventure, the northern lights tour by snowmobile takes you out into the wilderness. You can also see the aurora on a longer trip, such as the snowmobile tour in the polar night.

Frequently asked questions

When are the chances of seeing the northern lights in Svalbard best?

The chances are best during the dark season, from November to February, when the sky is dark for most of the day. The full season runs from late September to mid-March.

Can you see the northern lights during the day in Svalbard?

Yes. During the polar night the sun never rises above the horizon, so the sky is dark enough for the aurora even in the middle of the day. It is a phenomenon you will find almost nowhere else.

How many days should I spend in Svalbard to see the northern lights?

The aurora is a natural phenomenon that depends on weather and solar activity, so nobody can guarantee it. With three to four nights during the dark season, your chances of seeing it at least once are good.

Can you see the northern lights from inside Longyearbyen?

Sometimes, but the street lights make it difficult. The best experiences come on a guided tour just outside town, away from the light pollution.

Ready to chase the aurora? See our northern lights tours →