In August, the Arctic becomes even more accessible, with long days, stable weather, and new destinations as the expedition cruise season progresses! With vast ice fields, calving glaciers, remote settlements, and rich wildlife, this is a truly special place, especially in August, when conditions are ideal for expedition cruising.
In August, our ice-strengthened expedition vessels, m/v Hondius, m/v Ortelius, m/v Plancius, and s/v Rembrandt van Rijn, operate in Svalbard and Greenland. Rugged, small-sized, and built to explore, they are ideal for navigating sea ice and operating in remote fjords and distant shores. They are nimble vessels, favoring flexibility and responsiveness to unnecessary luxuries and large guest numbers.
Leading the way will be a team of expert expedition guides with a range of expertise and disciplines, including marine biologists, polar historians, and photographers. Our ships are operated by expert crews and staffed by dedicated and passionate hotel teams, offering an experience unlike any other on Earth.
Our expeditions accommodate fewer passengers than large operators. This means frequent Zodiac cruises and landings, dynamic itineraries, an intimate onboard experience, and a closer encounter with the beating heart of nature. All these considerations come into play in August, as sea ice reaches its minimum extent, opening more remote locations, and our itineraries begin to voyage across the Arctic Ocean to Greenland's rugged, wild shores.
Picture by unknown photographer
The Arctic expedition cruise experience in August
August is one of the best months for Arctic expedition cruising, and for good reason. It's the heart of the short summer season in the Arctic. Twenty-four hours of daylight remain until the end of August, meaning there is plenty of time for landings, exploring on foot or at sea, or spotting wildlife well into the night (or day, depending on how you view it).
With the warmer summer weather, Arctic sea ice has retreated just enough to open new routes by August, meaning our ships can venture more easily to far-flung locations such as Sjuøyane and the eastern shores of Nordaustlandet in Svalbard and regions of Greenland's far northeast, including Sabine ø, Germania Land, and the dense ice edge that remains year-round.
What is the weather like in August in the Arctic?
While the Arctic may conjure images of snowstorms and extreme cold, August weather can be surprisingly mild — by polar standards. Temperatures typically range between 0°C and 10°C (32°F to 50°F), with relatively calm seas and extended daylight. However, conditions in the polar regions, especially the High Arctic, can change rapidly. The weather also depends on where you visit.
In Svalbard in August, it is not uncommon to experience misty mornings that give way to brilliant sunshine, casting long golden light across the blooming tundra and glaciers. Equally, rain, sleet, and wind can all make an appearance. Generally, however, August is one of the more settled months in the Arctic calendar.
Picture by Juan Berenstein
Sea ice reaches its minimum extent in late August, making it easier for expedition ships to reach more remote areas. This means Greenland becomes accessible! Locations like Scoresby Sund - the world's most extensive fjord system - in East Greenland are entirely iced in over winter and well into the early summer months. This means that August represents a rare opportunity to visit some of the most spectacular and less-traveled locations in the Arctic.
What should I pack for an Arctic expedition cruise in August?
Even though August is the height of the Arctic summer, it is important to note that weather can change rapidly. In particular, wind chill can make temperatures feel much colder.
Base layers are key for an expedition cruise to the Arctic in August. Thermal underwear is a good start. Good mid-layers, such as sweaters and down jackets, can help keep you warm while also being easy to remove if the sun is too hot - more common than you may think during the Arctic summer! Consider bringing a small backpack for when you go ashore; this allows you to layer and remove items as needed.
For outer layers, both waterproofness and a degree of windproofness are essential qualities. Whether it snows and rains or not, you'll need waterproof trousers and a jacket for Zodiac operations. While generally, you will enter and exit Zodiacs without entering the water, spray and changing conditions can mean you may get splashed. Some landings also require you to step into the water – so bear this in mind!
Picture by unknown photographer
Don't forget warm socks, gloves, and a hat! Also important is UV protection. Sunglasses are also helpful, especially considering the sun will always be high in the sky. Beyond clothing, consider bringing binoculars to spot wildlife and a camera to capture memories that will last a lifetime.
With us, you will be provided rubber boots and lifejackets for your expedition cruise, but be sure to bring sturdy, comfortable shoes for your time onboard.
What wildlife can I see in the Arctic in August?
Like July, August is a prime month for Arctic wildlife viewing, as many species take advantage of the brief summer window to feed, mate, and raise their young. The tundra of Svalbard and Greenland is in full bloom, and you may be surprised by the variety of life found among the many Arctic plants that thrive here.
In Svalbard, the main draw is the polar bear, the king of the Arctic. August provides excellent opportunities to spot these iconic predators as they patrol coastlines or hunt in loose and drifting ice. Walruses, Arctic foxes, and Svalbard reindeer can also be seen across the archipelago. In the water, you may spot beluga whales and minke whales, along with bearded seals and ringed seals.
Picture by unknown photographer
In August, bird life reaches its peak in Svalbard. Fledglings begin to leave the nest, and bird cliffs are full of life as many species prepare to start to depart Svalbard's shores. You'll likely see large groups of birds begin to leave, including formations of barnacle geese, Atlantic puffins, skuas, and guillemots, to name but a few.
Greenland offers equally rewarding wildlife encounters. In the tundra, you may spot groups of majestic musk oxen or bounding Arctic hares and Arctic foxes, while the fjords are home to seals, whales, and nesting seabirds like Atlantic puffins and guillemots. You'll also see ptarmigan in Greenland - the only bird species not to leave as winter approaches.
If you're lucky, you may also encounter polar bears in some parts of Greenland. Even more rare is the elusive narwhal. If you see one of these almost mythical-looking creatures, you can count yourself in a tiny crowd!
What makes the Arctic in August so special?
There's something uniquely powerful about visiting the Arctic in August. It provides a glimpse of the raw power of one of our planet's last true wildernesses at its most accessible peak.
The near-endless sunlight gives you more time to explore or jump into one of our dynamic activities, such as kayaking, snorkeling, long hikes, or even scuba diving. The long days of light also provide excellent conditions for photography. As August wanes and darkness begins to return slowly, you'll get superb soft light and the colors of dawn and dusk.
Picture by Marco Rosso
In August, the light highlights the textures of glaciers, icebergs, and tundra superbly. As glaciers calve frequently in August, you can expect to encounter icebergs of a tremendous range of sizes, shapes, and even colors. The tundra also slowly begins to transform into its autumnal colors as the end of August approaches. This brief period, extending into September, is one of the most spectacular sights in the Arctic.
Lastly, the Arctic truly feels alive in August. From the crack of calving glaciers to the call of nesting seabirds and polar bear tracks in the snow and shingle, each moment feels like a glimpse into a world unlike anything you have left behind.
Join an Arctic expedition cruise in August
Whether you're navigating the iceberg-laden fjords of East Greenland or scanning the icy shores of Svalbard for polar bears, every moment is part of a story you'll tell for a lifetime.
Step aboard for a voyage north in August and discover why the Arctic isn't just a destination — it's an experience that will forever change the way you view our planet.
Main image by Juan Berenstein