Svalbard, Norway

🇳🇴 Svalbard, Norway



5:0220:40
100 USD = 927.50 NOK
Safety: Normal security precautions

Forecast by:
11 Sep
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12 Sep
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13 Sep
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14 Sep
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17 Sep
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Temp (°C)5°
2°
7°
3°
8°
5°
7°
3°
4°
1°
3°
0°
2°
-3°
Precipitation13%46%69%84%54%37%66%
Humidity81%80%83%84%80%76%72%
Wind15 km/h19 km/h16 km/h23 km/h16 km/h13 km/h8 km/h

Best time to visit Svalbard

The best times to visit Svalbard are January to March and December for polar darkness, aurora viewing, snowmobile trips and dog-sledding. May to September is also rated highly, offering brighter or continuous daylight for hiking, kayaking, boating and wildlife excursions. April and October to November are rated okay, with shorter activity windows and possible travel restrictions from sea ice.

JanuaryGreatTemp (°C)-12°Rain (mm)26Sun Hours0Dry Days12

January is deeply wintry, around -13°C to -9°C, with polar darkness for aurora viewing and snowmobile or sled-dog excursions.

FebruaryGreatTemp (°C)-13°Rain (mm)20Sun Hours1Dry Days9

February is very cold, around -16°C to -12°C. Long dark hours suit aurora viewing, snowmobile trips and dog-sledding.

MarchGreatTemp (°C)-15°Rain (mm)20Sun Hours5Dry Days11

March is Arctic winter, around -16°C to -12°C, with darkness for northern lights and snow-based excursions by sled dog or snowmobile.

AprilOKTemp (°C)-12°Rain (mm)10Sun Hours5Dry Days10

April is cold, around -12°C to -6°C, with late-season darkness for aurora viewing. Snowmobile and dog-sled outings remain available.

MayGreatTemp (°C)-5°Rain (mm)16Sun Hours0Dry Days8

May is around -5°C to 1°C, with bright days, expanding sea access and a mix of snow activities and early boat-based wildlife outings.

JuneGreatTemp (°C)-1°Rain (mm)13Sun Hours0Dry Days15

June is around 4°C to 7°C, with near-continuous daylight for hiking, kayaking, boating and wildlife excursions.

JulyGreatTemp (°C)Rain (mm)16Sun Hours0Dry Days18

July is around 4°C to 7°C, with daylight throughout the month for walking, kayaking, boat trips and wildlife tours.

AugustGreatTemp (°C)Rain (mm)20Sun Hours2Dry Days19

August is around 4°C to 7°C, with Arctic summer conditions for hiking, kayaking, boating and wildlife excursions.

SeptemberGreatTemp (°C)-1°Rain (mm)23Sun Hours6Dry Days13

September is around 0°C to 5°C, with sea excursions and wildlife tours possible. Returning darkness creates opportunities for aurora viewing.

OctoberOKTemp (°C)-6°Rain (mm)31Sun Hours2Dry Days10

October is cold, around -5°C to 0°C, with darkness for aurora viewing. Sea excursions may operate, although ice can delay voyages.

NovemberOKTemp (°C)-10°Rain (mm)26Sun Hours0Dry Days10

November is wintry, around -10°C to -5°C, with polar darkness for aurora viewing and snowmobile or sled-dog activities. Sea ice can restrict coastal travel.

DecemberGreatTemp (°C)-11°Rain (mm)29Sun Hours0Dry Days11

December is deeply wintry, around -13°C to -9°C, with polar darkness for aurora viewing, snowmobile trips and dog-sled excursions.

Sources: fiftydegreesnorth.com, poseidonexpeditions.com

Tromso Aurora Hunt with Bonfire, Meal, Winter Suit & Photos

Tromso Aurora Hunt with Bonfire, Meal, Winter Suit & Photos

Cost: From 233.96 USD · 4.8 (2,420 reviews)

Come with us for your Aurora hunt for an amazing and ethical experience underneath the Aurora Borealis. Leave the light pollution in Tromsø behind and travel into the Arctic wilderness. During this tour, our small team of Aurora guides check the forecasts & use local knowledge to decide on the best place to chase the Northern Lights. When we find t

Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present

Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present

Cost: From 38.99 USD · Duration: 2 hours · 4.9 (2,042 reviews)

Join authorised, local guides for an authentic, small-group experience around Bergen - both the city and off-the-beaten path. The first half of our tour focuses on Bergen's history. We wander the fortress complex, covering Bergen’s medieval history and short period as Norway's capital. After this crash course in Norwegian history, we make our way t

Northern Lights Minibus Chase from Tromsø with Chasing Lights

Northern Lights Minibus Chase from Tromsø with Chasing Lights

Cost: From 267.39 USD · 4.9 (1,378 reviews)

Personal and Adventurous Experience – A smaller group size allows for a more intimate and flexible chase, guided by Northern Lights experts. Adaptive Routes and Patience – Our route changes based on weather, cloud cover, and road conditions. We may travel long distances or into Finland to find clear skies. Set Realistic Expectations – The aurora is

Guided Tour To Nærøyfjorden, Flåm & Stegastein - incl. 2h cruise

Guided Tour To Nærøyfjorden, Flåm & Stegastein - incl. 2h cruise

Cost: From 328.66 USD · Duration: 11 hours · 4.8 (1,152 reviews)

This full day fjord tour have all the Norwegian nature you want to see! With high quality minibus, and a driver/guide who gives you the best service and knowledge possible, you don't want to miss out on this tour. Experience driving through scenic landscape, exploring Nærøyfjorden on an electric cruise, seeing the most majestic waterfalls and get a

Silent Whale Watching by Hybrid-Electric Boat from Tromsø

Silent Whale Watching by Hybrid-Electric Boat from Tromsø

Cost: From 232.79 USD · 4.5 (1,020 reviews)

Get a unique perspective on the majestic Humpbacks, Fin, Sperm whales and/or Orca's as they feed in the herring-rich fjords of the Arctic. With purpose made hybrid-electric boats for whale watching, we minimise disturbance to nature and whales. Leaving Tromsø in the morning, we head to where the whales are in time to enjoy the short hours of daylig

Tromsø: Small Group | Northern Lights Chase + All-Inclusive

Tromsø: Small Group | Northern Lights Chase + All-Inclusive

Cost: From 143.5 USD · 4.9 (952 reviews)

Seeing the Northern Lights is why you’re here. With only a few nights in the Arctic, every Aurora opportunity matters. Join one of Tromsø’s highest-rated Northern Lights experiences, built around one goal: Giving you the highest possible chance of seeing the Aurora. Our experienced guides track weather, cloud cover, and Aurora activity in real time

Mostraumen Fjord Cruise – Operated & Guided by Locals

Mostraumen Fjord Cruise – Operated & Guided by Locals

Cost: From 74.87 USD · Duration: 3.5 hours · 4.4 (913 reviews)

Experience the Mostraumen Fjord Cruise on board our small, intimate vessels—each carrying fewer than 100 guests for a relaxed, spacious and personal journey. Enjoy large outdoor decks for fresh-air sightseeing and a cozy indoor lounge with panoramic windows. In our onboard kiosk, you can purchase snacks and a selection of hot and cold drinks, with

Guided Sightseeing Cruise on Oslofjord by Premium Silent Boat

Guided Sightseeing Cruise on Oslofjord by Premium Silent Boat

Cost: From 76.87 USD · Duration: 2 hours · 4.7 (838 reviews)

We depart Aker Brygge and set course to experience Oslo from a different vantage point. The Oslo fjord. We will slowly glide past the Aker fortress, the Opera, Hovedøya and the famous lighthouse on a rock; Dyna Fyr. During the tour our tours guide will share interesting and important stories of the nature and wildlife that lives in and around the c

Tromso Self-Drive Husky Dog Sledding

Tromso Self-Drive Husky Dog Sledding

Cost: From 373.23 USD · Duration: 4 hours · 4.9 (789 reviews)

You will be driving your own sled and team of dogs in pairs, an experienced guide will lead your tour on the trail (group size is 20 guests maximum) - Drive your own team of huskies, in pairs you will share control of a dog sled and team of 5-6 Alaskan Huskies - Training is provided on how to control your sled and an experienced guide will lead you

Lysefjord RIB Safari from Stavanger

Lysefjord RIB Safari from Stavanger

Cost: From 154.86 USD · Duration: 2 hours · 4.9 (787 reviews)

This unforgettable tour to the amazing Lysefjord is absolutely a must if you visit Stavanger! The 42 kilometer long fjord is flanked by steep mountains, some rising over 1000 meters. Visiting the fjord on board a seaworthy RIB is the most exciting way to explore the fjord from sea level. The tour includes stops on the most beautiful parts of the fj

Brief

  • Svalbard’s main base is Longyearbyen; there are no public roads connecting the settlements, so travel to Barentsburg, Ny-Ålesund and wilderness areas depends on boats, snowmobiles or organized excursions.
  • Arctic weather can change rapidly, and excursions may be delayed or cancelled by sea ice, wind, fog or poor visibility. Build flexibility into transport plans.
  • Try local Arctic fare such as reindeer, Arctic char, seal where legally served, cloudberries and locally brewed beer.

Safety and health

  • Tap water in Svalbard is drinkable, but untreated surface water may contain tapeworm eggs from fox feces and should be boiled before drinking. Longyearbyen has a pharmacy and emergency hospital, but medical facilities are limited. (wikivoyage.org)
  • Do not travel outside settlements without appropriate equipment and an experienced guide. Polar bears are a serious risk, and visitors must follow local wildlife and firearms regulations. (wikivoyage.org)
  • There are no maternity clinics on or near Svalbard, so late-stage pregnancy travel is discouraged. (wikivoyage.org)

Recent News

  • On September 2, Norwegian authorities seized the Russian research and passenger vessel Professor Molchanov in Barentsburg under a court order sought by Ukraine’s Naftogaz to enforce a multibillion-dollar arbitration award. The ship must remain in port, while Russia has condemned the action and Norway says it will assist passengers and crew. Visitors should expect heightened attention around Barentsburg and possible disruption to Russian-linked maritime services. (apnews.com | dw.com | kelo.com)