Svalbard, NorwayQuick decision
When to visit Svalbard?
🌞 Best time overall
May
🌡️ Optimal temperature
-3°C–0°C in May
🌧 Least rain
31% rainy days in May
🌧 Wettest month
November (42%)
📅 Best score
5.5/10
By trip type
Best time by type of trip
Polar bearsMar–Jun — observation by boat or snowmobile, population ~3,000.
Midnight sunMay–Jul — continuous light, kayaking, tundra hiking.
Glaciers & fjordsJun–Aug — coastal cruise, glacier fronts, walruses.
Northern lightsNov–Feb — polar night, spectacular auroras, snowmobile.
Monthly climate data
Svalbard weather month by month
| Month | Min °C | Max °C | Rainy days (%) | Precip. mm/d | Sun h/d | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ❄️ January | -14°C | -8°C | 32% | 1.4 | 0.0h | 1.8/10 |
| ❄️ February | -14°C | -8°C | 40% | 1.8 | 0.0h | 1.3/10 |
| ❄️ March | -17°C | -12°C | 33% | 1.3 | 5.7h | 4.0/10 |
| ❄️ April | -12°C | -7°C | 29% | 1.1 | 12.2h | 5.2/10 |
| 🌨️ May | -3°C | 0°C | 31% | 1.1 | 13.4h | 5.5/10 |
| 🌫️ June | 2°C | 5°C | 29% | 1.0 | 11.5h | 5.0/10 |
| 🌫️ July | 6°C | 10°C | 34% | 1.5 | 8.3h | 4.9/10 |
| 🌦️ August | 5°C | 8°C | 37% | 1.8 | 5.9h | 4.1/10 |
| 🌨️ September | 1°C | 4°C | 46% | 2.2 | 1.1h | 1.3/10 |
| ❄️ October | -5°C | -1°C | 35% | 1.5 | 0.0h | 1.6/10 |
| ❄️ November | -10°C | -4°C | 42% | 1.8 | 0.0h | 1.2/10 |
| ❄️ December | -13°C | -6°C | 39% | 1.6 | 0.0h | 1.4/10 |
Ideal
Fair
Challenging climate
Source: Open-Meteo · 10 years
Seasonal breakdown
What to expect each season
🌸 Spring (Mar–May) — Challenging climate
Average -6°C, 31% rainy days, 10.4h sunshine/day. Score: 4.9/10.
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) — Challenging climate
Average 8°C, 33% rainy days, 8.6h sunshine/day. Score: 4.7/10.
🍂 Autumn (Sep–Nov) — Challenging climate
Average 0°C, 41% rainy days, 0.4h sunshine/day. Score: 1.4/10.
❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) — Challenging climate
Average -7°C, 37% rainy days, 0.0h sunshine/day. Score: 1.5/10.
Accommodation
Find a place to stay in Svalbard
Check availability during the recommended period
Tip : off-peak months (November, December) are cheapest but weather is significantly worse.
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Activities and tours in Svalbard
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Flights
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Monthly weather
Detailed weather by month
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
May is ideal with 31% rainy days and 0°C.
November is the wettest month with 42% rainy days.
Yes, May is the best month with an average of 0°C.
In winter, the average score is 1.5/10. Difficult period — prefer the peak season.
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