Base camp in Spitsbergen during Winter

Svalbard Travel Guide

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When to go? Seasons, climate, festivities

  • February to May

    The spring time in Svalbard is the best time to enjoy skiing and snowshoeing. Although the extreme cold of winter has passed, you should still expect temperatures between -15°C and -10°C.

  • June to August

    The summer time is perfect for Trekking and Sea Kayaking. During the summer it is always daylight, so our expeditions can be governed by weather conditions rather than time. So don’t be surprised if you find yourself hiking at night and sleeping during the day! You can expect temperatures between 1°C and 14°C.

  • September to January

    Over the long winter months the temperature can be -20°C or more and from the 14th November to 29th January the sun will never rise.

Temperatures and climate

Min/max temp (°C) / Average rainfall (mm)

  • Longyearbyen

    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    Average temp C° min / max
    -19° / 0°
    -17° / 0°
    -19° / 0°
    -17° / 2°
    -4° / 5°
    0° / 10°
    4° / 11°
    2° / 10°
    -6° / 3°
    -6° / 3°
    -7° / 2°
    -19° / 0°
    Average rainfall (mm)
    0
    5
    7
    24
    24
    24
    24
    22
    13
    5
    0
    0

Holidays and festivities

  • Solfestuka

    March
    Every year around the 8th March a full week of games, outdoor activities, concerts and exhibitions is arranged to celebrate the return of the sun after the polar winter

  • The Spitsbergen Marathon

    June
    The Spitsbergen Marathon takes place every year at the beginning of June. At 78° North, this is the most northerly race in the world

  • Svalbard Skimaraton

    April / May
    The end of the ski season is marked by a spectacular cross-country ski marathon. Polar bear guards patrol the course!

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