The year on Svalbard - month by month
When you start researching you trip to Svalbard, you will see that we often refer to three seasons here in the north, not four. These are the Northern Lights Winter, the Sunny Winter and the Polar Summer. Each season is unique, and boasts widely differing experiences. Even if both October and February are both part of the Northern Lights Winter, visits in these two months will give you quite different experiences. We have therefore gone through the whole year, month for month, with a little information on what you can expect - and look forward to!
January
One of the darkest months of the year, and perhaps an underrated season to visit Svalbard in. Their are often cheap flights available, and the hotels in town generally have decent capacity. Historically, the snow cover should be good in this period, meaning you can try your hand at both snowmobile and dog sledding tours. If you visit under the full moon, you can experience the dazzlingly beautiful Svalbard mountains with both moonshine and northern lights. The Polar Night ends on January 30, and from then the days quickly become lighter.
February
February can be summed up with just one word: the blue hour. The end of the Polar Night combined with the white mountain tops and plains creates a fantastic blue light in the sky. The locals never tire of its glow, and visitors come from around the world to experience it. In mid-February the sun peers over the horizon for the first time since October, and although its rays do not reach Longyearbyen yet, it is easy to see that it gets lighter every day. Ice caving is an excellent option in this month, as is the northern lights safari by snowmobile.
March
Beautiful, yet cold, March is the start of the sun winter, but that doesn’t mean that the thermometer will show anything resembling spring. March is on average the coldest month on Svalbard, but also a fantastic time to visit. During the first week of the month the ‘Solfest’ (Sun Party) begins, and we celebrate the return of the sun on March 8. This is quite an experience, as the whole town comes together at the old hospital stairs and the school children sing for the sun. March generally boasts a lot of good weather, each day is longer than the last, and you can make use of this on some of the longer snowmobile tours.
April
A month for adventure - be sure not to sleep through your stay! The midnight sun arrives in the middle of April, and you can make the most of this with tours nearly around the clock. See the incredible Arctic landscape, the snow-covered mountain peaks and the broad white plains. If you haven't tried dog sledding before, you will enjoy the sense of achievement gained when you steer your team of eager huskies through the wilderness. Perhaps it seems strange to leave the light to head down into an underground winter wonderland, but the glacial ice caves are a must see, as each unique location never ceases to impress.
May
If you are planning on visiting Svalbard solely to experience snowmobiling in the Arctic, you shouldn’t plan your visit for later than the beginning of May. The weather is hard to forecast, but sometimes the winter begins to loosen its grip on Longyearbyen during this month, and that brings with it the end of the snowmobiling season. For all other visitors it is a fantastic and light month, and a favourite for those who wish to take part in our longer skiing expeditions. On May 17, Longyearbyen comes together for the national day of Norway, with many traditional costumes to be seen. This date also marks the official start of our Polar summer.
June
Even if the calendar says summer, the mean temperatur in Longyearbyen during this season is only 6 degrees Celcius. So, you shouldn't fill your suitcase with just shorts and t-shirts. However, June is the month when our boating programs really take off, and suddenly all the places which have been more or less unreachable during the winter are just a short boat trip away. Can we interest you in getting up close to Fuglefjella - the bird mountains - and the thousands of birds that nest there? Or a visit to the beautiful glacier front of Nordenskiöldbreen? The midnight sun will be your constant companion, and June is also an excellent time for great hikes around Longyearbyen.
July
Summer is here and our little small town is filled with the bustling crowds from the cruise ships. Some will visit the city centre while others goes directly on excursions. Still the nature is surrounding you, and if you’re lucky you can spot both the polar fox and the reindeer in town. In July the most popular excursions is by foot or with our beautiful dogs from Green Dog. There’s nothing like some cuddles with the playful puppies in the dog yard.
August
In august the soil changes from neon green to warm golden colors. Hikes, boat trips or kayaking is perfect excursions in this period of time. At the end of August we can enjoy the first sunset since April, so why not take your camera with you and capture the nature and wildlife preparing for the long and cold winter.
September
September is often the month where we awake to the seasons first snow on the mountaintops. Not to fear - the sun and summer is here a while longer, but you may need to add an extra layer, and keep your hat down over your ears. September is still a fantastic time for boat trips. You will get up close to the wild Svalbard landscapes, and catch the beautiful sunset on your way home to Longyearbyen. Perhaps a humpback whale, or a pod of belugas may turn up too?
October
The seasons turn, and we are back in the northern lights season. Even if the sun doesn’t leave us entirely until the end of the month, you will notice that the daylight is disappearing from Longyearbyen. The fantastic blue light returns, although the glow may feel different as there is generally less snow on the mountains. Visit Mine 3, and learn about the interesting coal mining history of the town, or try a northern lights evening at Camp Barentz. At the end of the road in Adventdalen you can find a little wooden cabin, identical to that which Willem Barentz built on Novaya Zemlya, when he and he crew were forced to overwinter there. The cabin was a bit on the small side for the 18 men who lived there for half a year, but for you and your fellow travellers it is the perfect place to enjoy a reindeer stew in front of the fire, with homemade brownies and a chance to learn more about the northern lights.
November
The polar night descends once more, but with it comes the dancing northern lights. Due to Svalbard’s northerly location, it is actually possible to see the northern lights at any time of day. November is slos the month for good food and drink, and you can easily spend a week tasting your way through all of the fantastic dining options in Longyearbyen. Have you tried the social dining concept at Restaurant Nansen? Here you can enjoy the most delicious dishes, inspired by Nordic flavours, that you can share at the table if you'd like. For something completely different, but just as tasty, try a juicy burger at the Coal Miners’ Bar & Grill. Many restaurants start serving Christmas menus during this month, so you can get into the festive mood a little early!
December
December is the month of Christmas, and given that we are the northernmost town in the world, closest to the North Pole and Father Christmas, it is only natural that we celebrate it well. Concerts, dinners and Christmas decorations around every corner are just a part of it, as those who choose a very different Christmas at 78 degrees North experience a very special and cosy celebration. Top it off with Christmas Dinner at Restaurant Nansen or Funktionærmessen Restaurant, and enjoy an unforgettable holiday for the whole family.
