Svalbard - Where, When and What to Photograph

In March there are dark nights and possibilities for Aurora, but the nights are getting shorter and lighter. You can enjoy long sunrises and sunsets with soft orange, yellow and pink colours in combination with grades of blue. Adding a stunning backdrop of snow-covered mountains, you will have plenty of photo opportunities. There are less birds and animals to photograph in the winter season, before the migrants arrive. With more sea ice, the polar bears, walruses and seals have more space to spread out on, and are more difficult to find. However, when a polar bear is passing by our ship or zodiac, or a walrus is resting on the sea ice, the photo opportunities might be extraordinary.

Svalbard in March © Ole J Liodden

Mid April is the time when the midnight sun is returning to Svalbard. With no nights (dark hours) the photo opportunities are almost 24 hours a day. The low midnight sun is sometimes hidden behind the mountains, but the colours in red and orange are getting stronger and the light conditions can be truly magical. The landscape and mountains are still covered with snow, and migratory birds start returning back to Svalbard. With less sea ice it is easier to see polar bears, and if you are lucky it is possible to see a Polar bear mother with cubs. From the beginning of May it might also be possible to access more remote areas in Svalbard - like Hinlopen in eastern parts of the archipelago.

Polar bear in late April © Ole J Liodden

From mid May the transition from winter to early summer starts. The birds are moving into breeding mode and there is a lot of life and activity - especially in June. The snow melts and gives space for green patches where short-grown flowers will bloom from the second half of June. With Warmer temperatures and sun 24 hours a day, the sea ice is breaking up in the fjords leaving less areas for Polar bears to hunt seals. Less sea ice also allows expedition ships like MS Virgo to explore more areas to the northeast of Spitsbergen, which can be very interesting to explore.

Polar bear in June © Ole J Liodden

In mid-July the sea ice around Svalbard is retreating, forming a gap between the islands and the drifting sea ice. In the following weeks some Polar bears and seals are following the pack ice north, while the remaining animals have to stay on land without sea ice. Most of the seabirds are leaving their nesting areas in the first half of August, but there are still many birds to photograph. The light conditions are improving toward the end of August with more orange colours at night. In the last week of August the midnight sun disappears from the high Arctic.

Polar bear in the pack ice © Ole J Liodden

The midnight sun is gone from last week in August, and the high Arctic is now appealing for wildlife and landscape photographers searching for great light. Polar bears are now up north in the drifting pack ice, or found mainly resting on the shorelines or small islands of Svalbard. They are waiting for the sea to freeze-up in November and December, giving the ice platform necessary for hunting seals. September is the peak season for the whales - Blue whale, Fin whale, Humpback whale, Minke whale and White-beaked dolphins which are usually found in good numbers this time of the year. At the end of this season there might be chances for snow in the mountains, and pancake ice at sea.

Blue whale in September © Ole J Liodden

At WildPhoto Travel, our mission is to inspire and connect passionate nature photographers with some of the world's most breathtaking and remote destinations. We strive not only to help you bring home stunning images but also to deepen your appreciation for the natural world. Our Arctic photo expeditions are renowned for delivering great experiences and photographic opportunities. Here are seven reasons why WildPhoto Travel should be your top choice for your next adventure to Svalbard: