Svalbard
Home to the Polar bears
.
The weather and ice conditions in Svalbard
The weather and climate in and around Svalbard are principally a result of its high latitude, which is between 74° and 81° north. However, the North Atlantic Current moderates Svalbard’s temperatures, particularly during winter, giving it up to 20 °C higher winter temperature than similar latitudes in continental Russia and Canada. This keeps the surrounding waters open and navigable most of the year. The interior fjord areas and valleys, sheltered by the mountains, have fewer temperature differences than the coast, with about 2 °C lower summer temperatures and 3 °C higher winter temperatures.
Below is the wind forecast for Svalbard updated hourly by Windy.com. Press the play button in the lower left corner to see the wind forecast in the coming days. The ice map below is updated most days by the Norwegian Metrological Institute and shows the current sea ice situation around Svalbard.
FAQ - All you need to know about Svalbard Winter
The best time to visit Svalbard for Northern Lights viewing is between October and February where there is 24 hours of darkness. The best time to visit Svalbard for Winter Activities including snow snowmobiling, dog sledding and skiing is during the sunny winter between March and mid May. In contrast, when the archipelago freezes over in the winter, polar bears tend to be far out on the sea hunting for seals. With the darkness of the polar night over them, it is next to impossible to reach or observe them. February is the coldest month with an almost -15°C temperature average (again, the reference period is 1960-1990). In Svalbard, the dark season lasts for several months, from the end of October to the middle of February.
What to photograph in Svalbard
Svalbard is a high-quality destination for landscape and wildlife photographers. Polar bears are the main target for most photographers visiting the archipelago, but Svalbard has much more to offer. Walruses, seals, and whales can be photographed at sea, and Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer are locally common on land. In addition, the birdlife in Svalbard is overwhelming with thousands of seabirds, like guillemots, auks, gulls, and terns. These animals and birds are surrounded by the unique landscape in Svalbard with impressive mountains and glaciers. If you are interested in photography, you will appreciate the photo opportunities in Svalbard. Click on one of the images or buttons below to learn more.
Weather in Svalbard
Svalbard is a high-quality destination for landscape and wildlife photographers. Polar bears are the main target for most photographers visiting the archipelago, but Svalbard has much more to offer. Walruses, seals, and whales can be photographed at sea, and Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer are locally common on land. In addition, the birdlife in Svalbard is overwhelming with thousands of seabirds, like guillemots, auks, gulls, and terns. These animals and birds are surrounded by the unique landscape in Svalbard with impressive mountains and glaciers. If you are interested in photography, you will appreciate the photo opportunities in Svalbard. Click on one of the images or buttons below to learn more.
Wildphoto Travel
WildPhoto Travel is a leading photo expedition company - specialized in polar regions. Since 2006, we have offered great photo opportunities for our guests and partners.
Connect
Polar bear leaping
1/2500 sec, f/6,3
Freeze the moment
Tech tip #1
Tech tips for Wildlife photography