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Seizing the Season: Spitsbergen’s Late Spring, Early Summer

by Oceanwide Expeditions Blog

Most Arctic expedition cruises fall into two camps: those that sail during the autumn and winter and focus primarily on the northern lights, and those that sail during the high season (middle to late summer) and focus on everything else.

The early weeks of the Spitsbergen high season

Most Arctic expedition cruises fall into two camps: those that sail during the autumn and winter and focus primarily on the northern lights, and those that sail during the high season (middle to late summer) and focus on everything else.

But if you’re not afraid of a slight temperature drop, there is a third option.

By which we mean cruises that visit Spitsbergen from late spring through early summer, perhaps the most overlooked and underrated period in the Arctic travel calendar.

In terms of weather, activities, and animals, here’s why this is such a dynamite date range.

Weather: You can soak up the last of winter while enjoying the first of summer

It’s probably safe to assume that as a polar enthusiast you’re less enamored of balmy beaches and sweating daiquiris than glittering icebergs and sprawling glaciers.

If so, the early Spitsbergen season gives you these wintry elements in spades.

Snow still clings to the mountains and patches of tundra, and pack ice lingers along many of the coastlines. Though the weather is warmer than the March and April low points of –10° C (14°F), you’ll still feel that you are very much in the Arctic.

But that’s at least partly why you came, right?

Activities: The core Spitsbergen excursions are well underway

Zodiac cruising and landings, shoreline and inland walks, and all other non-supplementary expedition activities are available during Spitsbergen’s late spring, early summer.

And because winter has almost entirely given way to summer, as mentioned, you’ll be able to enjoy these activities in relatively fair Arctic temperatures. You’re also less likely to be blocked from entering any of the fjords, bays, or waterways of Spitsbergen.

When you add this to the fact that Svalbard’s wildlife is now ready to see and be seen, this makes late spring through early summer an ideal time to visit.

Animals: You can see the full cast of Spitsbergen wildlife

Polar bears hunt the pack ice

walruses doze on the shores,

cliff-nesting birds tuck into breeding perches below peaks still gripped in winter ice.

In terms of wildlife, the early weeks of Spitsbergen’s high season offer some of the best opportunities in the Arctic. Merely in terms of seabirds, you can see all the area’s marquee species: kittiwakes, little auks, Brünnich’s guillemots, black guillemots, and more.

Arctic foxes are also combing the cliff bases for fallen chicks and eggs, reindeer are roaming and munching the tundra, 

and multiple species of seal (bearded, ringed, etc.) may be seen, depending on where you sail.

In other words, bring a camera and a lot of film (i.e., memory cards) when you visit Spitsbergen in the early season.

Summary of Spitsbergen’s stunning late spring, early summer

What New York is in the autumn, Spitsbergen is in the late spring and early summer. 

At this wondrous time of year, you can sail yawning fjords and ice-scattered bays, walk rugged beaches and vast flowering inlands, view colossal glaciers and towering mountains and exotic polar species to be found nowhere else.

But don’t worry if you’re not able to make an Arctic cruise precisely in that date range, because the best time to take a Spitsbergen trip is always as soon as possible.

Related cruises

Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

Full Spitsbergen Circumnavigation

OTL08-24 Take a cruise around Spitsbergen and explore the icy waters of the North Atlantic. This special expedition offers you the chance to catch sight of whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, and the star attraction, the polar bear.

m/v Ortelius

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

28 Jul - 6 Aug, 2024

Berths start from:

7700 USD

Around Spitsbergen - Kvitoya, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

Full Spitsbergen Circumnavigation with a visit to Kvitøya

HDS10-24 This cruise around Spitsbergen gives you a great chance to see whales, foxes, reindeer, seals, and polar bears. The expedition will make a landing on the island of Kvitøya, a site of historical significance, and home of a large walrus population.

m/v Hondius

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

8 Aug - 17 Aug, 2024

Berths start from:

on request

Around Spitsbergen - Kvitoya, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

Full Spitsbergen Circumnavigation with a visit to Kvitøya

PLA10-24 This cruise around Spitsbergen gives you a great chance to see whales, foxes, reindeer, seals, and polar bears. The expedition will make a landing on the island of Kvitøya, a site of historical significance, and home of a large walrus population.

m/v Plancius

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

9 Aug - 18 Aug, 2024

Berths start from:

on request

Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes

A classic three island voyage: Ice, Inuit and Remoteness

PLA11-24 The Spitsbergen and Northeast Greenland cruise sails waters filled with breath-taking scenery. The expedition passes through areas that are home to seals, seabirds, whales, and polar bears, topped off with nighttime viewing of the Northern Lights.

m/v Plancius

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

18 Aug - 31 Aug, 2024

Berths start from:

10800 USD

Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes
Up to $1300 OFF

Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes

A classic three island voyage: Ice , Inuit and Remoteness

HDS12-24 The Spitsbergen and Northeast Greenland cruise sails waters filled with breath-taking scenery. The expedition passes through areas that are home to seals, seabirds, whales, and polar bears, topped off with nighttime viewing of the Northern Lights.

m/v Hondius

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

25 Aug - 7 Sep, 2024

Berths start from:

6650 USD

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