Best time to visit Svalbard : A month-by-month guide

January is one of the darkest months of the year, but it’s also a brilliant time to visit. Flights are often more affordable, and the hotels in town tend to be quieter. With a solid snow cover, it’s ideal for snowmobiling and dog sledding adventures.

Longyearbyen also offers some fantastic culinary experiences, so be sure to take the time to explore the local food scene.

If you plan your visit around the full moon, you’ll see the Svalbard mountains beautifully lit by moonlight, and if you’re lucky, the northern lights might put on a show too.

The Polar Night ends on 29th January, and from then on, the days slowly start to brighten.

Polarjazz Festival (29 January – 1 February 2026) – The world's northernmost jazz festival! Expect cool vibes in the crisp Arctic air.

• Northern Lights Safari by electric Snowmobile

• Dog Sledding With an Ice Cave Visit

• Northern Lights Evening at Camp Barentz

February can be summed up in one word: pastel colours. As the Polar Night comes to an end, the combination of white mountain peaks and vast snow-covered landscapes creates a breathtaking pink and blue glow for hours each day. The locals never tire of it, and visitors travel from far and wide to experience this magical light.

By mid-month, the sun appears above the horizon for the first time since last year. While its rays don’t yet reach Longyearbyen, the increasing daylight is noticeable with each passing day.

Arctic Chamber Music Festival (19–23 February 2025) – A magical blend of classical music and the Arctic atmosphere.

• Van Mijenfjorden Snowmobile Safari

• Wilderness Safari by Electric Snowmobile

• Dog Sledding in Bolterdalen

March marks the beginning of Sunny Winter, but that doesn’t mean the temperatures are getting any warmer. In fact, March is often the coldest month of the year on Svalbard—but also one of the best times to visit!

The first week of March is all about Solfest, a celebration of the sun’s return on 8 March. It’s a special experience when the whole town gathers by the old hospital steps, and the schoolchildren "sing the sun back."

March often brings plenty of good weather, and with the days growing longer, it’s the perfect time to head out on long snowmobile adventures and truly experience the Arctic wilderness.

Sun Festival (8–16 March 2025) – A celebration of the return of the sun! Locals gather at noon on 8 March to witness the first rays hitting Longyearbyen. And while you're here, you must try a sun bun – a soft, sweet bun with a delicious vanilla filling, traditionally enjoyed during this special time.

• Longyearbyen Panorama Tour

• Ice Cave Exploration by Snowcat

• Tempelfjorden Snowmobile Safari

April is a month packed with activity, so this is not the time to sleep in! With the midnight sun shining from mid-month, you can head out at any hour and take in the stunning Arctic landscape, snow-covered mountains, endless white plains, and crisp, fresh air.

If you’ve never tried dog sledding before, guiding a team of eager huskies through the wilderness is an incredible experience. And while it might feel counterintuitive to leave the bright daylight behind and step into an underground world of ice, an ice cave visit is something you don’t want to miss. It’s never the same twice, making it well worth a visit, or even two.

Svalbard Ski Marathon (25 April 2025 / 18 April 2026) – A must-do for cross-country skiing enthusiasts, with breathtaking Arctic landscapes as your backdrop.

Check out our Ski Marathon Package at Coal Miners’ Cabins – includes a delicious pasta buffet at Restaurant Nansen!

• East Coast Snowmobile Safari

• Wilderness Adventure With Snowmobile at the Juva Cabin

• Coast to Coast: Skiing across the Arctic Wilderness

May is a unique time of year when you might be lucky enough to experience both snowmobiling and boat tours in a single visit! Of course, this depends on the weather and temperatures. Some years, winter lingers, allowing for snowmobiling until mid-May, while in other years, the season ends earlier.

May marks the beginning of the Polar Summer and the stunning boating season. This is a fantastic time to witness wildlife from a safe distance and explore the breathtaking fjords, which are usually inaccessible during winter. It’s also prime season for ski touring, with excellent conditions for randonnée skiing. Plus, the Toppturfestivalen (Ski Touring Festival) takes place, making May an ideal month for those who love backcountry adventures.

If you find yourself in Longyearbyen on 17th May, you can join the celebrations for Norway’s Constitution Day! Expect plenty of fun, ice cream, singing, and the chance to see Norwegians dressed in their traditional bunad.

Toppturfestivalen (8–11 May 2025) – A ski touring festival celebrating spring in the Arctic with a community of mountain enthusiasts.

Norwegian constitution day (17th May) – A joyful celebration filled with parades, traditional costumes, music, and plenty of ice cream!

• Svalbard Adventure Mini-Cruise

• Wildlife and Glacier | Hybrid Catamaran Tour

• Midnight Sun Dinner Cruise

June is the first full summer month of the year on Svalbard. Like elsewhere in the world, temperatures are milder than the rest of the year, but don’t forget, you’re pretty close to the North Pole up here!

While temperatures can occasionally reach 15–18°C, the summer average remains below 10°C. That’s great news for hiking enthusiasts, as the cool temperatures are perfect for long hikes and active days outdoors under the midnight sun.

Spitsbergen Marathon (14 June 2025) – The northernmost marathon in the world!

• Sarkofagen and Glacier Hike

• Tempelfjorden and Tunabreen Glacier Safari

• Atlantic Puffin Safari

Travellers who prefer cooler temperatures and quieter destinations often head north for the summer. While Longyearbyen does receive visits from large cruise ships during this time, bringing the town to life for a few hours while guests are on shore, it still maintains its peaceful Arctic charm.

July is perfect for those looking to spot Arctic wildlife, hike through stunning mountain landscapes, or explore Svalbard under the midnight sun.

And who says you need to go south for a swim? Imagine having a photo of yourself taking a dip in the ocean on Svalbard!

Events: No major events, but July is the perfect time to experience Svalbard’s incredible wildlife and nature. Enjoy milder temperatures compared to the rest of the year, yet still much cooler than most destinations worldwide, ideal for those looking to escape the summer heat.

• Fossil Hunting at Longyearbreen

• eBike sightseeing tour | Summer

• Hike Across the Foxfonna Glacier

In August, the vibrant green vegetation that covered the mountainsides earlier in the summer fades into rich, earthy tones. As the sun gradually sinks closer to the horizon, the mountains in Adventdalen shimmer like gold.

Hiking, boating, or perhaps a kayaking trip are all fantastic activities at this time of year.

At the end of the month, the sun sets for the first time since April, marking a significant shift in the season. For the locals on Svalbard, this long-awaited sunset means finally enjoying a relaxing evening at home without the sun constantly streaming through the windows. Just as they eagerly welcome the sun’s return in March, they also embrace the arrival of the darker season. Loving each season as much as the last is truly a privilege.

The main event of August is the seasonal shift. The midnight sun sets in mid-August, signalling the arrival of autumn. As the endless daylight fades, Longyearbyen is bathed in a soft Arctic glow, and the landscape transforms into warm golden and crimson hues. Although August is officially part of the Polar Summer season on Svalbard, the period from late August to September is often known as the 'Golden Autumn'.

• Arctic Sea Fishing Adventure

• Captains Favourite | Hybrid Catamaran Tour

• Isfjord Safari: Cultural & Historic Svalbard

September is often the month when we wake up to the season’s first dusting of snow on the mountaintops. No need to worry—there’s still some sunshine and warmth left, but you might need to button up your jacket a little more and pull your hat down over your ears.

It’s also a fantastic time for boat trips. You’ll get up close to Svalbard’s wild and rugged nature while enjoying breathtaking sunsets on the way back to Longyearbyen. And who knows, maybe you’ll spot a humpback whale or a pod of belugas along the way!

Fun fact: During autumn, you might spot Huset's head chef, Alberto Lozano, foraging on the tundra for mushrooms and mountain sorrel to use at Huset Restaurant. He and his team gather as much as possible, preserving and fermenting their finds so guests can enjoy local flavours all year round.

Literature Festival – A must-visit for book lovers and Arctic adventurers, bringing together authors, storytellers, and literary enthusiasts in the unique setting of Svalbard.

Longyearbyen Pride – A vibrant celebration of diversity and inclusion in the world's northernmost town, fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all.

• Sunset Dinner Cruise

• Dog Sledding on Wheels

• Sarkofagen and Glacier Hike

Did you know that most locals on Svalbard look forward to the dark season and the polar night? After months of the midnight sun and a bustling period in Longyearbyen and the surrounding areas, the arrival of darkness brings a welcome change of pace. For many, the polar night is a time for cosy gatherings with friends and family. The glow of candles replaces daylight through the windows, and the busy summer season gives way to Arctic silence, slower days, and moments to truly unwind and relax.

October is the first month with a chance to see the Northern Lights, making it an exciting time to visit. It’s also the perfect season to explore Svalbard’s culinary delights. Whether it’s an unforgettable dining experience at Huset Restaurant, a champagne tasting at Funken Lodge, or indulging in the signature king crab dish at Funktionærmessen Restaurant, there’s plenty to savour during the darker evenings.

Smak Svalbard – A food festival celebrating Arctic flavours, offering a taste of local delicacies and culinary traditions.

Dark Season Blues (23–26 October 2025) – The world’s northernmost blues festival, marking the start of the Polar Night. Read more about the artists performing at this year’s festival here.

If you're looking for the perfect place to stay during the festival, look no further! Check out our Dark Season Blues package at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel.

• Northern Lights Dinner Cruise

• Tempelfjorden and Tunabreen Glacier Safari

• Arctic Sea Fishing Adventure

Imagine this: You’re out in the wilderness, hunting for the northern lights. A local guide is by your side, ensuring you feel completely safe. The darkness is absolute, with only the stars and the moon illuminating the sky above. The air is still, and there is no sound, just pure Arctic silence. It’s a truly otherworldly experience.

With that in mind, it’s easy to understand why locals can embrace living in complete darkness for two months. The Polar Night officially begins on 14 November and lasts until 29 January. One of the perks of the darkness is that, since it’s equally dark around the clock, you might be lucky enough to see the northern lights in the middle of the day!

There are no major events in November, except for the Polar Night, which is a spectacular natural event in itself. This is a unique time to experience complete darkness and witness the mesmerising northern lights dancing across the Arctic sky.

We highly recommend including a dining experience at Huset Restaurant in your itinerary. The kitchen serves an exquisite 14-course tasting menu inspired by Nordic flavours, with nearly all ingredients sourced locally from Svalbard and the wider Arctic region.

• A Historic Walk in Adventdalen

• Northern Lights Evening at Camp Barentz

• eBike sightseeing tour | Winter

A magical Arctic Christmas and New Year's experience. Mine 2B, known as "The Santa Claus Mine" in Longyearbyen, adds to the festive magic. You can see its lights glowing in the dark, and there’s even a special letterbox where children can post their Christmas wish lists to Santa. Christmas lights twinkle throughout Longyearbyen, creating a cosy and enchanting atmosphere.

Let’s not forget nature’s own Christmas lights, the Northern Lights often dance across the sky, bringing an extra touch of Arctic magic to the festive season.

Christmas markets: Local Christmas markets are held in Longyearbyen throughout December—one at Kulturhuset and another in Nybyen. Here, you’ll find plenty of unique Christmas gifts, most of them handmade by the town’s talented local artists. For such a small town, you’ll be amazed by just how many creative and skilled craftspeople live here! And how cool is it to give a loved one a gift from the Arctic?

On the first Sunday of Advent, the entire town comes together for a magical torch-lit procession, leading to the lighting of the Christmas tree in the town square.

• Huset: Historic Mining House | Guided Tour

• Northern Lights Safari by Snowcat

• Champagne Tasting