Last updated: August 31, 2025
In October, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and Jan Mayen experience a dramatic shift towards winter, with temperatures ranging from a maximum of 7°C (44°F) to a chilly minimum of -15°C (5°F). The average temperature hovers around -4°C (26°F), setting the stage for crisp, invigorating days. Rain and snow make frequent appearances, contributing to a total precipitation amount of 34 mm (1.4 in) over 9 days, ensuring the landscape is often cloaked in moisture. With humidity levels soaring at 97%, this Arctic locale provides a unique, atmospheric experience for those eager to explore its stunning terrain in the heart of the polar twilight.
As October arrives in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and Jan Mayen, the temperatures begin to dip significantly, marking the transition toward the heart of winter. With minimum temperatures around -15°C (5°F) and an average of -4°C (26°F), it becomes noticeably chillier compared to the mild summer months. The daytime high can reach a maximum of 7°C (44°F), offering a brief respite from the cold. This month is characterized by a stark shift from the autumnal conditions of September, where temperatures hovered closer to freezing. Notably, the preceding months saw a gradual warming, with July enjoying highs of 16°C (61°F), but October embraces the frigid embrace of Arctic air, setting the stage for the winter chill that follows in November and beyond.
In October, Longyearbyen experiences a shift towards the wetter side of its yearly cycle, with 34 mm (1.4 in) of precipitation spread over 9 days. This amount is a slight decrease compared to the preceding month, September, which sees significantly more rainfall at 75 mm (3.0 in). As autumn progresses, the days become shorter and the weather cools, yet October's precipitation remains relatively moderate, mirroring the lighter conditions of the earlier spring months like May and June, which also hover around similar values. The pattern suggests that while rainfall is less frequent than in late summer, the atmosphere nonetheless retains a crisp, inviting character, making October an intriguing time to experience Svalbard's unique landscapes.
In October, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and Jan Mayen experience a notable humidity level of 97%, reflecting a consistent trend seen throughout the colder months. As the year progresses from January to October, humidity remains strikingly high, often hovering between 94% and 101%, with the summer months of July and August peaking at impressive levels. This pattern indicates a persistently moist atmosphere, characteristic of the Arctic region, influenced by the icy surroundings and climatic conditions. As temperatures drop heading into late autumn, the slight dip in humidity from 99% in September to 97% in October is indicative of the seasonal shift, yet still underscores the region's sustained dampness, embracing the cold embrace of the Arctic wilderness.
In Longyearbyen, Svalbard, the October UV Index remains at a low level of 1, continuing the trend of minimal solar exposure established during the preceding months. This slight indication of UV presence means that while sun protection is not a priority, residents and visitors should remain cautious, especially during prolonged outdoor activities, with a burn time of approximately 45 minutes. As we transition from the brighter days of summer, where the UV Index peaked at 3, October ushers in shorter daylight hours and a steady decline in solar intensity that persists into the winter months. To stay informed on UV trends throughout the year, visit Longyearbyen UV Index.
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As autumn settles in Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, October brings a noticeable decline in sunshine, with only 39 hours of daylight illuminating the rugged landscape. This follows a vibrant summer, where the region basked in up to 495 hours of sunlight in May. The trend is stark; the days grow shorter as the golden glow begins to fade, transitioning from a lively 221 hours in March to a mere flicker in October. While the bright days have offered ample opportunities for exploration and adventure, the impending darkness reminds us that winter is just around the corner, heralding a unique beauty and stillness that envelops the Arctic landscape.
In Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and Jan Mayen, October sees a modest likelihood of sunny weather, with only an 11% chance of sun. This is a slight dip compared to earlier months, with May boasting the highest probability at 33%. The trend throughout the year showcases a stark contrast between the brighter spring days and the increasingly gray autumn months, as the chances of sunshine steadily decline from summer into fall. As October unfolds, residents and visitors alike can expect a landscape often shrouded in clouds, hinting at the long winter ahead, making those rare sunny moments all the more cherished.
As October arrives in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and Jan Mayen, the daylight hours experience a notable shift, dwindling to just 6 hours of sunlight. This marks a dramatic contrast to the continuous 24 hours of daylight enjoyed during the summer months of May through July. Following a gradual decrease from 23 hours in August and 14 hours in September, October signals the onset of winter's embrace, reminiscent of the stark darkness that blankets these regions in December and January, when daylight fades to 0 hours. The transition from the midnight sun to extended twilight illustrates the unique and extreme nature of life in these Arctic locales, where each month's light plays a critical role in shaping both the environment and the daily rhythms of its inhabitants.
As October arrives in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and Jan Mayen, the winds begin to pick up slightly from the gentle breezes of late summer. With an average wind speed of 2.6 m/s (6 mph), October navigates a transitional phase, bridging the calmer winds of the warmer months and the brisk gusts of winter ahead. This modest increase reflects a broader trend of gradually rising wind speeds as the year progresses, peaking after the summer lull. By November, the winds ramp up further to 3.7 m/s (8 mph), showcasing the region's shift towards harsher, more dynamic weather patterns. As the chill sets in, the October winds serve as a reminder of nature's ever-changing rhythm in this remote Arctic paradise.
Weather in Longyearbyen varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares October’s weather to other months in Longyearbyen, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
Comparing the weather in October and January reveals notable differences in temperatures and conditions. In October, temperatures range from a minimum of -15°C (5°F) to a maximum of 7°C (44°F), with an average around -4°C (26°F). The month experiences about 34 mm (1.4 in) of precipitation over 9 days, along with a high humidity level of 97%. In contrast, January is significantly colder, with temperatures dipping as low as -24°C (-12°F) and averaging -12°C (11°F). Although precipitation is slightly higher at 35 mm (1.4 in), it occurs over fewer days—just 7. The humidity also remains high at 98%, which can make the frigid temperatures feel even more biting. For more details on January conditions, you can visit Longyearbyen weather in January.
October and February present starkly different weather conditions. In October, temperatures range from a minimum of -15°C (5°F) to a maximum of 7°C (44°F), with an average of -4°C (26°F). The month sees about 34 mm (1.4 in) of precipitation spread over 9 days, and humidity hovers at a high 97%. In contrast, February is considerably colder, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -26°C (-15°F) and peaking at just 2°C (36°F), resulting in an average of -12°C (11°F). This month experiences even higher precipitation at 47 mm (1.9 in) over 11 days and a humidity level of 99%. For more detailed information on the weather in February, you can visit Longyearbyen weather in February.
When comparing the weather in October and March, October generally presents milder conditions. In October, temperatures range from a minimum of -15°C (5°F) to a maximum of 7°C (44°F), with an average of -4°C (26°F). The month experiences around 34 mm (1.4 in) of precipitation over 9 days, with humidity levels at 97%. In contrast, March is significantly colder, with temperatures diving to a minimum of -30°C (-22°F) and only reaching a maximum of 2°C (37°F), averaging -14°C (7°F). March records slightly higher precipitation at 38 mm (1.5 in) over the same number of days but boasts an even higher humidity of 99%. For a more detailed look at the weather in March, you can visit Longyearbyen weather in March.
October and April display contrasting weather characteristics, with October generally being milder. In October, temperatures range from a minimum of -15°C (5°F) to a maximum of 7°C (44°F), while April experiences chillier conditions, with a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) and a maximum of only 1°C (34°F). Both months receive similar amounts of precipitation, with October seeing 34 mm (1.4 in) over 9 days and April totaling 38 mm (1.5 in) over 10 days, though humidity remains high in both months at around 97% and 98%, respectively. For more specific insights into April’s weather, you can check out this link: Longyearbyen weather in April.
October and May in Longyearbyen present quite comparable weather patterns, though there are subtle differences. In October, temperatures range from a minimum of -15°C (5°F) to a maximum of 7°C (44°F), with an average of -4°C (26°F). This month sees about 34 mm (1.4 in) of precipitation over nine days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 97%. In contrast, May experiences slightly colder temperatures, with a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and a maximum of 6°C (43°F), but maintains a similar average temperature of -4°C (25°F). Precipitation remains nearly identical at 35 mm (1.4 in) over the same number of days, and humidity is slightly lower at 94%. For a detailed breakdown of May weather, check out Longyearbyen weather in May.
October and June in Longyearbyen present a stark contrast in weather. October showcases colder temperatures with a minimum of -15°C (5°F) and an average of -4°C (26°F), peaking at a maximum of 7°C (44°F). In addition, the month experiences 34 mm (1.4 in) of precipitation over approximately 9 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 97%. Conversely, June offers a milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) to an average of 2°C (36°F), and a maximum of 10°C (50°F). The rainfall is somewhat lighter at 31 mm (1.2 in) over about 8 days, along with a slightly lower humidity of 95%. For more details on June's weather, visit Longyearbyen weather in June.
In comparing the weather of October and July in Longyearbyen, it's clear that these months present contrasting climates. October sees colder temperatures, with minimums plummeting to -15°C (5°F) and an average of -4°C (26°F), while July enjoys milder conditions, ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 16°C (61°F). Precipitation is higher in July, totaling 53 mm (2.1 in) over 13 days compared to October's 34 mm (1.4 in) across 9 days. Additionally, humidity levels in both months are quite high, with July reaching 99% and October at 97%. For more specific details on July's weather, you can visit Longyearbyen weather in July.
The weather in October contrasts sharply with that of August in Longyearbyen. In October, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -15°C (5°F) to a maximum of 7°C (44°F), with an average temperature around -4°C (26°F). The month also sees a high humidity level of 97% and a total precipitation of 34 mm (1.4 in) over 9 days. In comparison, August boasts milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F) and an average temperature of 5°C (41°F). Although August experiences a bit more precipitation at 52 mm (2.0 in) over 10 days, the humidity is slightly higher at 101%. For more detailed information, you can visit Longyearbyen weather in August.
In comparing the weather of October and September, October experiences a colder average temperature, ranging from a minimum of -15°C (5°F) to a maximum of 7°C (44°F), with an average of -4°C (26°F). In contrast, September has milder temperatures, with a minimum of -10°C (15°F) and a maximum of 8°C (46°F), averaging at 2°C (35°F). Precipitation also varies notably, as October sees 34 mm (1.4 in) of rain over 9 days, whereas September records higher precipitation at 75 mm (3.0 in) over 16 days. Both months display high humidity, with October at 97% and September slightly higher at 99%. For more details on September weather, you can check Longyearbyen weather in September.
October and November exhibit distinctly colder temperatures, with November generally being the more frigid month. In October, the temperature ranges from a minimum of -15°C (5°F) to a maximum of 7°C (44°F), averaging around -4°C (26°F). In contrast, November sees even lower temperatures, with a minimum of -23°C (-9°F) and a maximum of 5°C (41°F), resulting in a colder average of -8°C (18°F). Additionally, November experiences increased precipitation, totaling 46 mm (1.8 in) over 12 days, compared to October's 34 mm (1.4 in) over 9 days. The humidity remains high in both months, with November slightly higher at 98% compared to 97% in October. For more details, you can check Longyearbyen weather in November.
In October, temperatures in Longyearbyen typically range from a minimum of -15°C (5°F) to a maximum of 7°C (44°F), with an average temperature of -4°C (26°F). The month sees about 34 mm (1.4 in) of precipitation over approximately 9 days, coupled with high humidity at 97%. In contrast, December experiences significantly colder conditions, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) and reaching a maximum of just 1°C (33°F), averaging -9°C (16°F). Precipitation increases to 53 mm (2.1 in) spread over 12 days, and humidity remains high at 98%. For more detailed insights, visit Longyearbyen weather in December.
As October settles in Longyearbyen, the Arctic landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation, characterized by dipping temperatures and increased precipitation compared to the milder months of late summer. The month brings a crisp chill, often accompanied by nearly constant humidity, making the air feel even cooler. With around nine days of precipitation, the scenery takes on a unique ambience, as the changing weather signals the approach of winter. This transitional period sets the stage for the mesmerizing polar nights ahead, reflecting the Arctic's shifting rhythm. To explore more about the climatic nuances of Longyearbyen, visit Longyearbyen Climate.