Northern Lights in Svalbard
The Northern Lights season in Svalbard runs from late September to mid-March. The lights cannot be ordered on demand, and no visit to Svalbard can be guaranteed a sighting.
When the season runs
The darkest part of the year falls in December and January. In those two months the Northern Lights can be seen around the clock, including in the middle of the day.
The opposite part of the year has no darkness. Svalbard has no darkness from late April until mid-August, or even longer, and no Northern Lights can be seen during that stretch.
Tourist traffic in Svalbard is strongly concentrated between March and August.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Northern Lights season | Late September to mid-March |
| Display waves | Lasting about 30 minutes |
| Period with no darkness | Late April to mid-August, or longer |
| Tourist traffic | Strongly concentrated, March to August |
Timing a viewing
Visitors who want the most spectacular Northern Lights experience in Svalbard should avoid a full moon.
Visitors are advised to allow several days for a visit. If the lights do not appear on one evening, a longer stay gives more chances to see them.
Northern Lights displays in Svalbard often come in waves lasting about 30 minutes, so the window on any one evening can be short.
- 30 minutesTypical length of a display wave
- December and JanuaryDark months with lights around the clock
Where to watch from
Town lights and moonshine in Longyearbyen can make the Northern Lights hard to spot.
Away from Longyearbyen's lights, even faint Northern Lights are easier to spot. A guided overnight trip to a wilderness cabin gives extra viewing time.
Locals in Longyearbyen share sightings on a Facebook page, usually soon after the lights begin.
Best time to visit Svalbard
Best time to visitGuided Northern Lights trips
Visit Svalbard lists Northern Lights safaris in these forms:
- By dog sled
- By dog wagon
- By snowmobile
- By bus
- By snowcat
- As a photo safari
- On foot
Off-road motorised transport is prohibited on bare ground in Svalbard, and snowmobile use is a winter activity.
Northern Lights tours
Research and climate context
Svalbard sees Northern Lights less often than Northern Scandinavia does. Longyearbyen is also where EISCAT operates an incoherent scatter radar to study the northern lights.
| Measure | Detail |
|---|---|
| Average July temperature | Between 3 and 7 °C |
| Research instrument | EISCAT incoherent scatter radar operated at Longyearbyen |
| Frequency compared with Northern Scandinavia | Northern Lights are seen less often in Svalbard |
Staying in Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen is the centre of tourism on Svalbard. It provides accommodation along with supplies and museums.
Longyearbyen is the only place on Svalbard with a full range of accommodation, including camping, guesthouses and luxury hotels.
Cheap guesthouses on Svalbard cost around 500 kr per night.
- 500 krCheap guesthouse, per night
Where to stay on Svalbard
Where to stayNorthern Lights questions
When is the Northern Lights season in Svalbard?
The season runs from late September to mid-March.
Can the Northern Lights be seen in December?
Yes. In December and January the lights can be seen around the clock, including in the middle of the day.
Is a sighting guaranteed?
No. The lights cannot be ordered on demand, so there is no guarantee of seeing them in Svalbard.
How long do displays usually last?
Displays often come in waves lasting about 30 minutes.
Should visitors avoid a full moon?
Visitors who want the most spectacular Northern Lights experience in Svalbard should avoid a full moon.
Can the lights be seen in summer?
No. Svalbard has no darkness from late April until mid-August, or even longer, and no Northern Lights can be seen in that period.
What kinds of Northern Lights safaris are offered?
Visit Svalbard lists safaris by dog sled, dog wagon, snowmobile, bus, snowcat, photo safari or on foot.
How much does a cheap guesthouse cost?
Cheap guesthouses on Svalbard cost around 500 kr per night.