Sunny Winter

Book your Svalbard adventure already now! Sunny Winter is the most popular time to visit Svalbard, and we recommend that you book both accommodation and activities as early as possible.

1^st of March – 16^th of May
 

On the Norwegian mainland we call the short period from March to mid-May - spring, but this term is virtually meaningless in Svalbard. It’s still full winter here during this two-and-a-half-month period, with a beautiful ice and snow-covered landscape as far as the eye can see. Even though we have daylight, the contrasts are enormous – from virtual twilight during the daytime in early March to the never-ending light of the Midnight Sun from 20 April.

Light during the day and dark by night

From early March, it’s light during the day, but still dark in the evening and at night. We often refer to this transition up to mid-April as the “pastel winter”. This refers to the unique and beautiful light conditions, where the snow-covered mountains meet the bright blue sky, and the steadily increasing presence of the sun casts the clearest pastel shades over the landscape. This transition from the winter darkness to the summer brightness impacts on everyone who lives here at 78˚ N. It’s as if we wake up to a new nature as the daylight displaces the darkness. This transition also causes a change of focus, from indoor activities to far more action in the great outdoors by ski, dog sled or snowmobile.

Remember to read about Svalbards two other seasons: polar summer and northern light winter.

Experience a variety of outdoor acitivies
 

It’s often cold as we enter the Sunny Winter, a period which provides wonderful conditions for winter activities. As the sun rises higher in the sky, the temperature rises, and it gradually becomes more pleasant to be outside. When the Midnight Sun arrives in late April, it feels like spring even though it’s still full winter. The first migratory birds arrive and as we enter May we can see the first signs of the snow melting and winter letting go.

Visitors are primarily attracted to Longyearbyen by the prospect of trying amazing outdoor experiences, especially dog sledding and snowmobile safaris. Such activities enable you to reach more remote areas and see the rugged and spectacular wilderness of the High Arctic. If you are lucky, you will see the polar bear – the King of the Arctic – although such sightings are relatively rare. Nevertheless, we are in the realm of the polar bear, and as a guest we do our best not to disturb the polar bears or any of the other wild animals.

Curious about what activities Svalbard has to offer? Get more insight here.