June until September is the best time to visit the Arctic as this is the peak summer season. The sea ice begins breaking during this period, and cruising vessels start accessing this area. Temperatures range between 3 and 7 degrees centigrade. Wildlife begins to get much more active during this time since most of them have been returning from migration.
The Arctic offers much more than just ice and snow. Seasonal changes bring changing landscapes and animal migration patterns, so that every day is sure to bring something different. From October to March, massive parts of the Arctic Ocean freeze, so it is normally impossible to navigate unless you happen to be a narwhal or a beluga whale. Although climate change is changing the Arctic environment rapidly through ice sheet melting and thawing of permafrost, the cruising season remains limited by sea ice conditions.
It's open during the months of April to September when ice breaks off and hidden passages and coastlines become accessible. The summer months have their special charms. June and July are good time for wildlife, which can include catches of a glimpse of the elusive polar bear. As the season progresses into August and September, the midnight skies become a lighted exhibit for Northern Lights, combined with the beautiful Arctic sunset.
June to Mid-July
Mid-July to Mid-August
Mid-August to September
Think of the picture book winter wonderland you've seen - ice and snow initially prevail, but during these weeks, wildlife activity really picks up. Different species of whales reappear once they have spent their winter months in warmer climes, and polar bears and walruses often can be seen hunting along the ice edge. Birds return to breed on rocky coasts as well, and of course, the midnight sun permits many extra hours of daylight for exploration and photography.
Polar bears feeding along the ice edge
Taking advantage of the midnight sun for excursions and photography
Witness whales returning to fatten up themselves for the winter months
This is the best time to head to the Arctic as ice is melting to uncover the smaller islands like Svalbard. The flowers are in bloom on the tundra, and so is diverse wildlife on the move, such as reindeer, also called caribou, getting ready for mating season. The Midnight Sun radiates brightly over Northern Svalbard.
Witness seabird migration
Sail as far north as it's safe to do so in ice conditions
Experience Walrus watching at Svalbard
When summer is closing in, the days are getting shorter and arctic bird migration increases. Late August presents the first chances to see the Northern Lights in Greenland and Spitsbergen in the low-lying sun of amazing Arctic sunsets.
Northern Lights
Examine the Sam Ford Fjord as the ice reaches its lowest tides
Expose ruins and historical settlements revealed as melting ice and snow
Arctic really does have something to offer to those who visit during this time period.