Svalbard Travel Information

Read Full Travel Guide

When to Go to Svalbard

To get the most out of your next adventure it makes sense to consider some of the very local factors that combine to make up what you feel is the best time to travel to a destination. Many of these factors are very personal - some people prefer to travel when the weather is not too hot, or sites too crowded - others prefer to travel when a traditional local event is taking place. Taking into account the dates of public holidays can also make sense as these may have an impact on opening times of attractions, shops and restaurants, or might affect public transport or other services. Conversely public holidays can be a time of great local festivities and celebrations providing a feast of local expressionism and culture.

Climate

Despite being located at 80º north, Spitsbergen has a relatively warm climate compared with similar areas at the same latitude. The average summer temperature In Longyearbyen is 6°C, with an all time high was 21°C. Rain is scarce, with an average annual rain and snowfall of only 200-300mm.
Average Temperatures -Longyearbyen
June: 2ºC
July : 6ºC
Aug: 5ºC
These are 24-hour temperatures. Average daytime temperatures will be higher.

Seasonality

The periods of polar night and midnight sun vary depending on latitude. Longyearbyen enjoys the midnight sun from 19 April to 23 August, while in the period 28 October to 14 February, the sun never peaks over the horizon.

National Holidays

Date	Description
25 Dec 08	Christmas Day (Christmas includes 26th December)
01 Jan 09	New Year's Day
09 Apr 09	Holy Thursday
10 Apr 09	Good Friday
13 Apr 09	Easter Monday
01 May 09	May Day
17 May 09	Constitution Day
21 May 09	Ascension
01 Jun 09	Whit Monday

National Events

Event	Occurs	Description
Polar Jazz	January	4-5 days at the end of January with a number of musical events featuring jazz, blues and bluegrass.
Sunfest Week	March	An entire week around 8 March to celebrate the sun's return, featuring for example exhibitions, concerts, a revue, as well as various outdoor events.
Svalbard Ski Marathon	April	Ski marathon held at the end of April, beginning of May.
Spitzbergen Marathon	June	Marathon held at the beginning of June.