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Jerzy Strzelecki CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Van Mijenfjorden National Park

National Park

On Spitsbergen, Van Mijenfjorden's coastline features glaciers, sea cliffs and arctic wildlife; visitors encounter polar scenery on boat trips and wildlife-watching excursions.

Van Mijenfjorden National Park LongyearbyenPlatåbergetOperafjelletSpitsbergenVan Mijenfjorden National Park

Van Mijenfjorden National Park essentials

Driest months: Apr-Jun

Van Mijenfjorden National Park at a Glance

Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Van Mijenfjorden National Park

Best visited in summer (June-August) when daylight and milder conditions make access and wildlife viewing far easier.

High Arctic summer (best)
Jun-Aug · -2-6°C
Continuous or near-continuous daylight, milder weather, best access for wildlife viewing and boat/shore activities.
Polar night & winter (not for casual visits)
Nov-Feb · -20--5°C
Very cold, long periods of darkness and limited access; suitable only for experienced, well-equipped travelers.
Shoulder seasons
Apr-May & Sep-Oct · -10-0°C (variable)
Unpredictable conditions with changing ice and limited services - travel can be more difficult.

Weather & Climate near Van Mijenfjorden National Park

Climate

Van Mijenfjorden National Park's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -17°C to 8°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
13°
Warmest Month
-37°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -16° - -10° -22° 33 mm - 97% 6.2 m/s 0.0 low 0.0h
February Poor -17° - -10° -23° 30 mm overcast 97% 5.5 m/s 0.0 low 2.1h
March Poor -16° - -9° -21° 30 mm overcast 96% 4.5 m/s 0.0 low 10.9h
April Poor -13° - -7° -17° 24 mm overcast 92% 4.7 m/s 0.2 low 19.5h
May Poor -6° - -1° -9° 21 mm overcast 89% 4.3 m/s 0.5 low 24.0h
June Poor 1° - 4° -1° 27 mm overcast 89% 3.8 m/s 0.8 moderate 24.0h
July Poor 5° - 9° 4° 40 mm overcast 89% 4.1 m/s 0.7 moderate 24.0h
August Poor 4° - 7° 3° 43 mm overcast 90% 3.9 m/s 0.4 low 22.4h
September Poor 0° - 3° -2° 38 mm overcast 93% 3.9 m/s 0.1 low 13.8h
October Poor -6° - -2° -10° 36 mm overcast 94% 5.3 m/s 0.0 low 5.4h
November - -11° - -5° -15° 34 mm - 95% 5.9 m/s 0.0 low 0.0h
December - -14° - -8° -20° 34 mm - 96% 6.1 m/s 0.0 low 0.0h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Van Mijenfjorden National Park

Access to Van Mijenfjorden on Spitsbergen (Svalbard) begins by flying to Longyearbyen (Svalbard Airport) from mainland Norway. From Longyearbyen there are no public roads that reach deep into the fjord: in summer most visitors go by boat or join guided expedition/boat tours, while in winter access is typically by snowmobile or organised guided trips. Arrange transport and permits through licensed Longyearbyen operators.