Svalbard in May

Svalbard operates on two completely different seasons, and your choice depends on what kind of Arctic experience you want. Summer (June through August) brings the midnight sun — literally 24 hours of daylight. Temperatures reach a balmy 40°F, flowers bloom across the tundra, and boat trips become possible. This is prime time for wildlife watching, with polar bears hunting seals along ice edges and thousands of seabirds nesting on cliffs. Winter (March through May) offers the polar night and northern lights. Complete darkness reigns for months, but that darkness brings the aurora borealis dancing across the sky. Snowmobile expeditions replace boat trips, and you can explore ice caves and frozen fjords. Shoulder seasons barely exist here. September and October bring harsh weather and unpredictable conditions. Most tour operators shut down, and you'll face limited accommodation options. My pick? Late June through July for first-time visitors. You get the midnight sun, active wildlife, and the most tour options.