Climate and monthly weather forecast
Barentsburg, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Barentsburg, found within the territories of Svalbard and Jan Mayen, is attributed with a Tundra climate according to the Köppen climate classification. Known as an ET climate, its predominance brings about distinct weather patterns noticeable from January to December each year. Geographically, this locale is situated in the Arctic domain, which significantly influences its weather characteristics.

Overall, the weather patterns in Barentsburg remain cold throughout the year, with temperatures rarely going above freezing. Average high temperatures fluctuate from -9.1°C (15.6°F) in January to an apex of 8.4°C (47.1°F) in July. Correspondingly, the lowest temperatures also exhibit a similar pattern, sinking to an average low of -15.2°C (4.6°F) in January and reaching a peak of 4.4°C (39.9°F) in July.

Gradually shifting throughout the year is the relative humidity, with minor deviations ranging around 77% towards the beginning and end of the year but recording a slight peak at 82% in August. Rainfall is also present in this frigid environment, though not consistently so. Accumulations range from a low of 21mm (0.83") in June to a maximum of 63mm (2.48") in December. Concurrently, the number of days with perceptive rainfall varies between one day in February and 17 days in July.

A unique aspect to mention when discussing Barentsburg is the prevalence of snowfall days, with a yearly range between one day in July to 24 days during January and December. Amid these climate considerations, one can also pay attention to the daylight duration, which exhibits significant contrasting extremes. There is no sunlight during the winter months of January and December, yet in summer it witnesses an astounding 24 hours of daylight from May to July.

Taking into account the chilly climate and long daylight hours, the best time to visit Barentsburg would be from late June to early August. During this period, relative humidity is maximized at 81%, providing moisture and moderating temperature extremes. This period also coincides with reduced rainfall and minimum snowfall days, enhancing the feasibility for outdoor activities and exploration.

Contrastingly, the period between late November and late January presents the most challenging weather conditions for visitors. During this time, Barentsburg experiences its lowest temperatures, coupled with zero hours of daylight. Rainfall is also at its highest, accumulating up to 63mm (2.48") in December. Moreover, the snowfall days peak at 24 during January and December, which can significantly impede movement and visibility.

Spring in Barentsburg, a period from March to May, is marked by gradually increasing temperatures, moving from an average low of -12.1°C (10.2°F) in March to -1.1°C (30°F) in May. Daylight also experiences a dramatic increase, from just 11.5 hours in March to a full 24-hour daylight in May. During these months, rainfall is relatively low and declines, whereas snowfall days remain considerably high.

The summer period, which goes from June to August, is the warmest time in Barentsburg. The temperatures range between an average high of 8.4°C (47.1°F) in July and an average low of 3.6°C (38.5°F) in August. Humidity levels are the highest during this period, peaking at 82% in August. Daylight hours remain at a maximum throughout these months, while rain remains inconsistent and snowfall days decrease to a yearly low.

Autumn months, ranging from September to November, forecast a significant drop in temperatures. With the average highs shifting from 2.9°C (37.2°F) in September to a minimum of -5.1°C (22.8°F) in November, and average lows changing from -0.4°C (31.3°F) to -10.1°C (13.8°F) in the same period. Rainfall increases, peaking at 59mm (2.32") in November. Snowfall days also start increasing, reaching up to 23 days in November.

The harsh climate of Barentsburg is highly evident during the winter months, from December to February. Minimum temperatures hover around -15.2°C (4.6°F) in January, while maximum temperatures remain below freezing. Meanwhile, daylight levels drop to zero, turning the landscape into a perpetual night. Snowfall also peaks during these months, with up to 24 snowfall days in January and December.

Weather during January in Barentsburg, Svalbard and Jan Mayen reveals a trend of extreme cold and limited daylight. Thermometers are observed to drop to minimum temperatures of -15.2°C (4.6°F) and only reach highs around -9.1°C (15.6°F). Weather in January »

February does not offer much respite from the cold as temperatures continue to hover in the negative zone. Comparatively, relative humidity remains constant at 77% from the previous month and temperatures show a marginal decrease, with lows deepening to -15.7°C (3.7°F) and highs declining to -9.4°C (15.1°F). Weather in February »

A steady continuity of wintry weather is observed in March, with similar temperature patterns from February. Although rainfall measures 56mm (2.2"), distributed over 2 days, the number of snowfall days is comparable to February. The moniker of 'Svalbard's frozen paradise' stays true as the temperatures show little variation from the February average. Weather in March »

April sees the onset of a notable warm shift compared to the earlier months. Even though room for positive temperatures is not yet made, a warming trend that raises the highest temperature to -6.4°C (20.5°F) is established. This begins the process of dissipating the relentless cold, with fewer snowfall days accompanying the warming trend. Weather in April »

May is a transformative month for Barentsburg, with temperatures finally hovering above the freezing point. It is perceived that the onset of the warmer season follows the improvement in daylight hours. Alongside this, there is a notable increase in the number of rainfall days, reaching 3 in total. Weather in May »

For Barentsburg, June signifies the advent of summer, with temperatures reaching a peak high of 4°C (39.2°F). The arrival of more frequent rainfall, spanning 10 days, indicates a shift from snowfall to rainfall. Stretching up to a complete 24 hours, daylight is now at its maximum. Weather in June »

July continues the upward swing in temperatures, earning it the title of the warmest month in Barentsburg. It is considered the peak of summer with temperatures reaching as high as 8.4°C (47.1°F). This period sees a serious dip in snowfall days, confirming the full swing departure from winter. Weather in July »

Weather in August is similar to July with temperatures slightly dipping, resulting in the second warmest month of the year. The average high temperature decreases to 7.2°C (45°F), while the number of rainfall days dips down to 16. Weather in August »

Barentsburg experiences a transition in September as temperatures begin to retreat towards winter levels. The inevitable descent into cold begins with the high temperature dropping to 2.9°C (37.2°F). Indicative of the approaching winter, snowfall days make a return with 14 days in total. Weather in September »

The return of winter conditions is confirmed in October with temperatures dropping below freezing. Amid this shift, relative humidity decreases to 77%, returning to its January level. Outdoor activities that require daylight become limited as daylight hours decrease. Weather in October »

November cements the return of the winter season in Barentsburg, characterized by biting cold and reduced daylight. The mercury dips further with highs of -5.1°C (22.8°F), dismissing any remnants of the warmer months. A significant rise in snowfall days is noted, reaching 23 days. Weather in November »

December, the last month of the year, hosts the most severe winter conditions in Barentsburg. With lows plunging to -12.9°C (8.8°F) and highs reaching -7.4°C (18.7°F), it is distinctly the coldest month of the year. Complementing these biting temperatures are the 24 snowfall days, making it the peak of the snowy season. Weather in December »