Climate and light
Svalbard‘s location in high Arctic affects both climate and light conditions. The annual average temperature is minus four degrees, and the midnight sun and dark season characterize the year.
Although the average annual temperature is below zero, Svalbard has a mild climate compared to other areas of the same latitude. In January, the average temperature is -16 ° C and in July it is + 6 ° C.
Varied climate
There are major climatic differences between the different parts of the archipelago. The warmest and humid climate is on the west coast of Spitsbergen. The relatively high temperatures in this area are due, among other things, to the mild air currents coming from the south, and the Gulf Stream transporting warm sea water up the west coast all year round.
Unpredictable weather
The weather in Svalbard is very changing. This is mainly because the large amount of water and warm air transported from the south meets colder water and air from the polar regions. This creates high temperature contrasts and high winds. However, there is no more than 190 mm of precipitation on average per year (Longyearbyen), and it is therefore common to characterize Svalbard as Arctic desert.
Sunlight
Midnight sun and dark season are the main features of the year. In Longyearbyen, the midnight sun lasts from april 20th to August 23rd. In the middle of summer, the sun in Longyearbyen stands about 35° above the horizon during the day and 11° at night. In Longyearbyen, it is dusk and darkness several months a year. The dark season is when the sun goes below the horizon, and it lasts from October 26th to February 16th in Longyearbyen.The polar night is defined by a complete darkness, with the sun being more than 6° below the horizon. In Longyearbyen, the polar night lasts from November 11th to January 30th. On clear days, the dark sky is often lit up by northern lights.
Source: The Governor
Published: Apr 8th, 2011
Updated: Sept 14th, 2015
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