Best time to visit Svalbard

Find the best time to visit Svalbard and plan your perfect trip in 2025/2026. Get holiday inspiration, weather guides, travel advice and find great deals.

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 time to visit Svalbard (Longyearbyen) is May based on the following average weather conditions.

Maximum daytime temperature = 72 - 86°F [remove]
Daily hours of sunshine = 10 hours or more [remove]

Change the criteria to reflect your weather preferences.

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Max Day Temperature (°F)

  • 9°F maximum daytime temperature in January in Svalbard (Longyearbyen)9
    Jan
  • 9°F maximum daytime temperature in February in Svalbard (Longyearbyen)9
    Feb
  • 9°F maximum daytime temperature in March in Svalbard (Longyearbyen)9
    Mar
  • 16°F maximum daytime temperature in April in Svalbard (Longyearbyen)16
    Apr
  • 27°F maximum daytime temperature in May in Svalbard (Longyearbyen)27
    May
  • 37°F maximum daytime temperature in June in Svalbard (Longyearbyen)37
    Jun
  • 45°F maximum daytime temperature in July in Svalbard (Longyearbyen)45
    Jul
  • 43°F maximum daytime temperature in August in Svalbard (Longyearbyen)43
    Aug
  • 34°F maximum daytime temperature in September in Svalbard (Longyearbyen)34
    Sep
  • 25°F maximum daytime temperature in October in Svalbard (Longyearbyen)25
    Oct
  • 18°F maximum daytime temperature in November in Svalbard (Longyearbyen)18
    Nov
  • 12°F maximum daytime temperature in December in Svalbard (Longyearbyen)12
    Dec

Hours of Sunshine (daily)

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
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  • Nov
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Best time to visit

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)  |  Imperial (°F)

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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.

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.

  • Nature lovers - nature & wildlife
    Nature

Svalbard tourist information

Travelling to Svalbard?
  Hotels  Travel insurance 

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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 month has the most rain in Svalbard?

In terms of rainfall, January is usually the wettest month in Longyearbyen, Svalbard with 0.0 inches on average. There are normally no days in January with some rain.

When is it sunniest in Svalbard?

The sunniest time of year in Longyearbyen, Svalbard is normally January with bright sunshine on average for 0% of daylight hours; that's 0 hours of sunshine per day.

When is the sea warmest in Svalbard?

The sea is usually at its warmest in Longyearbyen, Svalbard in January when the water temperature reaches 32°F.

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.

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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.

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Hotel chains in Svalbard

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