The month in detail
What to expect in August
In August, Svalbard sees 8°C during the day with 3.0h of sunshine per day. Expect rain on 39% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended.
August ranks 5 out of 12 months in Svalbard. Compared to July: −2°C daytime, −1.4h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in August
UV index
2 · low
no protection needed
Feels like
dry air
5°
Sea
10°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
16.6h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 21
Compare
Is August the right month?
The best month in Svalbard is April (4.1/10), 3.1 pts higher than August.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Svalbard
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Svalbard
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a subarctic stay.
Country · Norway
🗣️LanguageNorwegian
💶CurrencyNorwegian Krone (kr)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘVery expensive · 5/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeSubarctic oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 10°C
❄️Coolest monthMarch · -12°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘSeptember · 45%
🌌 Subarctic stay
🌌Northern lights ⓘSept → Mars
☀️Midnight sun ⓘJuin (~21h)
🌬️WindVery frequent
🛂VisaSchengen · 90 days
Explore
Other destinations in August
If August doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Svalbard ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
NorwaySubarctic oceanic climate with a 4.1 → 0.6 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
78.23°N · 15.65°E
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Svalbard?
April is the best month with -7.0°C highs, -12.0°C lows, 6.5h of sunshine and 31.0% rainy days.
How many hours of sunshine does Svalbard get in April?
Svalbard averages 6.5 sunshine hours per day in April. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 4.0/10.
What is the rainiest month in Svalbard?
February is the most unfavourable month with February has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Svalbard in April?
In April, overnight lows reach -12.0°C, while afternoon highs average -7.0°C.
Is Svalbard good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Svalbard scores 0.6/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains April with a score of 4.0/10.
When should you avoid Svalbard?
February is the most difficult month to visit Svalbard, with February has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Svalbard in August?
In August, the sea averages 10°C in Svalbard: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Svalbard in August?
The average UV index reaches 2 in August in Svalbard (low), with about 16.6h of daylight. No protection needed.