The climate of Svalbard
The current climate in Svalbard features temperatures ranging from a high of 8°C to a low of -9°C throughout the year. The average yearly temperature is around 0°C. At night, temperatures in the colder months average around -15°C and in the warmer months around 5°C.
Average temperatures and precipitation
This chart shows the average monthly maximum and minimum temperatures (in degrees Celsius) and average monthly rainfall (in millimeters) for Svalbard.
Temperature records
The highest temperature recorded in Svalbard in recent years was 18°C in July 2015. The lowest daytime temperature recorded was -28°C in March 2020.
Precipitation and snowfall
On average, Svalbard gets 865 mm of precipitation each year. Of this, about 288 cm is snowfall. For comparison, New York gets 1142 mm of precipitation each year.
The climate in Svalbard is based on weather data from Longyearbyen. Other spots might have different weather. You can check out all destinations in Svalbard to get the full picture of the climate.
Best time to visit Svalbard?
If you're after warm and sunny weather, there aren’t really any specific months that are best to visit Svalbard. The temperatures are too low throughout the year, or there’s just too much precipitation.
Climate Table of Svalbard
The climate table of Svalbard shows the average temperatures, rainfall, snow, and UV index per month. The table provides an overview of the average day and night temperatures in degrees Celsius, the total amount of rainfall in millimeters, the total snowfall in centimeters, and the UV index for each month. Rainfall is always measured as water, even if it's snow or hail.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp. max (°C) | -5 | -6 | -9 | -4 | 1 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 0 | -3 | -5 |
| Temp. min (°C) | -10 | -12 | -14 | -10 | -3 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 1 | -3 | -8 | -10 |
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| Precipitation (mm) | 93 | 78 | 57 | 73 | 69 | 23 | 39 | 78 | 91 | 66 | 122 | 76 |
| Snow (cm) | 54 | 32 | 21 | 32 | 19 | 3,0 | 0,4 | 4,1 | 14 | 31 | 32 | 45 |
| UV Index | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Click on the month name to see more weather details, like daily averages, temperatures, and precipitation for the past years in that month.
Temperature charts
These charts display the average temperatures in Svalbard. The temperatures are shown in degrees Celsius and are calculated based on data from the past 10 years.
Average Temperature per Month in Svalbard
Yearly Temperature in Svalbard
Precipitation charts
These charts show the average amount of precipitation in Svalbard. Precipitation is always measured as water, even when it falls as snow or hail. The amount of precipitation is displayed in millimeters, while snowfall is shown in centimeters.
Average Precipitation per Month in Svalbard
Total Yearly Precipitation in Svalbard
Average Snowfall per Month in Svalbard
Total Yearly Snowfall in Svalbard
UV index chart
This chart shows the average UV index per month in Svalbard. The UV index indicates the intensity of ultraviolet radiation and ranges from 0 to a maximum of 11.
Average UV Index per Month in Svalbard
Weather experiences in Svalbard
The weather in Svalbard is rated an average of 3,4 out of 5 stars by 5 visitors. Have you been to Svalbard? Share your weather experience to help other visitors.
Yara
It kept me going, but I was really shaking, so man up!
CarlijnEvery day was a new adventure! Warm clothing is essential, but the beauty of the icy wilderness more than makes up for it!
MarkDefinitely a winter adventure!
BramThe cold is intense and the sun rarely returns. The days get shorter and it gets dark. However, it is unique.
Jennifer de JongI had a great time in Svalbard. February 2020 I was here with a group trip from Discover Svalbard. It was -18 degrees and alternating between snow and sun. Exactly what to expect with a visit to Svalbard.
Have you been to Svalbard?
Share your weather experiences in Svalbard.
Average weather in Svalbard by month
Click on a month below to see detailed weather info for Svalbard. Based on historical weather data, you can see the average temperature, precipitation, wind, and UV index for each day of the month.