Norway’s Arctic volcanic island of Jan Mayen
Topped by the 2,277-meter high (7,470 feet) stratovolcano, Mount Beerenberg, the largely glaciated Norwegian island of Jan Mayen provides visitors staggeringly scenic views as well as the chance to spot marine life in the food-rich waters offshore.
The weather around Jan Mayen, however, can make landings tricky. Heavy rain, high winds, and fog are all likely here, though the temperatures are comparable to our other Arctic areas: When we visit Jan Mayen in June, the average temperature is around 2 to 3°C (36 to 37°F).
But despite the strong chance of inclement weather, occasionally the sun breaks through and provides Jan Mayen visitors some of the most ruggedly beautiful photo opportunities found in the Arctic.
From the slopes of this 2300 meters high volcano impressive glaciers spill into the sea. The food rich waters that surround the island offer very good whale sighting opportunities.
The weather around Jan Mayen is often not so good: it is said the weather is foul for 362 days of the year. There may be heavy rain, wind and fog but then, soon after, the sun may break through and the air becomes clear. In June, when our ships visit Jan Mayen, the average temperature is around 2º to 3ºC (36º to 37ºF).
Jan Mayen is an island of breath-taking beauty and mystique and is dominated by the active volcano Mt Beerenberg.
Cruises to Jan Mayen
22 Days Extensive Arctic Ocean – Northwest Iceland - Spitsbergen Explorer
29 May - 20 Jun, 2026
•Tripcode: HDS02D26
Leaving Iceland's magical fjords and the isle of Grimsey behind, voyage into the pack ice of the Denmark Strait and stop by remote Jan Mayen before navigating pack ice on your way to Spitsbergen. Watching for iconic wildlife along the way, you'll venture...
Arctic Ocean – Northwest Iceland - Pack Ice – Grimsey – Jan Mayen – Ice Edge – Spitsbergen
29 May - 13 Jun, 2026
•Tripcode: HDS02C26
This unique Arctic adventure takes you from Iceland's magical fjords and the isle of Grimsey into the pack ice of Greenland's rugged coastline, before exploring wild and remote Jan Mayen and delving into the Greenland Sea's pack ice. Finish your adventure...
North Sea - Vlissingen to Aberdeen
25 May - 27 May, 2026
•Tripcode: OTL01-26
Search for whales, seals, and seabirds on a scenic voyage from our home port of Vlissingen to culturally rich Aberdeen, the "Granite City" of northeast Scotland. White-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, minke whales, orcas, and various species of seabird...
Arctic Ocean - Aberdeen, Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice edge, Spitsbergen, Birding
25 May - 5 Jun, 2026
•Tripcode: OTL01C26
Search for whales, and other Arctic wildlife of the land, sea, and air on an adventurous voyage from our home port of Vlissingen to our favorite Arctic island group.
19 Days Extensive Arctic Ocean - North Spitsbergen Explorer
25 May - 12 Jun, 2026
•Tripcode: OTL01D26
Sailing between our home port of Vlissingen and our most cherished Arctic archipelago, Svalbard, this expedition adventure visits the Scottish port of Aberdeen, the islands of Fair Isle and Jan Mayen, and the amazing Spitsbergen ice edge, giving you...
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Hondius begins her Arctic season, with other ships to follow
Oceanwide’s Polar Class 6 vessel Hondius set sail from her homeport Vlissingen in the Netherlands on Sunday, delivering passengers to her first Arctic voyage of the season.
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See the highlights you may experience:
See the highlights you may experience:
Map of Jan Mayen
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Reviews
A service, engagement & knowledge that makes the the team of Ocean Wide the number one!
This expedition exceeded all our expectations. We went to experience the Arctic and that's what we did. The pack ice, views, wildlife ...all wonderful. Fair Isle was uncharacteristically hot in the British heat wave - the puffins and skuas on form. Jan Mayen was experienced as it should be - wet and wild. The pack ice was just stunning - so inspirational for art work and Svalbard - wow - field sketching at 2am in the morning - it just had to be done! The landings were all exciting and to see polar bears, whales, walruses - brilliant. The blue fulmars accompanied us in the north and are now a favourite - little albatrosses of the north. The ship, staff, lectures - all splendid and the food was wonderful! Thank you for the most amazing experience - we'll be back!
Jan Mayen FAQ
What is the weather on Jan Mayen like?
The weather around Jan Mayen is often not so good: it is said the weather is foul for 362 days of the year. There may be heavy rain, wind and fog but then, soon after, the sun may break through and the air becomes clear. In June, when our ships visit Jan Mayen, the average temperature is around 2º to 3ºC (36º to 37ºF).
What to wear during a trip to Jan Mayen?
Although it is not always cold, warm and waterproof clothing is needed on Jan Mayen. Waterproof trousers and jacket against wind, rain and salt spray coming into the zodiac. Furthermore fleece jackets, gloves and a warm hat. Rubber-boots for the landings are provided on board our vessels Plancius, Ortelius and Hondius.
Photo gallery
About Jan Mayen
Weather on Jan Mayen
Jan Mayen is isolated, surrounded by wild seas and battered by often strong winds. The weather around Jan Mayen can make landings tricky. Heavy rain, high winds, and fog are likely here, though the temperatures are comparable to other Arctic areas: When we visit Jan Mayen in June, the average temperature is around 2 to 3°C (36 to 37°F).
Be sure to dress appropriately for a visit to Jan Mayen. Thermals and good base layers are a must. You should wear windproof outer layers, and have good waterproof clothing, especially if the weather turns.
Facts about Jan Mayen
- Jan Mayen has no permanent population - only a rotating team of meteorologists, military personnel, and visitors.
- Jan Mayen has been under Norwegian control since 1929. The island is now part of the Kingdom of Norway and is protected by Norway's enforcement of a nature reserve around the island.
- The island falls under the protection of the Svalbard treaty despite not being part of Svalbard.
- Jan Mayen is located around 950 km (590 miles) from the coast of Norway and 600 km (370 miles) from Greenland. This makes it one of the most isolated islands in the world.
- Jan Mayen's whale population was decimated in the 17th century. This led to the abandonment of the entire island for over 200 years.
- Mount Beerenberg last erupted in 1985.
Visiting Jan Mayen
You can visit Jan Mayen on several of our expedition cruises to the Arctic. Often, Jan Mayen forms part of a cruise early in the season, exploring the North Atlantic, Arctic Ocean, and Svalbard.
There is an airstrip on Jan Mayen; however, no domestic flights fly to the island. The only way to visit Jan Mayen is by ship. Often, rough seas and bad weather make landing difficult.
