Best Time to Visit Svalbard
Useful information on when and where to find Polar Bears in the Wild in Svalbard...
Svalbard is the northern most point of Europe, sitting between Norway and the North Pole, and literally translated means ‘cold edge’. It was the launching point for many Arctic expeditions and whaling trips. However. many people now visit Svalbard to see the dramatic and mystifying beauty of the Arctic Desert.
Svalbard is one of the best places in the world to see polar bears, the Aurora Borealis and experience the midnight sun - a full four months a year when the sun doesn’t once dip below the horizon. The capital city of Longyearbyen has a small community of around 2,000, offering a peaceful stay no matter what the time of year.
So when is the best time to visit Svalbard to view polar bears?
It is possible to travel to Svalbard in the winter months, letting you experience the polar night and spend Christmas in style. However, from a wildlife, travel and comfort perspective, June, July and August are the ideal months when it is light and not as cold, for those interested in winter sports. If you want lots of light and snow, go between March and May.
Climate
Understandably, Svalbard is cold. The average temperature ranges between -14ºC in the winter and 6ºC in the summer. This is slightly warmer than some other Arctic locations due to the North Atlantic current, although it is not rare to have winter temperatures between -20ºC and -30ºC with the wind chill making it feel even colder.
Between October and February. Svalbard is in Polar night and most of the archipelago is frozen over, making it impossible to travel by boat.
Wildlife
June to early September is the best time to see mammals. April is breeding season for the Polar Bears, which means you may see more ‘gathered’ compared to their usual solitary behaviour. The 11 species of whale found in the area in these summer months find it difficult to surface to breathe in the winter and head further south.
Festivals and Events
January Polar Jazz
A 4/5 day Jazz Festival
March Sunfest Week
Celebrating the end of the polar night
June Spitsbergen Marathon
October Dark Season Blues
Marking the approach of winter
November KunstPause Svalbard
Arts based festival initially introduced to increase activity in the dark period. Includes, among other events, concerts, exhibitions, food and workshops.
Visitors are welcome to join in with festivities but should always observe religious and private gatherings from a respectful distance, unless invited to join in!
Public Holidays
New Years Day (Jan 1), Martin Luther King Jr Day (3rd Monday of Jan), Presidents Day (Last Monday in March), Sewards Day (Mar 30), Memorial Day (Last Monday in May), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (First Monday in Sept), Alaska Day (Oct 18), Veterans Day (Nov 11), Thanksgiving Day (4th Thurs of Nov), Christmas Day (Dec 25)
Want to view polar bears in Svalbard?
To speak to our specialist in this region, please call or email
Tel: +44 (0) 1273 961 642
US Toll Free: 1866 357 6569
