What is the best month to see polar bears in Svalbard?
Seasoned expedition guides have found that May to August/September are the best months to see polar bears in Svalbard.
What months are dark in Svalbard?
1st of October – 28th of February We refer to the dark season in Svalbard as the “Polar Night”. This two-and-a-half-month period lasts from mid-November to late January. The sun is at least 6 degrees below the horizon during this period and it’s pitch-dark 24/7.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Svalbard in the summer?
For the best visibility, the night needs to be clear; whether or not there is auroral activity is irrelevant if there are clouds obscuring your view. Summer is not a great time to see them, as it is always light, so any potential activity is masked by the light.
Which month is best for Northern Lights?
Thanks to longer hours of darkness and clear night skies, December through March is usually the best time to observe this elusive natural phenomenon (though you can sometimes see the northern lights starting as early as August).
Can you see orcas in Svalbard?
Svalbard & the Norwegian Arctic Most famous for polar bear sightings, Svalbard is often overlooked as a whale watching destination. Northern Norway in the latter months of the year becomes a rich hunting ground for humpbacks, fin and especially orca as they follow the herring’s migration routes.
How often can you see Northern Lights in Svalbard?
However, here at the northernmost reaches of Norway you will most likely see the northern lights on every clear night. The display often comes in waves which last about 30 minutes, before disappearing and then returning once more.
Is it 6 months dark in Norway?
In Svalbard, Norway, the northernmost inhabited region of Europe, there is no sunset from approximately 19 April to 23 August. The extreme sites are the poles, where the Sun can be continuously visible for half the year. The North Pole has midnight sun for 6 months from late March to late September.
How much daylight does Svalbard get?
Sunrise and sunset by month (Longyearbyen)
| Month | Sunrise | Hours of daylight |
|---|---|---|
| January | – | – |
| February | 11:13 am | 1:56 h |
| March | 06:22 am | 11:28 h |
| April | 02:20 am | 21:14 h |
Is Svalbard good for Northern Lights?
With the world’s northernmost airport for scheduled flights and offering excellent accommodation, Svalbard is a perfect gateway to the High Arctic and a premier destination for northern lights trips. The most common way to travel to Svalbard is by plane.
Can you walk around Longyearbyen?
In Longyearbyen, you can walk around on your own. To get out of Longyearbyen, and into the arctic wilderness, you can travel by boat during summer and snowmobile or dog sled during winter. Whenever leaving the settlement, it is wise to travel with a professional guide with proper safety equipment.
Is 2022 a good year to see Northern Lights?
“There will continue to be aurora viewing opportunities in 2022,” Steenburgh said. Winter and springtime are generally less cloudy than autumn in and around the northern auroral zone, so planning a trip between December and April makes sense.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Svalbard?
The Northern Lights in Svalbard is a truly unique experience. Naturally, you can experience this in the evening or at night, but in Svalbard the darkness of the Polar Night enables you to experience this during daytime too.
What are the seasons like in Svalbard?
The seasonsThere are three main seasons in Svalbard: Polar Summer, Northern Lights Winter and Sunny Winter. Each season has its unique charms and characteristics. 17 May – 30 September. The Midnight Sun, beautiful colours and contrasts add an extra dimension to glaciers, majestic mountain formations and the endless Arctic tundra.
When are the Northern Lights in Norway this year?
Northern Lights Winter. 1 October – 28 February. In late October, the sun casts its last rays over the landscape this year, and Svalbard enters the magical and mythical Northern Lights Winter.
Why visit Longyearbyen during the Northern Lights winter?
During the Northern Lights winter, the appearance of Longyearbyen changes and the focus of the local population switches from outdoor activities to indoor socialising and cosiness. Good food and drink and a rich cultural offering including several festivals makes the Northern Lights winter a very nice time to visit Longyearbyen.