Arctic Seasonal Wildlife: A Guide to the High North

Spring (April / May): Thaw and New Life
Spring marks the start of the tourist season, with temperatures ranging from approximately 19°F to 28°F (-7°C to -2°C). April is ideal for traditional Arctic activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling, with some ski options still available in regions like Spitsbergen and East Greenland, and is a great time for Arctic fox sightings. By May, as the driest month in the Arctic, the purple saxifrage begins to bloom. Migratory birds such as Puffins, Brünich's, and Common Guillemots return to nest. As the ice begins to break up, there are increasing chances to spot majestic humpback whales and the iconic polar bears alongside dramatic icebergs.

Summer (June - August): Midnight Sun and Abundant Feeding
The summer months are characterized by the Midnight Sun and are a peak time for wildlife viewing. In June, the retreating ice allows ships to access North Spitsbergen, where polar bears can be sighted both on the ice and on land. Svalbard comes alive with large populations of walrus, seals, and numerous bird species like fulmars, kittiwakes, and common eiders. This is prime time for minke, humpback, and fin whales arriving back to feed, and the best opportunity to spot narwhals in the Canadian Arctic. The tundra and hillsides are carpeted in blooming wildflowers. Temperatures are warmest in July, ranging between 37°F and 45°F (3°C–7°C), when the probability of circumnavigating Spitsbergen increases and Greenland's west coast, including the Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay, opens up. Though August is the wettest month, with around 19 hours of daylight and temperatures around 36°F (2°C), it's prime time for sailing the historic Northwest Passage. As seabird colonies prepare to head south, opportunities for inland exploration in East Greenland and maximizing polar bear sightings on Spitsbergen's west coast are at their peak.

Fall (September - November): Aurora and Ice Return
As fall begins in September, the daylight hours decrease dramatically, setting the scene for dramatic photography opportunities. Freezing temperatures return to the region, bringing the thrilling chance to see the magnificent Aurora Borealis. By October and November, sea ice begins to reform, leading to the world's largest gathering of polar bears near Churchill, Manitoba, where sightings are almost guaranteed.

For expert advice on Arctic wildlife and an Arctic cruise expedition, contact a polar advisor at Cruise Norway.