Svalbard
Best Time to Visit

Svalbard

Your month-by-month wildlife calendar

When to Visit Svalbard

Svalbard offers a true Arctic wildlife experience with polar bears, walruses, and Arctic foxes. The expedition season runs from March to October, with the midnight sun from April to August providing 24-hour daylight for wildlife spotting. Winter brings polar night and northern lights but extremely limited access.

Peak Season June - August
Avoid November - February (polar night, extreme cold)

Month-by-Month Calendar

Click on any month to see detailed wildlife and weather information

January

Avoid
★★★★★
🌤 Polar night, -15 to -8°C
🦁 Polar night, no daylight, extremely limited access, northern lights visible
👥 Low 💰 Low

February

Avoid
★★★★★
🌤 Polar twilight, -15 to -7°C
🦁 First light returning, snowmobile trips possible, ptarmigan in white plumage
👥 Low 💰 Low

March

Good
★★★★★
🌤 Cold & bright, -14 to -5°C
🦁 Light returning, snowmobile and dog sled trips, polar bears on sea ice, northern lights
👥 Medium 💰 Medium

April

Good
★★★★★
🌤 Cold & bright, -12 to -2°C
🦁 Midnight sun begins, polar bears with cubs on sea ice, ringed seal pups, ski touring
👥 Medium 💰 Medium

May

Great
★★★★★
🌤 Cold, 24hr daylight, -6 to 2°C
🦁 Sea ice retreating, seabird colonies filling up, bearded seals on ice floes
👥 Medium 💰 High

June

Peak
★★★★★
🌤 Cool, midnight sun, 0-6°C
🦁 Peak expedition season, polar bears hunting on ice edge, walruses, puffins nesting, Arctic terns
👥 High 💰 Peak

July

Peak
★★★★★
🌤 Mild, midnight sun, 3-8°C
🦁 Best month, polar bears on shore, walrus haul-outs, beluga whales, Arctic fox pups, seabird cities
👥 Peak 💰 Peak

August

Great
★★★★★
🌤 Mild, daylight fading, 2-7°C
🦁 Good wildlife, blue whales possible, walruses, reindeer with calves, glacier cruises
👥 High 💰 High

September

Good
★★★★★
🌤 Cold, 0-4°C
🦁 Season winding down, polar bears moving north, northern lights returning, autumn colours
👥 Medium 💰 Medium

October

Fair
★★★★★
🌤 Cold & dark, -5 to 0°C
🦁 Polar night approaching, last expeditions, northern lights, Arctic foxes in winter coat
👥 Low 💰 Low

November

Avoid
★★★★★
🌤 Polar night begins, -10 to -3°C
🦁 Polar night, no expeditions, northern lights from town, very limited wildlife access
👥 Low 💰 Low

December

Avoid
★★★★★
🌤 Polar night, -12 to -5°C
🦁 Complete darkness, no expedition season, northern lights, dog sledding near Longyearbyen
👥 Low 💰 Low

🎯 Our Recommendation

June and July are the best months for Arctic wildlife. The midnight sun means you can spot polar bears at any hour, walruses haul out on beaches, Arctic fox pups explore near dens, and puffin colonies are bustling. Expedition cruises offer the widest coverage.

Plan Your Trip to Svalbard

🗺️ Book Tours GetYourGuide 🏨 Find Hotels Booking.com ✈️ Search Flights Expedia 🦒 Safari Packages BookAllSafaris 🛡️ Travel Insurance World Nomads 📖 Full Destination Guide WhereAnimalsLive 🏕️ Best Camps & Lodges WhereAnimalsLive 🎒 What to Pack WhereAnimalsLive

Best Time to Visit Svalbard FAQ

The best time to visit Svalbard is June to August for expedition cruises and midnight sun. March to April offers returning sunlight and opportunities for snowmobile and dog sled excursions.

Summer temperatures range from 3 to 10 degrees Celsius. Winter is dark and extremely cold at minus 10 to minus 30 degrees Celsius.

Early June or late August at the edges of the cruise season. Travelling during shoulder or low seasons can save you 20 to 40% on accommodation and tours while still providing excellent wildlife viewing.

Peak season at Svalbard is July when expedition cruise demand is highest. Book accommodation and tours well in advance for peak dates, as popular lodges and camps sell out months ahead.