Svalbard in February: What to Do, Weather, & Helpful Tips

Regardless of when you visit Svalbard, you will find plenty of things to do (even in the winter!). This guide covers what to know before visiting Svalbard in February.

In my guide, you will find the best things to do during February in Svalbard, including the top tours, festivals and events, and more. I also included a section about the February weather, daylight hours, and what I think you should pack for your trip.

A February trip to Svalbard is exciting because the snowmobiling season truly starts up and the skies turn a beautiful hue of blue (and even cotton candy toward the end of the month).

Do you have any questions about traveling to Svalbard in February? Feel free to leave a comment or send me a message!

February Weather in Svalbard

Due to its location in the Arctic Ocean, high above the Arctic Circle, the weather in Svalbard can be unpredictable. Temperatures in February typically range from -16°C to -10°C (3.2°F to 14°F), so they are constantly below freezing.

During harsh weather conditions, temperatures can be even lower, sometimes dropping below -20°C (-4°F). This happened on my Svalbard February trip!

Average snowfall ranges from 22.7 cm to 24.4 cm (8.9 inches to 9.6 inches), which is slightly less than in January and continues to drop as March approaches. Keep in mind that you are in a polar desert, so precipitation is scarce compared to other parts of Norway.

You’re also likely to encounter high winds during your trip to Svalbard, and the landscapes will be covered in snow and ice.

Best Things to Do in Svalbard in February

1. Explore Longyearbyen.

Longyearbyen is the world’s northernmost settlement and is where the majority of people base themselves when visiting Svalbard. 

Although it’s home to fewer than 3,000 people, there’s a lot to do here, including plenty of awesome restaurants and pubs. You’ll also find some great attractions in Longyearbyen, including the Svalbard Museum and the North Pole Expedition Museum.

Of course, some fantastic tours run from here too, where you can explore more remote areas of Svalbard. Not to mention, you’ve got a chance of seeing reindeer walking around the town.

2. Have fun at the PolarJazz Festival.

The PolarJazz Festival is the world’s northernmost jazz festival and has been held in Longyearbyen since 1998. It’s held during the first weekend of February, when the ‘Dark Season’ is nearly over, as this is when the ‘blue light’ comes to Svalbard.

As well as jazz music, this festival offers an eclectic mix of music, so there’s something for everyone. The majority of artists are Norwegian, so you can appreciate the local talent, but bands from Europe and the US also perform here.

If you’re heading to Svalbard in February, try to plan so your trip aligns with the festival’s dates! This year, it runs from February 5-8, 2026.

3. Admire the extended Svalbard ‘Blue Hour’.

When the Polar Night season ends towards the end of January, another natural phenomenon comes to Svalbard. Blue Hour occurs during the weeks after (and also before) the Polar Night.

This mesmerizing blue light comes about because the sun is still positioned below the horizon, meaning that light particles are bent by the atmosphere.

This time of year is often referred to as ‘tussmørket’ and makes Svalbard feel even more magical than usual. It’s a great time of year for photographers, especially as you can still see the northern light.

4. Enjoy the Arctic Chamber Music Festival.

The Arctic Chamber Music Festival is another awesome event held in February. Hosted in Longyearbyen, it’s the world’s Northernmost festival for classical music and takes place over four days.

The Arctic Chamber Music Festival has been taking place since 2018 and brings together various musicians from the Arctic Philharmonic. There will also be guest soloists playing, so it’s a fantastic event for music lovers. 

Over the years, there have been exceptional performances by the likes of Imogen Cooper, Truls Mørk, and Henning Kraggerud. You can check out the full program online in advance. 

5. Head out dog-sledding.

There are some fantastic winter activities on offer in Svalbard, but dog sledding is certainly one of the most popular. During this time of year, the landscapes are covered in snow and ice, so sledding offers a magical way of exploring Svalbard.

One of the best dog-sledding operators is Arctic Husky Travellers, who offer both expeditions and day trips. The tours also operate in non-motorized areas, so you’ll be exploring the wilderness. Another great option is Green Dog Svalbard, which offers a variety of sledding trips.

6. Be on the lookout for the northern lights.

You can spot the northern light in Svalbard between late September and mid-March. At the start of February, you’ll be visiting during the darker season, which means you can spot the aurora throughout the day and not just at night.

While there is not too much light pollution in Longyearbyen, it still may be worth booking an excursion at Camp Barentz to get away from that little light pollution! You can read more here.

7. Visit Svalbard’s ice caves by snowmobile.

There are plenty of awesome things to do in Svalbard, but no trip here is complete without visiting the ice caves. As there are lots of glaciers on Svalbard, you’ll find endless passages that have been formed from melting glacier waters.

You won’t be short of tour options taking you to the ice caves, but this snowmobile safari run by Svalbard Adventures is one of my top picks because it is the one I took! It departs from Longyearbyen and runs for around 5 hours, including all equipment, hot drinks, and lunch. You can read my full Svalbard ice caves day trip recap here.

8. Dive into Longyearbyen’s restaurant scene.

As the weather is unpredictable in Svalbard, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan. There are plenty of awesome indoor attractions in Longyearbyen, but this town is also known for its cozy restaurants. 

Huset Restaurant is one of the top options if you’re after Norwegian cuisine, as local produce is used. Stationen is another fantastic choice and offers traditional dishes as well as international options. I love their burgers!

There’s also Kroa, one of the most popular options in Longyearbyen. Here, you can enjoy delicious food in a relaxed setting, and they also have pizza, which is great if you’re looking for something familiar (and cheap). You can read my Longyearbyen restaurants guide here.

What to Pack for Svalbard in February

The weather in Svalbard can be extreme, so you’ll need high-quality gear. First of all, pack windproof outerwear for your trip, as this will help to keep the wind chill off. 

Due to the freezing temperatures, bring along several base layers that you can wear underneath your clothes. I’d recommend choosing layers made of fleece or wool as these will keep you warm.

Thermal underwear and merino wool socks are additional items that you can pack, as well as a warm hat, scarf, and gloves. Finally, you’ll need a sturdy pair of warm winter boots. Make sure you opt for a pair with good soles so you can easily walk along the snowy landscapes.

If you are taking a snowmobiling tour (or a dog-sledding one), winter suits will be provided for you.

Tips for Visiting Svalbard in February

• As February is a less popular month to visit, you can find great deals on accommodation and tours, and you likely won’t have to book months in advance.
• The capital of Longyearbyen often won’t be very crowded at this time of year, so you can explore the museums and attractions at your own leisure.
• You can’t venture out of Longyearbyen without a guide. This is due to the area’s polar bear population, so make sure you adhere to the rules.
• A trip to Svalbard can be very expensive. Everything from accommodation and food is pricey, so budget effectively. Tours will add additional costs.

Svalbard in February FAQ

Can you see the northern lights in Svalbard in February?

You can see the northern light in Svalbard from late September to mid-March, so you’ve certainly got a chance of spotting it in February. Tours are available, and you’ll have an experienced guide with you. Alternatively, you can spot the aurora from Longyearbyen.

While you can definitely spot the aurora from Svalbard, it is not the ideal place to book a trip completely based around seeing the northern lights. It is actually too high! But I have seen it there on one of my trips and I hope you get the chance too.

How cold is Svalbard in February?

Temperatures in February typically range from -16°C to -10°C (3.2°F to 14°F), so they will constantly stay below freezing.

Depending on the weather forecast, temperatures can drop below -16°C (3.2°F), so Svalbard is very cold at this time of year. Bundle up!

Can you see polar bears in Svalbard in February?

Polar bears can be seen in Svalbard all year round, and in winter, they roam across the archipelago, compared to the summer months, when they typically follow the sea ice.

However, these amazing creatures can cover huge distances in a day, so they can be difficult to spot. Going on an organized tour means you’ll have an experienced guide to help you.

There are no polar bear safaris in Longyearbyen. But you can increase your chances by booking a tour. Read more about the wildlife in Svalbard here.

Is Svalbard dark in February?

The dark season in Svalbard runs from November to mid-February, so this part of Norway will be cloaked in very low light until the middle of the month.

From mid-to-late February, you can expect between 5-7 hours of daylight. Towards the end of the month, the sun rises at around 8:30 am and sets near 4 pm.

Do you have any questions about visiting Svalbard in February? Let me know in the comments. Thanks!

*This site uses affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission.