The best time to visit the Arctic

January in Svalbard is defined by its harsh winter conditions and the Polar Night, with average temperatures hovering around -13°C. Wildlife sightings are rare, as most animals conserve energy during this time of extreme cold and perpetual darkness. Only the very hardy visit in January.

Polar Night and average temperatures of -13°C continue into February, with 28mm of precipitation falling as snow. This is the ideal time for husky sledding, with longer expeditions offered. It is also an ideal time to visit for those hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

In March, temperatures rarely rise above -13°C in Svalbard, meaning the pack ice from winter remains intact. Whilst this makes it difficult to pursue wildlife sightings, it’s still possible to enjoy outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and husky sledding. Be aware that precipitation levels are relatively high for the region at 29mm this month, often falling as a persistent light drizzle.

April is the best time to go to Svalbard if you want to witness the start of the polar bear mating season, as females emerge from their dens accompanied by any cubs from last year. This month also sees the springtime arrival of walrus and whales from their southerly wintering areas. The climate remains cold alongside relatively dry conditions, with maximum temperatures of -9°C and around 16mm of precipitation.

Polar bear mating rituals and courtship battles are in full swing by May, which is also peak weaning season for any two-year-old cubs. Bird activity increases as nesting begins at the end of the month, once the cliffs are clear of snow. The coastal waters come alive with humpback whales, and sightings of minke and other baleen species become more frequent. Summer is on its way as temperatures start to rise, reaching highs of -3°C.

The best time to visit Svalbard to catch a glimpse of fin and sei whales is June, whilst minke are often sighted in the Arctic fjords. Courtship battles continue between the adult polar bears, whilst the cubs start learning to hunt from their mothers. The cliffs and ledges of the archipelago come alive with bird life during this month. Walrus males begin moulting, while newly-weaned seal pups are left to fend for themselves. Temperatures are mild for the region at an average of 3°C, accompanied by around 18mm of rain.

With July the peak of the polar bear mating season, females and cubs are more likely to be found frequenting coastal areas to hunt for seal pups. The circle of life is in full force, with the egg-laying period for the birds of Svalbard attracting predators such as gyr falcon, skuas, gulls and Arctic foxes. Seals gather on ice floes, walrus ‘haul-out’ and whales move deeper into the fjords. July is the warmest month of the year, with rainfall gradually increasing into August.

As Arctic summer draws to an end, there is a good chance of spotting rarer seal species in the north, including bearded, hooded, and harp seals. It’s also the height of the hatching season for birds, creating a feeding frenzy that sustains the wider ecosystem. Warm temperatures of around 6°C prevail, alongside an average of 30mm of rain.

A herald of change, September sees the female polar bears who mated earlier in the year begin searching for suitable dens to hunker down in. Most seabirds prepare to leave the archipelago for winter, alongside walrus, seals and whales who all start to migrate south. The cooler temperatures, averaging 1°C, reflect the impending transition into autumn.

October is the best time to go to Svalbard for landscape photographers hoping to catch the long sunrises and sunsets before Polar Night sets in once again. Most wildlife has now left the archipelago, with polar bear denning reaching its peak this month. Temperatures start to plummet as winter approaches, with an average of 19mm precipitation predominantly falling as snow.

We don’t recommend travelling to Svalbard during November.

We don’t recommend travelling to Svalbard during December.