February on Svalbard: A Month of Magical Light
February is a month unlike any other on Svalbard. The long polar night is behind us, and for the first time in months, daylight begins to return to the Arctic.
February is a month unlike any other on Svalbard. The long polar night is behind us, and for the first time in months, daylight begins to return to the Arctic. For locals, this is a time of celebration. After months of living in total darkness, the first glow on the horizon feels almost magical. Many who live here will tell you that February is their favourite month of the year.
The return of the light
As the sun slowly edges its way back towards the horizon, Svalbard is bathed in a combination of colours you won’t see anywhere else in the world.
The days are still short, but each one brings a little more brightness and a lot more energy to the community.
From soft blue twilight in the morning, to deep purple afternoons, the sky shifts constantly, creating a natural light show that feels alive. By the end of the month, the first rays of sunshine touch the mountaintops above Longyearbyen.
The purple light phenomenon
One of the most extraordinary sights that can be experienced is the so-called “purple light” – locally celebrated as one of the highlights of this time of the year. Scientifically, it’s linked to Rayleigh scattering, which happens when sunlight filters through tiny ice or dust particles high in the stratosphere.
The result is known as the Rayleigh light phenomenon, where the sky glows with surreal shades of red, pink and violet. Unlike the Northern Lights, which are created by solar winds colliding with gases in the atmosphere, this is a scattering effect of the returning sun.
The spectacle is fleeting, unpredictable, and absolutely unforgettable. Paired with the crisp, snowy landscape, it makes February one of the best times for photography on Svalbard.
Northern lights and Arctic nights
And just when you think the skies couldn’t get any more magical, darkness still reveals its own show.
Even though daylight is returning, February offers long, clear nights that are perfect for spotting the Northern Lights. Ribbons of green, red and purple dance across the horizon, and can appear on the same day as the purple light phenomenon.
This rare combination makes February a month where two of the Arctic’s most spectacular light displays share the stage.
A time of joy for locals
Beyond the science and the spectacle, February carries an emotional weight on Svalbard. After months of polar night, the light signals a fresh start. People spend more time outside, skiing or dog sledding across frozen valleys, or simply meeting friends to share the joy of brighter days.
Why you should visit in February
If you’re planning a trip to Svalbard, February should be at the top of your list. It offers the perfect balance: the wonder of the Northern Lights, the thrill of winter activities, and the unique beauty of Svalbard’s changing light. This is the month when the Arctic reveals its softer, more colourful side – a moment of transition between dark and light that you’ll never forget.
Activities in February
With the return of daylight, February is also the perfect time to head out on unforgettable Arctic adventures.
Glide through snow-covered valleys on a dog sledding trip in Bolterdalen, explore the frozen world beneath the surface on an ice cave exploration, or join a snowmobile safari to stunning destinations like Elveneset or Tempelfjorden.
When night falls, the adventures continue. Set out on a Northern Lights safari by electric snowmobile, or spend an atmospheric evening by the campfire at Camp Barentz, where stories, warm food and drinks, and, if you are lucky, dancing auroras light up the Arctic sky.
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