Best time to visit Svalbard

Q: When is the best time to visit Svalbard?

The best times to visit Svalbard (Longyearbyen) are in April and May Daily hours of sunshine = 8 hours or more.

Q: Which is the warmest month in Svalbard?

The warmest time of year in Longyearbyen, Svalbard is normally July. Expect maximum daytime temperatures to reach 7°C.

Q: Which month has the most rain in Svalbard?

In terms of rainfall, August is usually the wettest month in Longyearbyen, Svalbard with 30mm on average. There are normally 13 days in August with some rain.

Q: When is it sunniest in Svalbard?

The sunniest time of year in Longyearbyen, Svalbard is normally April with bright sunshine on average for 37% of daylight hours; that's 8 hours of sunshine per day.

Q: When is the sea warmest in Svalbard?

The sea is usually at its warmest in Longyearbyen, Svalbard in October when the water temperature reaches -1°C.

The best times to visit Svalbard (Longyearbyen) are in April and May based on our default weather conditions. Update your weather preferences to see which months best match.

Svalbard by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

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When is the best time to visit Svalbard?

The best times to visit Svalbard (Longyearbyen) are in April and May based on the following average weather conditions.

Daily hours of sunshine = 8 hours or more [remove]

Change the criteria to reflect your weather preferences.

0
Jan
0
Feb
1.5
Mar
5
Apr
5
May
4.5
Jun
4
Jul
3
Aug
1.5
Sep
0
Oct
0
Nov
0
Dec

Change criteria

Hours of Sunshine (daily)

0
Jan
0
Feb
3
Mar
8
Apr
9
May
7
Jun
7
Jul
5
Aug
3
Sep
1
Oct
0
Nov
0
Dec

Best time to visit

Destination

Daytime temperature

Sunshine hours

Sea temperature

Monthly rainfall

Days with some rain

Heat & humidity

The weather guide for Svalbard, represented by Longyearbyen, (Longyearbyen) shows long term weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia) & today's weather forecast provided by meteoblue. Find out more about our data sources.

Metric (°C / mm) | Imperial (°F / inches)

Svalbard weather overview

The Svalbard archipelago has an Arctic climate with freezing winters and short summers.

What to pack for Svalbard weather

Take very warm clothing if travelling to Svalbard.

More about Svalbard

Explore our complete guide to Svalbard with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for Svalbard.

Essential travel guide
Travel guidance
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FAQs

Svalbard travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to Svalbard with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

Svalbard - quick facts
Time difference	UK +1 hour
Language(s)	Norwegian
Currency	Norwegian Krone
Electricity	C + F plug (230V)
Driving side	Right

Why visit Svalbard?

Considering a holiday to the Svalbard? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination such as for its nature to ensure you get the most out of your 2025/2026 escape.

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Svalbard travel guidance

Check the latest travel guidance and advice on visiting Svalbard from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

No travel advice for Svalbard is currently available.

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around Svalbard.

Note: UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Svalbard travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to Svalbard with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

Vaccines & medicines for Svalbard - CDC
Health & vaccinations for Svalbard - TravelHealthPro, NaTHNac
How to stay safe & healthy in Svalbard - Fit for Travel, Public Health Scotland

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in Svalbard, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Svalbard travel features

Do you want to learn more about Svalbard? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in Svalbard.

We don't currently have any travel features on Svalbard. Discover more about holiday destinations around the world with this selection of general travel articles.

Svalbard FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to Svalbard including the current entry restrictions, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Which is the warmest month in Svalbard?

The warmest time of year in Longyearbyen, Svalbard is normally July. Expect maximum daytime temperatures to reach 7°C.

Which month has the most rain in Svalbard?

In terms of rainfall, August is usually the wettest month in Longyearbyen, Svalbard with 30mm on average. There are normally 13 days in August with some rain.

When is it sunniest in Svalbard?

The sunniest time of year in Longyearbyen, Svalbard is normally April with bright sunshine on average for 37% of daylight hours; that's 8 hours of sunshine per day.

When is the sea warmest in Svalbard?

The sea is usually at its warmest in Longyearbyen, Svalbard in October when the water temperature reaches -1°C.

What is the time difference between Svalbard and the UK?

The time difference between Svalbard and the UK is UK time+1 hour.

What is the main language spoken in Svalbard?

The main language spoken in Svalbard is Norwegian.

Learn a language for Svalbard with Babbel^*.

What is the currency in Svalbard?

The currency in Svalbard is the Norwegian Krone (NOK).

Which plugs are used in Svalbard?

Svalbard uses electrical plug type C + F (230 Volts).

Which side of the road do they drive on in Svalbard?

They drive on the right side of the road in Svalbard.

Svalbard travel deals

Holidays to Svalbard

Check out the latest deals, discount codes and special offers on holidays to Svalbard in 2025/2026. Pay low deposits and save with last minute holiday availability and free kids places.