The Arctic’s summer months, generally May through September, are the prime time for expedition cruising. These months offer long daylight hours, the most active wildlife, and (relatively) mild temperatures.
July and August are the warmest and most popular months for travel, but the “shoulder” months of late May, June, and September also offer incredible opportunities, often with fewer visitors.
**Temperatures will vary by location – Greenland and Canada’s High Arctic will differ slightly
| Month | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) |
| January | -13°C | -17°C |
| February | -14°C | -18°C |
| March | -12°C | -16°C |
| April | -8°C | -12°C |
| May | -2°C | -6°C |
| June | 3°C | 0°C |
| July | 6°C | 3°C |
| August | 5°C | 2°C |
| September | 1°C | -1°C |
| October | -5°C | -8°C |
| November | -9°C | -12°C |
| December | -11°C | -15°C |
While the Arctic’s winter is spectacular (think Northern Lights and endless starry skies) it’s not the time for expedition cruising to remote regions like Svalbard or the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
From October through April, much of the High Arctic is locked in sea ice, with temperatures plummeting to -20°C or colder and long periods of polar night. This season belongs to local communities, hardy wildlife, and the rare over-wintering scientist — not tourists!
If you do want a winter Arctic experience, you’ll be looking at land-based trips in places like Tromsø, Northern Norway, or parts of Iceland. But for classic expedition cruising? You’ll need to wait for summer.
From May through September, the Arctic transforms. Sea ice retreats, opening up passages for ships. Wildlife is at its most active, and the midnight sun provides endless daylight for exploration.
As the sea begins to retreat, you may be able to see spectacular ice formations like this!
May is the perfect time to still see dramatic icy landscapes and Polar Bears venturing across the lingering sea ice! A good camera and binoculars are essential for this time of the year!
The Arctic begins to awaken. Migratory birds return in huge numbers, and polar bears are often spotted on lingering sea ice. Snow still blankets much of the landscape, giving it a pristine, wintry feel. Ideal for photographers who want dramatic ice-and-snow contrasts.
Sea ice continues to recede, allowing access deeper into fjords and channels. Walrus haul-outs become more common, reindeer feed on emerging tundra plants, and wildflowers begin to appear. Glaciers are still crisp and clean from winter.
A summer hike at Alkehornet in northwest Svalbard is breathtaking! Expect lush green tundra dotted with purple wildflowers, and reindeer tending to their newborn calves.
The warmest month in most Arctic regions (averaging 5–10°C). Seabird colonies are in full swing, whales feed in rich Arctic waters, and polar bear sightings remain common. The midnight sun makes for long days packed with excursions.
These guests were lucky enough to have a Minke Whale breach next to them! August is the best time to maximise your chance of having encounters like this one.
Whale activity is at its peak, with beluga, humpback, and even narwhal spotted in certain regions. Glacial calving events are frequent as the ice responds to summer warmth. Tundra is lush, dotted with wildflowers.
Daylight hours shorten, giving the first chance of seeing the Northern Lights in some areas. Polar bears move toward shorelines, and migratory birds prepare to depart. Ice begins to return to higher latitudes, giving a wilder, more remote feel.
September is the first chance to spot the iconic Northern Lights, but it does bring with it icier conditions and less wildlife.
July and August are the most reliable months for wildlife and open access to remote regions. The weather is at its mildest, and the midnight sun keeps the adventure going all “night.”
June offers incredible birdlife and dramatic early-season landscapes, while September is ideal for those who want fewer ships, autumn colours, and a chance of Northern Lights.
But those peak months — July and August — come with a price tag, and not just for the cruise itself. Flights to Arctic gateway ports like Longyearbyen, Reykjavik, or Nuuk are often at their most expensive in mid-summer, and hotels in these towns (where availability is already limited) tend to charge premium rates during this period.
Travelling at the very start of the season in late May or June, or at the end in September, can be an excellent compromise. You’ll still experience the “must-sees” of Arctic cruising — polar bears, glaciers, whales — but with fewer travellers, slightly lower prices, and in some cases a wilder, more remote atmosphere.
Understanding Arctic weather nuances is vital.
Includes the top nine questions travellers ask and our honest answers to them, plus a pre-trip checklist.
It’s the perfect starting point for initial research.
Antarctic cruises are not one size fits all — there are many different ships each offering their own special elements.
We would love to help you. You’re invited to book a FREE 30-Minute Antarctic Cruise Planning Session to have all your questions answered, without the “hard sell” everyone hates.
With almost twenty years of experience in booking polar cruises we have great relationships with many of the most popular cruise vessels. Why does that matter to you?
It means we have been able to negotiate some great free inclusions with several of the best cruise vessels including flight credits (sometimes even free flights), free tours, and free accommodation in Buenos Aires or Ushuaia.
Expedition Partners (formerly Flower Travel) specialise in expedition style travel by small ship cruise and private rail journeys.
PH: 1300 654 861
Monday-Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm
