Climate of Svalbard, Norway
Area-weighted average across Svalbard. For where people actually live and travel, see the cities below.
Svalbard, a subdivision of Norway, has a polar or high-altitude climate on average. Area-weighted monthly temperatures across the whole territory range from -16.4°C / 2.5°F in February to 1.8°C / 35.2°F in July, with rainfall from 22 mm / 0.9 in to 47 mm / 1.9 in depending on the season (443 mm / 17.4 in total across the year). See the city listed below for point-value climate at specific locations — these often differ from the area-weighted average, especially in geographically diverse subdivisions.
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -15.7°C3.7°F | 46 mm1.8″ | Snowy |
| February | -16.4°C2.5°F | 44 mm1.7″ | Snowy |
| March | -15.7°C3.7°F | 41 mm1.6″ | Snowy |
| April | -13.4°C7.9°F | 30 mm1.2″ | Snowy |
| May | -6.4°C20.5°F | 22 mm0.9″ | Snowy |
| June | -1.1°C30°F | 22 mm0.9″ | Snowy |
| July | 1.8°C35.2°F | 29 mm1.1″ | Snowy |
| August | 1.5°C34.7°F | 36 mm1.4″ | Snowy |
| September | -1.8°C28.8°F | 42 mm1.7″ | Snowy |
| October | -7.2°C19°F | 43 mm1.7″ | Snowy |
| November | -11.1°C12°F | 41 mm1.6″ | Snowy |
| December | -14.4°C6.1°F | 47 mm1.9″ | Snowy |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Svalbard?
Svalbard, Norway does not have a clear sunny-and-dry window by our cutoffs. The warmest month is July at 1.8°C / 35.2°F, and the driest is May at 22 mm / 0.9 in — likely your best travel window. For city-level detail, see the cities section below.
What is the climate of Svalbard?
Svalbard, Norway has area-weighted monthly average temperatures ranging from -16.4°C / 2.5°F in February to 1.8°C / 35.2°F in July. Annual rainfall averages about 443 mm / 17.4 in, with the wettest month being December (47 mm / 1.9 in) and the driest May (22 mm / 0.9 in). Because this is an area average across the whole subdivision, local city values can differ substantially.
What is the hottest month in Svalbard?
The hottest month in Svalbard is July, with an area-wide average temperature of 1.8°C / 35.2°F.
What is the coldest month in Svalbard?
The coldest month in Svalbard is February, with an area-wide average temperature of -16.4°C / 2.5°F.
When does it rain most in Svalbard?
The wettest month in Svalbard is December, averaging about 47 mm / 1.9 in of rainfall. The driest is May with about 22 mm / 0.9 in.