Last updated: August 31, 2025
January in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and Jan Mayen presents a stark yet fascinating winter landscape. Temperatures typically hover around an average of -12°C (11°F), with maximums reaching up to 2°C (35°F) and plunging to a brisk minimum of -24°C (-12°F). The region experiences approximately 35 mm (1.4 in) of precipitation over about 7 days, contributing to the 98% humidity that cloaks the area in a wintry embrace. Visitors can expect a true Arctic experience, with dramatic contrasts and breathtaking scenery amidst the long polar nights.
In January, Longyearbyen experiences a stark Arctic chill, with temperatures plunging to a minimum of -24°C (-12°F) and peaking at a modest 2°C (35°F). The average temperature hovers around -12°C (11°F), setting the stage for the cold winter months that follow. This frigid trend persists into February, with temperatures dipping even lower, reaching -26°C (-15°F), while still maintaining an average of -12°C (11°F). By March, the cold intensifies, with minimums hitting -30°C (-22°F), emblematic of the harsh Arctic climate, but the average climbs slightly to -14°C (7°F). April sees a gradual warming as the region transitions out of winter, with minimum temperatures staying around -26°C (-14°F) but averages rising to -10°C (15°F). This gradual thaw continues through May, where temperatures shift from bitter cold to a more bearable -4°C (25°F) on average. Thus, January marks the peak of winter's grip on Longyearbyen, with a slow but steady march towards milder conditions as spring approaches.
In January, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and Jan Mayen experience a moderate precipitation total of 35 mm (1.4 inches), typically spread over just 7 days. This marks a slight dip compared to February, when precipitation increases to 47 mm (1.9 inches) over 11 days, signaling a trend of wetter conditions as winter progresses. Interestingly, while March and April maintain similar levels at 38 mm (1.5 inches), the number of rainy days fluctuates, suggesting a more sporadic nature of precipitation. As spring approaches, May sees a return to 35 mm, showcasing a stabilizing trend. However, July and August stand out with their peak values of 53 mm (2.1 inches) and 52 mm (2.0 inches) respectively, indicating summer's significant rainfall activity. The latter months of the year, September through November, display a notable increase in precipitation days, culminating in September's maximum of 75 mm (3.0 inches) over 16 days, hinting at a transition into a wetter autumn. Overall, while January starts the year off with relatively low precipitation, subsequent months reveal a dynamic pattern that peaks in the late summer and early autumn.
In Longyearbyen, Svalbard, January is marked by an impressive humidity level of 98%, setting the stage for a truly unique Arctic experience. This high humidity continues through the winter months, with February and March reaching an astonishing 99%. As spring approaches in April, humidity gently dips to 98%, but it remains a near-constant companion through the seasons. Interestingly, May sees a slight decrease to 94%, suggesting a hint of relief before the summer months, where humidity soars back up, peaking at 101% in August—a reflection of the region's climatic extremes. This trend of elevated humidity persists into the fall, with September and October clocking in at 99% and 97% respectively, before settling into the winter routine once again. Overall, the humidity in Longyearbyen showcases a remarkable consistency, underscoring the challenge of enduring such a wet, cold climate throughout the year.
In January, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and Jan Mayen experience a UV Index of 0, indicating virtually no risk from sun exposure. This low index continues into February and March, where it remains at 1, slightly above zero but still classified as low risk. As spring approaches in April, the UV Index rises to 2, hinting at the sun's increasing intensity. May through July sees a moderate UV Index of 3, with a reduced burn time of just 30 minutes, signaling that sun protection becomes more important during these months. By August, the index dips back to 2, and it trends downwards again through September and October, eventually returning to 0 in the winter months of November and December. This pattern illustrates a predictable seasonal rise and fall of UV exposure in the region, making it essential to adapt sun protection strategies accordingly. For a detailed look at the UV Index throughout the year, visit Longyearbyen UV Index.
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In Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, January marks the depths of winter with zero hours of sunshine, as the polar night envelops the region in darkness. However, as February emerges, a faint glimmer of light returns with 14 hours of sunlight, signaling the gradual transition toward brighter days. By March, the sun shines for a remarkable 221 hours, igniting a notable surge in daylight that continues into April with 387 hours. This upward trend peaks in May with 495 hours, as the days stretch longer, showcasing the beauty of the Arctic summer. Even as June and July offer plentiful sunshine at 473 and 400 hours respectively, the daylight begins to decline in August. As the months progress into fall, sunlight wanes dramatically, dropping to a mere 39 hours in October and returning to darkness by November. This cyclical nature of light and dark perfectly encapsulates the unique and striking seasonal rhythms of this remote yet captivating Arctic archipelago.
When considering the likelihood of sunny weather in January in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and Jan Mayen, it's important to note that the month boasts a modest 15% chance of sunshine. This is relatively higher than February's 10%, but still remains on the lower end of the spectrum compared to the sunnier months ahead. As spring approaches, there’s a noticeable upward trend, with the chances rising to 17% in March and April. The shift in conditions is particularly apparent in May, where the likelihood of sunny days doubles to 33%, signaling a welcome transition to brighter days. This gradual increase in sunshine reflects the seasonal changes characteristic of these polar regions, making January a time of limited but precious sunlight.
In Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, the rhythm of daylight dramatically shifts throughout the year, showcasing an extraordinary polar phenomenon. January is enveloped in darkness with a stark 0 hours of daylight, a trend that continues into November and December, reinforcing the depths of winter. As February arrives, the sun begins to peek above the horizon, offering a modest 4 hours of light, signifying a gradual awakening. This transition accelerates with the arrival of March, where daylight expands to 11 hours, and by April, it reaches 20 hours, heralding the onset of the midnight sun in the following months. From May to July, the polar community basks in a remarkable 24 hours of daylight, where the sun hardly sets. Even in late August, the sunlight lingers at 23 hours, before tapering off again, leading into the shorter days of September and October. Thus, the cycle of light and darkness profoundly shapes life in this remote corner of the world, culminating in a dramatic interplay of illumination and shadow that defines the Arctic experience.
In Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, January stands out with an average wind speed of 3.8 m/s (9 mph), making it the windiest month of the year. This brisk start to the year sets the tone for the following months, as February and March experience a slight decrease to 3.0 m/s (7 mph) and 3.1 m/s (7 mph), respectively. By April, the winds pick up again to 3.4 m/s (8 mph), but from May onward, a noticeable trend of diminishing wind speeds emerges, with averages dropping to 2.3 m/s (5 mph) in May and further to 2.2 m/s (5 mph) in August. This calm stretch is broken only in the late months, with November registering a rise back to 3.7 m/s (8 mph), hinting at a dynamic climate where the winds tell a story of transition as the seasons shift.
Weather in Longyearbyen varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Longyearbyen, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
January and February in Longyearbyen showcase a chillingly similar average temperature, both hovering around -12°C (11°F). However, February tends to be slightly colder, with a minimum temperature of -26°C (-15°F) compared to January's -24°C (-12°F). Precipitation increases in February, with 47 mm (1.9 in) falling over 11 days, compared to January’s 35 mm (1.4 in) over just 7 days. Additionally, February boasts a higher humidity level at 99%, making the cold feel even harsher. For a detailed look at what to expect weather-wise, check out Longyearbyen weather in February.
In January, temperatures in Longyearbyen range from a minimum of -24°C (-12°F) to a maximum of 2°C (35°F), with an average of -12°C (11°F). The month sees about 35 mm (1.4 in) of precipitation over 7 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 98%. In contrast, March experiences slightly lower minimum temperatures, reaching -30°C (-22°F), while the maximum remains similar at 2°C (37°F) and the average is -14°C (7°F). Precipitation increases to 38 mm (1.5 in) over 9 days, with humidity peaking at 99%. This comparison highlights the overall colder and wetter conditions of March compared to January. For more details, check Longyearbyen weather in March.
In January, the weather in Longyearbyen features minimum temperatures around -24°C (-12°F) and averages a chilly -12°C (11°F), with maximum temperatures peaking at 2°C (35°F). The month sees about 35 mm (1.4 in) of precipitation over 7 days, while maintaining a high humidity level of 98%.
By April, the temperatures remain frosty, with minimums dropping slightly to -26°C (-14°F) and average temperatures around -10°C (15°F). The maximum temperature barely changes, sitting at 1°C (34°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 38 mm (1.5 in) over 10 days, but the humidity remains constant at 98%. For more specific details on April's weather, check out Longyearbyen weather in April.
In January, Longyearbyen experiences frigid temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -24°C (-12°F) to a maximum of just 2°C (35°F), with an average temperature of -12°C (11°F). The month sees approximately 35 mm (1.4 in) of precipitation over seven days, and the humidity is a chilling 98%. In stark contrast, May marks a significant shift in weather patterns, with temperatures rising to a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and a maximum of 6°C (43°F), averaging -4°C (25°F). While May has similar total precipitation at 35 mm (1.4 in), it occurs over nine days, and the humidity is slightly lower at 94%. For a closer look at what to expect, check out Longyearbyen weather in May.
January and June in Longyearbyen present strikingly different weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -24°C (-12°F), with an average of -12°C (11°F) and a maximum of just 2°C (35°F). The month experiences significant humidity at 98%, alongside 35 mm (1.4 in) of precipitation over 7 days. In contrast, June brings a mild respite from the harsh winter, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a maximum of 10°C (50°F), and an average temperature of 2°C (36°F). Although precipitation decreases slightly to 31 mm (1.2 in) over 8 days, the humidity remains high at 95%. For those interested in more detailed information on June weather, you can visit Longyearbyen weather in June.
The weather in January and July presents a stark contrast in Longyearbyen. In January, the temperatures plunge to a chilling minimum of -24°C (-12°F), with an average of -12°C (11°F) and a maximum reaching just 2°C (35°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 98% and light precipitation of 35 mm (1.4 in) over about 7 days. Conversely, July brings a significant warm-up, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 16°C (61°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F). The middle of summer sees a slight increase in precipitation to 53 mm (2.1 in) over 13 days, accompanied by even higher humidity at 99%. For more details about July weather, you can visit Longyearbyen weather in July.
In Longyearbyen, January and August present strikingly different weather conditions. January is a frigid month, with temperatures plummeting as low as -24°C (-12°F) and averaging around -12°C (11°F). The humidity is exceptionally high at 98%, with precipitation occurring on about seven days, totaling 35 mm (1.4 in). In contrast, August brings a relatively milder climate, featuring temperatures that range from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), with an average of 5°C (41°F). While the humidity remains high at 101%, it sees slightly more precipitation with a total of 52 mm (2.0 in) over ten days. For more details, you can explore Longyearbyen weather in August.
January and September in Longyearbyen showcase a significant contrast in weather. While January is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -24°C (-12°F) and an average of -12°C (11°F), September experiences milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from -10°C (15°F) to a maximum of 8°C (46°F). Precipitation is more frequent in September, occurring on 16 days and totaling 75 mm (3.0 in), compared to January's 35 mm (1.4 in) over just 7 days. Additionally, both months exhibit high humidity, with January at 98% and September at a slightly higher 99%. For more detailed information, check Longyearbyen weather in September.
January and October in Longyearbyen exhibit stark differences in weather conditions. January is characterized by extremely low temperatures, with averages around -12°C (11°F) and a minimum of -24°C (-12°F), while October offers milder conditions, with average temperatures of -4°C (26°F) and a minimum of -15°C (5°F). Despite both months receiving similar amounts of precipitation, January experiences it over about seven days, whereas October sees precipitation over nine days, leading to slightly higher humidity levels in October at 97% compared to January's 98%. For more details on October's weather, you can visit Longyearbyen weather in October.
January and November in Longyearbyen both experience frigid temperatures, but there are notable differences. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of -24°C (-12°F) to a maximum of 2°C (35°F), with an average of -12°C (11°F). The month sees around 35 mm (1.4 in) of precipitation over 7 days. In contrast, November features slightly milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -23°C (-9°F) and peaking at 5°C (41°F), resulting in an average temperature of -8°C (18°F). Additionally, November is wetter, receiving 46 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation across 12 days. Both months maintain high humidity levels of 98%. For more detailed insights, you can check the Longyearbyen weather in November.
In comparing the weather of January and December, January tends to be slightly warmer, with average temperatures ranging from -24°C (-12°F) at night to a maximum of 2°C (35°F) during the day. In contrast, December often experiences lower temperatures, with a range from a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) to a maximum of just 1°C (33°F). Precipitation is more frequent in December, with 53 mm (2.1 in) falling over 12 days, compared to January, which sees only 35 mm (1.4 in) over 7 days. Both months maintain a high humidity level of 98%. For a more detailed look at December's weather, visit Longyearbyen weather in December.
In January, Longyearbyen experiences a true winter wonderland, marked by its stark contrast to the milder months. With an average temperature well below freezing and the ever-present chill, this month is characterized by deep frosts and limited daylight, painting the landscape in a beautiful yet stark palette of whites and grays. The high humidity, reaching a remarkable 98%, adds to the invigorating bite of the air, while the modest precipitation—mostly as snow—provides a soft, enchanting layer over the rugged terrain. Unlike the milder summer months, January offers a unique opportunity to embrace the raw beauty of the Arctic, making it a fascinating time for those seeking adventure. For a deeper dive into what to expect throughout the year, check out Longyearbyen Climate.