Operafjellet

Mountain Prominent Svalbard mountain known for limestone cliffs

Mountain on Spitsbergen in Svalbard; visited by expedition cruises and researchers for Arctic geology, stark ridgelines and seabird colonies.

Main image

Operafjellet is a mountain on the island of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago. It is one of the named peaks in Svalbard’s mountain landscape and is identified on modern maps of the archipelago.

The peak is a local landmark within a high-arctic polar environment characterized by glaciated terrain, permafrost and sparse vegetation. It is principally of interest to scientists, map users and experienced Arctic visitors rather than casual tourists.

Naming and mapping of features like Operafjellet reflect Norwegian charting and place-name practices in Svalbard. Access is by expedition vessel or aircraft to nearby landing areas and then overland travel in Arctic conditions.

Geographically it lies on Spitsbergen in Svalbard at high northern latitude; the nearest permanent settlement is Longyearbyen, which serves as the regional access hub for the archipelago.

Operafjellet
78.2243, 16.0470

How to Get to Operafjellet #

Operafjellet is on the main island of Spitsbergen near Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s administrative center. Access requires travel to Longyearbyen (flights from Tromsø or mainland Norway) followed by guided excursions using snowmobiles, boats or hiking in summer. Independent travel in Svalbard requires awareness of polar bear safety regulations.

Tips for Visiting Operafjellet #

  • If visiting in summer, bring sun protection - the high-arctic sun is deceptive even when temperatures are cool.
  • Travel with a guide or experienced Arctic travellers; weather and polar conditions change quickly on Svalbard.
  • Photography tips: for dramatic light on snow and rock, aim for the low sun of late spring or early autumn.

Best Time to Visit Operafjellet #

Best visited in late spring through late summer for accessibility and safer conditions, though weather remains unpredictable.

Midnight Sun Season
May-Aug · -5-5°C (23-41°F)
24-hour daylight, long hikes possible; snow may still linger at higher elevations.
Late Summer/Early Autumn
Aug-Sep · -2-3°C (28-37°F)
Shorter days and shifting light; good for those who want fewer people and dramatic skies.

Weather & Climate near Operafjellet #

Climate

Operafjellet's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -20°C to 3°C. Moderate rainfall (525 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
JulyAprilMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
12°
Warmest Month
-37°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -19°C. The wettest month with 55 mm of rain and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-15°
Feels Like Freezing
-15°C
Temperature
-19° -12°
97%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
7.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
0.0h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -20°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

35 Poor

Comfort

-16°
Feels Like Freezing
-16°C
Temperature
-20° -13°
97%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
6.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
1.5h daylight

March

March is the coldest month with highs of -14°C and lows of -20°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

35 Poor

Comfort

-17°
Feels Like Freezing
-17°C
Temperature
-20° -14°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
10.8h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -18°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

-15°
Feels Like Freezing
-15°C
Temperature
-18° -12°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

35 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
20.2h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -9°C. The driest month with just 25 mm and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-9° -6°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
24.0h daylight

June

June is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-3° -1°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
24.0h daylight

July

July is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
6.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
24.0h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Low
22.9h daylight

September

September is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

35 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-4° -2°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
14.0h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

33 Poor

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-11° -7°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
7.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
4.7h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-15° -9°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
7.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
0.0h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -11°C and lows of -18°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-18° -11°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
7.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
0.0h daylight

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