The periods of polar-night and midnight-sun vary depending on latitude. Longyearbyen enjoys the midnight sun from April the 19th to August the 23rd while in the period of October the 28th to February the 14th, the sun never peaks over the horizon. The polar night, during which the sun stays more than 6 degrees below the horizon, lasts from 14 November to 29 January.
Autumn (September – October)
The landscape takes on autumn hues as orange and yellow creep their way across valleys and mountains and the topsoil slowly freezes. Temperatures sink down toward zero, the days become gradually shorter and suddenly one morning you awake to find that the sky has gently laid out a layer of white across the mountains. Walks at this time of year leave lasting memories. The frozen topsoil is easy to walk on, the air is pure and a reddish-orange evening sun is on display in all its glory.
Winter and polar nights (November-February)
By the end of October, the sun has cast its final rays for the year over the landscape and Svalbard enters into a period of darkness. For more than two months, from the end of November to the beginning of February, there is darkness round the clock. Yet when the weather is good and the skies are clear, the moon reflects enough light to send rays dancing in the Arctic snow while the Northern Lights entertain – at times like these it may be more correct to refer to the polar night as ”Arctic” lighted. The month of February is for many the most beautiful time of year. The polar night gives way to the rising sun, inching higher and higher for each passing day. On a clear day, the sky’s many blue hues blend with a shade of pink – and finally the day comes when the first pink rays from the sun touch the mountain peaks. After starting at the top, the sun gradually makes its way down the valley. This is the time of year to experience a uniquely warm and intimate atmosphere found nowhere else on earth.
Light winter (March-May)
In step with the return of the light, the activity level and amount of energy expended by man and nature increases. Everyone wants out. March through May is an exciting time on Svalbard. The days become increasingly longer and by the end of April the midnight sun has returned to warm a wintry landscape. Migrating birds start returning and the mountainsides are filled with bustling life. The seals can be seen enjoying some heart-felt rays of sunshine on the fjord ice. At the base of spectacular blue-green glacier ridges there is room for reflection. This time of year is ideal for outdoor activities and wilderness adventures.
Summer (June-August)
The snow melts slowly, small flowers peek up from the wintry expanses and a rush of bird activity quickly replaces the earlier quiet of winter. This is summer on Svalbard. Mountains, valleys, glaciers, the sea, flowers, animals and birds all there for you to experience in a way you will not soon forget. The summer in the Arctic region is hectic. Even with daylight round-the-clock, you never feel that the days are long enough to do everything you would like to do.
