“When is the best time to travel to explore the Arctic?”
Why is what time of year ideal for Arctic travel?
The ideal month of the year to travel to the Arctic depends on the specific experiences you want to have and the wildlife and scenery you want to see. Summer, from June to September, is the best time to see famous Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, whales, walruses, and reindeer. Additionally, the warm weather and average temperatures ranging from 37 °F (3 °C) to 55 °F (13 °C) make exploration and discovery easier and more comfortable.
June
– Warm weather and average temperatures ranging from 37°F (3°C) to 55°F (13°C).
– Opportunities to see active wildlife such as polar bears, whales, walruses and reindeer.
– Arctic landscapes at their most pristine, when they are covered in snow and surrounded by sea ice.
July and August
– Warmer weather allows for active exploration.
– Average temperatures in the Arctic Circle range from 43°F (6°C) to 59°F (15°C).
– Best time to visit Longyearbyen, Svalbard to witness the amazing colors of the tundra.
September
– Moderate temperatures and active wildlife.
– Average temperatures range from 37°F (3°C) to 50°F (10°C).
– Chance of seeing the northern lights.
As such, the best time to travel to explore the Arctic is in the summer, when the weather is warm and the wildlife is active and lively.
Highlights of each time of year to explore the Arctic
June – September
Between June and September, the sea ice melts, making it easier to explore the more remote reaches of the Arctic. This is also the ideal time to see active wildlife such as polar bears, whales, walruses and reindeer. This month is also the best time to enjoy adventures on land, meeting the resilient communities that thrive at the top of the world.
July and August
This is the peak time to visit the Arctic as the warmer temperatures allow for active exploration. Temperatures in the Arctic Circle in July range from 43°F (6°C) to 59°F (15°C) depending on where you are traveling in the region, while the average temperature in the Arctic is 32°F (0°C). This is the best time to visit Longyearbyen, Svalbard if you want to witness the amazing colors of the tundra.
September
Most of September is still considered summer in the Arctic, with moderate temperatures and active wildlife. September temperatures in the Arctic Circle average between 37°F (3°C) and 50°F (10°C). The days start to cool and wildlife begins to prepare for winter. Some consider this to be the best month to visit Greenland, as the ground is still snow-free, making it easier for Zodiacs to land.
If you would like to know more about the highlights of each month to explore the Arctic, contact our excursion experts for detailed advice.
The best Arctic travel itinerary by season of the year
June – September: Summer
The best time to visit the Arctic is in the summer, from June to September, when the sea ice melts. Summer is when the snow melts to reveal beautiful vegetation and is the perfect time to see active wildlife such as polar bears, whales, walruses, and reindeer. Additionally, the warmest weather, ranging from 37 °F (3 °C) to 55 °F (13 °C), makes for ideal conditions for exploration.
July and August: Update on visiting the Arctic
July and August are peak times to visit the Arctic due to warmer temperatures that allow for active exploration. Weather in the Arctic Circle in July ranges from 43°F (6°C) to 59°F (15°C) depending on where you are traveling in the region, while the average temperature in the Arctic is 32°F (0°C). This is the best time to visit Longyearbyen, Svalbard if you want to witness the amazing colors of the tundra.
September: Late Summer
Most of September is still considered summer in the Arctic, with moderate temperatures and active wildlife. September temperatures in the Arctic Circle average between 37°F (3°C) and 50°F (10°C). The days start to cool and wildlife begins to prepare for winter. Some consider this to be the best month to visit Greenland, as the ground is still snow-free, making it easier for Zodiacs to land.
Interesting tourist activities in the Arctic at different times of the year
Spring (March – May)
– Experience the pristine snow-covered landscape
– Observe migratory birds returning to the Arctic
– Participate in trekking and wildlife exploration activities
Summer (June – August)
– See the dazzling northern lights
– Observe dynamic wildlife such as polar bears, whales, walruses and reindeer
– Join trekking, hiking and meet resilient communities
Fall (September – October)
– Witness the northern lights
– Take shore excursions and meet wildlife preparing for winter
– Enjoy tundra landscapes and exposed vegetation
Winter (November – February)
– Experience cold weather and 24-hour darkness
– See wildlife that is harder to spot and travel is often slower
– Take part in activities like hiking through tundra landscapes completely devoid of human presence
Reasons Why the Best Time of Year to Travel to the Arctic
There are many reasons why the best time of year to visit the Arctic is the weather. One of the biggest reasons is the weather. Summer, from June to September, is the best time to visit the Arctic because temperatures are the warmest of the year, ranging from 37°F (3°C) to 55°F (13°C). Sea ice also melts, allowing expedition ships to travel to more remote areas. This is also the best time to see active wildlife such as polar bears, whales, walruses, and reindeer. Summer is also the best time to enjoy adventures on land, such as hiking the tundra and meeting the resilient communities that thrive at the top of the world.
Summer is also the perfect time to see the northern lights. While there is never a guarantee of a sighting, the shortening of daylight hours at this time of year gives way to darker skies that allow the neon lights to shine. Witnessing the northern lights dance over the ocean, away from any light pollution, is a particularly awe-inspiring experience.
July and August are also peak times to visit the Arctic as the warmer temperatures allow for active exploration. Weather in the Arctic Circle in July ranges from 43°F (6°C) to 59°F (15°C) depending on where you are traveling in the region, while the average temperature in the Arctic is 32°F (0°C). This is the best time to visit Longyearbyen, Svalbard if you want to witness the amazing colors of the tundra.
Unique experiences when traveling to the Arctic in each season
June:
– The best time to see the aurora borealis and active wildlife such as polar bears, whales, walruses and reindeer.
– Average temperatures range from 37°F (3°C) to 55°F (13°C).
– Small forests of dwarf birch and dwarf willow can be seen.
– The warmest weather of the year.
July and August:
– Peak time to visit the Arctic due to warmer temperatures allowing for active exploration.
– Temperatures range from 43°F (6°C) to 59°F (15°C) depending on where you are traveling in the region.
– Warmer weather allows for witnessing the amazing colors of the tundra.
September:
– Still considered summer in the Arctic, with moderate temperatures and active wildlife.
– Average temperatures range from 37°F (3°C) to 50°F (10°C).
– Best time to see the aurora borealis and encounter wildlife before winter sets in.
Amazing nature in the Arctic by season of the year
By spring:
– In May and June, you have the chance to see icebergs in the mist, along with wonderful views of flowering vegetation.
– Trees such as dwarf birch and dwarf willow can be seen, with the flowers at their most brilliant in mid to late June.
By Summer:
– June to September is the ideal time to see active wildlife such as polar bears, whales, walruses and reindeer.
– Average temperatures range from 37°F (3°C) to 55°F (13°C), making it easy to explore and enjoy adventures on land.
By Fall:
– In July and August, you can witness intense fall colors like crimson in the tundra.
– Temperatures in the Arctic Circle in July range from 43°F (6°C) to 59°F (15°C), depending on where you are traveling in the region.
By winter:
– Winter is not the ideal time for an Arctic expedition, but this is when traveling to Antarctica is possible.
– The Arctic temperatures in winter range from 25°F (-4°C) to 49°F (9°C), with 24-hour darkness for most of the time.
Opportunities to observe wildlife in the Arctic at different times of the year
June
June is breeding season for Arctic wildlife, when they are busy caring for their young and searching for food. It is an ideal time to observe both land and water animals.
July and August
During these two months, the weather warms up and opens up opportunities to explore the diverse wildlife of the Arctic. You can observe whales, walruses, reindeer and many other animals in their natural environment.
September
September is still considered summer in the Arctic, with moderate temperatures and active wildlife. Average temperatures in the Arctic in September range from 37°F (3°C) to 50°F (10°C). This is the best time to view the northern lights and enjoy the stunning natural beauty.
Weather conditions and ideal travel time in the Arctic
Weather conditions in the Arctic change rapidly and dramatically depending on the month of the year. Summer, from June to September, is the best time to visit the Arctic because the sea ice melts, making it easier for expedition ships to navigate. Summer temperatures range from 37°F (3°C) to 55°F (13°C), making it easier to see wildlife such as polar bears, whales, walruses, and reindeer.
May and June
– The weather is foggy, but watching the iceberg in the fog makes for a unique and fascinating experience.
– The ice melts to reveal beautiful vegetation, especially in places like Greenland, Svalbard and the Canadian High Arctic.
– There is a chance to see dwarf birches and dwarf willows, as well as colorful flowers that bloom in mid to late June.
July and August
– Warmer weather, ranging from 43°F (6°C) to 59°F (15°C), makes it a great time to visit Longyearbyen, Svalbard and witness the amazing colors of the tundra.
– Berries are everywhere, and birds are busy stocking up before migrating, making it a great experience to walk through the tundra and share it with the birds.
September
– Average temperatures range from 37°F (3°C) to 50°F (10°C), still considered summer in the Arctic, with wildlife active.
– Chances of catching a glimpse of the northern lights come September, when the shorter days and darker skies allow the northern lights to dance over the sea, creating a particularly awe-inspiring experience.
Important notes when planning a trip to the Arctic at different times of the year
Please note that when planning your Arctic travel, you need to consider the weather and geographical conditions of the area you want to visit. Summer, from June to September, is the best time to explore the Arctic because the sea ice melts, making it easier to travel and see wildlife. However, you also need to pay attention to the warm weather and wildlife conditions.
Additionally, May and June can be foggy, however, this also creates beautiful scenery and an exciting experience when exploring the Arctic. July and August are the best months to see the amazing colors of the tundra and witness active animals such as reindeer and musk buffalo. Finally, September is still considered summer in the Arctic, with moderate temperatures and active wildlife, making it a great time for exploration.
Important notes when planning a trip to the Arctic at different times of the year:
– Pay attention to the weather and wildlife conditions in the area you want to visit
– June is the best time to see the beautiful vegetation and meet the resilient communities that thrive at the top of the world
– July and August are the peak times to visit the Arctic as warmer temperatures allow for active exploration
While the best time to explore the Arctic is during the summer with all-day sunshine, exploring during the winter also offers a unique experience with rich landscapes and amazing sunsets.
