Climate Overview
The climate in Svalbard Airport, Longyear is cold. The average annual temperature is -4°C and approximately 547mm of precipitation falls per year. September is the wettest month, receiving around 72mm of rainfall. Svalbard Airport, Longyear is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: July, August, June. The coldest months are March, January, February, when temperatures can drop to -15°C. Svalbard Airport, Longyear experiences heavy snowfall, typically from January through December.
Temperature
Temperatures in Svalbard Airport, Longyear vary considerably across the year, with a 23°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. July is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 8°C with a mean of 6°C. The coldest month is March, when overnight lows fall to -15°C and the daily average is -13°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 3°C between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between April and May, with a 6°C shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Svalbard Airport, Longyear is a relatively dry area, receiving approximately 547mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 46mm per month. The wettest month is September, averaging 72mm of rainfall. August and November also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is June, with just 28mm. That's 44mm less than September, the wettest month. Precipitation varies noticeably between seasons, with the second half (July to December) of the year generally seeing more rainfall. Svalbard Airport, Longyear receives heavy snowfall, accumulating around 314cm annually from January through December. The snowiest month is December, with approximately 44cm. Winter travel should account for significant snow cover.
Wind
Svalbard Airport, Longyear is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 11km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is January, averaging 14km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in August, with average winds dropping to 9km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 5km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 13km/h in winter, 11km/h in spring, 10km/h in summer, 11km/h in autumn.
Seasons
87 days until Winter
It is currently autumn in Svalbard Airport, Longyear, which began on September 23, 2026. Svalbard Airport, Longyear is in the Northern Hemisphere, where spring begins in March, summer in June, autumn in September, and winter in December. The warmest period peaks in July at around 8°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in March near -15°C. Winter is next, beginning on December 21, 2026 (87 days from now).
Spring
Temperatures range from -15 to -2°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 107mm over the season and a monthly average of 36mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 11km/h. Light layers work well as temperatures warm through the season. It is a great time to be outdoors.
Summer
Temperatures range from 1 to 8°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 140mm over the season and a monthly average of 47mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 10km/h. Comfortable clothing with a light layer for cooler evenings is all you need.
Autumn
Temperatures range from -8 to 3°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 169mm for the season, averaging 56mm per month. Expect around 78cm of snow accumulation during this period. Winds are generally light, averaging 11km/h. Layered clothing works best as temperatures gradually cool. Enjoy the crisp air and changing scenery.
Winter
Temperatures range from -12 to -7°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 131mm over the season and a monthly average of 44mm. Expect around 124cm of snow accumulation during this period. Winds are generally light, averaging 13km/h. Heavy layering and insulated outerwear are essential. Exposed skin should be minimised outdoors.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Svalbard Airport, Longyear based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Snow is measured in centimetres (cm) and reflects average monthly snowfall accumulation. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.
