Svalbard, NorwayQuick decision
When to visit Svalbard?
🌞 Best time overall
May
🌡️ Optimal temperature
27°F–32°F 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 °F | Max °F | Rainy days (%) | Precip. in/d | Sun h/d | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ❄️ January | 7°F | 18°F | 32% | 0.1in | 0.0h | 1.8/10 |
| ❄️ February | 7°F | 18°F | 40% | 0.1in | 0.0h | 1.3/10 |
| ❄️ March | 1°F | 10°F | 33% | 0.1in | 5.7h | 4.0/10 |
| ❄️ April | 10°F | 19°F | 29% | 0.0in | 12.2h | 5.2/10 |
| 🌨️ May | 27°F | 32°F | 31% | 0.0in | 13.4h | 5.5/10 |
| 🌫️ June | 36°F | 41°F | 29% | 0.0in | 11.5h | 5.0/10 |
| 🌫️ July | 43°F | 50°F | 34% | 0.1in | 8.3h | 4.9/10 |
| 🌦️ August | 41°F | 46°F | 37% | 0.1in | 5.9h | 4.1/10 |
| 🌨️ September | 34°F | 39°F | 46% | 0.1in | 1.1h | 1.3/10 |
| ❄️ October | 23°F | 30°F | 35% | 0.1in | 0.0h | 1.6/10 |
| ❄️ November | 14°F | 25°F | 42% | 0.1in | 0.0h | 1.2/10 |
| ❄️ December | 9°F | 21°F | 39% | 0.1in | 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°F, 31% rainy days, 10.4h sunshine/day. Score: 4.9/10.
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) — Challenging climate
Average 8°F, 33% rainy days, 8.6h sunshine/day. Score: 4.7/10.
🍂 Autumn (Sep–Nov) — Challenging climate
Average 0°F, 41% rainy days, 0.4h sunshine/day. Score: 1.4/10.
❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) — Challenging climate
Average -7°F, 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°F.
November is the wettest month with 42% rainy days.
Yes, May is the best month with an average of 0°F.
In winter, the average score is 1.5/10. Difficult period — prefer the peak season.
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