Three seasons

The northernmost Northern Lights in the world

Throughout the centuries, this dancing green light has been associated with numerous myths and legends…

The Vikings believed that the light was a reflection of the shields of the Valkyries, a group of female figures who took fallen warriors to Valhalla. The Sámi still call it “Guovssahas”, the light that you can hear and the Inuit believed the light was the dance of the dead. Native Americans from North Dakota thought they saw flames beneath enormous cauldrons, where medicine men and warriors boiled their enemies…

Not that long ago, it was common to call the children inside when the light appeared, out of fear that they might be taken away by the Northern Lights…

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Three seasons of Spitsbergen

Aurora Borealis

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are caused by waves of electrically charged particles from the sun being thrown towards our planet. It forms between 80 and 500 kilometers above our heads. The best chance of experiencing the Aurora Borealis you have in the northernmost parts of Scandinavia, Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland and Russia.

Northern Lights season in Svalbard runs from October to early March. The sky must be clear and you need to be patient. Here, in the northernmost part of Norway, you will likely see the light on every clear night. It often appears in waves of about 30 minutes, disappearing and reappearing…

Thanks to the Polar Night in Svalbard, we don’t have to wait until nighttime, it is dark enough during the day to see the lights. This really increases your chances. You’ll see the Northern Lights more clearly, as Longyearbyen also has very little light pollution!

Northern Lights Winter

October - Seasons are changing and we’re back in the Northern Lights season. The sun doesn’t leave us until the end of the month, but you will notice that daylight begins to fade in Longyearbyen. The fantastic blue light returns. Take part in a Northern Lights evening at Camp Barentz. At the end of the road in Adventdalen, you'll find a small wooden cabin, identical to the one Willem Barentz built on Novaya Zemlya when he and his crew were forced to winter there. The cabin was a bit small for the 18 men who lived there for half a year, but for you and your fellow adventurers, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy reindeer stew by the fire and a great opportunity to learn more about the Northern Lights.

November - The Polar Night returns again, bringing the dancing Northern Lights. Due to Svalbard’s northern location, it is possible to see the Northern Lights at any time of day. November is also the month for great food and drinks, you could easily spend a week exploring the fantastic dining options in Longyearbyen. Try for instance Restaurant Nansen for delicious dishes or the Coal Miners' Bar & Grill for a delicious, juicy burger. Many restaurants start serving Christmas menus this month, so you can get into the festive spirit.

December - December is the month of Christmas and because we are the northernmost town in the world, closest to the North Pole and Santa Claus, it makes sense that we celebrate it in style. Christmas at 78 degrees North will be an unforgettable celebration. Complete it with a Christmas dinner at the Restaurant Nansen or the Funktionærmessen Restaurant and enjoy an unforgettable time together.

January - One of the darkest months, but a beautiful time to visit Svalbard. Historically, the amount of snow is good this month, making it ideal for snowmobile and dog sled tours. If you visit during the full moon, you can see the breathtaking mountains under both moonlight and the Northern Lights. The Polar Night ends on 30 January, from then on, the days quickly get lighter.

February - The end of the Polar Night, combined with the white mountain peaks, creates a fantastic blue light in the sky. The locals never tire of its glow and visitors from all over the world come to experience it. Mid-February marks the first time since October that the sun rises above the horizon and although its rays don’t yet reach Longyearbyen, it’s easy to see that each day is getting brighter. Descend into an ice cave or take part in a Northern Lights safari by snowmobile.

Sun Winter

March - Beautiful, but cold. March marks the beginning of the "Sun Winter" and it is typically the coldest month in Svalbard, but still a fantastic time to visit. During the first week of the month, the "Solfest" (Sun Festival) begins, celebrating the return of the sun on 8 March. This is a special experience, as the whole town gathers at the old hospital steps and the schoolchildren sing to welcome the sun. March generally brings good weather and each day is slightly longer than the previous one. Longer snowmobile tours are popular during this time.

April - A month for adventure. The midnight sun arrives mid-April and activities are available almost throughout the entire day. Enjoy the stunning Arctic landscape, the snow-covered mountain peaks and expansive white plains. If you’ve never experienced a dog sled trip, you’ll absolutely love the experience of sending your team of enthusiastic huskies through the wilderness. It may seem strange to leave the daylight behind and descend into an underground winter wonderland, but the glacier ice caves are a must-see, with each location offering a unique experience!

Polar Summer

May - The weather in May can be unpredictable, but sometimes the winter begins to lose its grip during this month, marking the end of the snowmobile season. It is a fantastic and light-filled month, favored by those wanting to take part in longer ski tours. On 17 May, Longyearbyen comes together to celebrate Norway’s National Day, which also marks the official start of our Polar Summer.

June - Even though the calendar says it's summer, the average temperature in Longyearbyen is only around 6°C. June is when the boat programs begin, suddenly all the places that were inaccessible during the winter are just a short boat ride away. It's also a great time for stunning hikes around Longyearbyen, with the Midnight Sun accompanying you throughout the day.

July - Summer is here and the town fills with activity from the cruise ships. Some visitors explore the town center, while others head straight out on excursions. If you're lucky, you might spot the Arctic fox or reindeer wandering through town. In July, the most popular excursions are with the huskies from Green Dog.

August - In August, the land transitions from green to warm, golden hues. Hiking, boat trips and kayaking are perfect activities during this time. At the end of August, we can enjoy the first sunset since April, so be sure to bring your camera to capture the beauty of nature and wildlife as they prepare for the long, cold winter.

September - The month when we wake up to the first snow of the season on the mountaintops. The sun and summer linger for a bit longer, but you may need to add an extra layer of clothing and wear a warm hat. It is still a fantastic time for boat trips. You will get very close to Svalbard’s wild landscapes and enjoy a stunning sunset on the way back to Longyearbyen. You might even spot a humpback whale or a group of belugas!

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