The Arctic is one of the planet's last true wildernesses — raw, breathtakingly beautiful, and home to iconic wildlife. Among the most accessible Arctic destinations in June is Svalbard, an archipelago located halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole.
For a visit to Svalbard and the Arctic, June is a prime month. From extended daylight hours spent in spectacular landscapes to unforgettable wildlife encounters on shore and at sea, there are plenty of reasons why you should visit the Arctic in June on an expedition cruise.
The Arctic expedition cruise experience in June
June kicks off our expedition cruise season in the Arctic with all of our expedition vessels, m/v Hondius, m/v Ortelius, m/v Plancius, and s/v Rembrandt van Rijn, taking guests on adventures through the Arctic Ocean, circumnavigating Spitsbergen, and exploring the Svalbard archipelago and surrounding pack ice.
Before the Arctic season starts, our motor vessels and sailing vessel undergo maintenance and restocking in our home port of Vlissingen. At the start of the season, some trips are offered from Vlissingen to the Arctic via the Scottish port of Aberdeen. You can also join the ship in Aberdeen. These early trips offer the chance to visit locations such as Fair Isle and the Shetland Islands, as well as the remote outcrop of Jan Mayen in the Arctic Ocean en route to Svalbard. A variety of seabirds can be seen in the seas and rocky outcrops throughout, from Atlantic puffins to rarely spotted species on Fair Isle. In the seas, whales, seals, dolphins and orcas make regular appearances.
These trips depart in late May and end in June.
Picture by Alexander Romanovskiy
In June, all of our expedition cruises start and end in Longyearbyen, the largest town in Svalbard. A variety of different expedition cruise itineraries allow you to explore other areas in Svalbard in June. Some focus on north Spitsbergen, taking guests into the packed ice and the many fjords that make up this spectacular island.
Notably, in June, sea ice will be more prevalent than in July or August. The pack ice is a unique environment where several iconic wildlife species thrive. Polar bears, walruses, seals, and whales frequent the pack ice, so an expedition cruise in June offers the chance to enter this unforgettable world and encounter something truly special.
Expedition cruises in June also benefit from endless daylight, with the midnight sun extending the time guests can explore on land and encounter wildlife by Zodiac or on board our expedition vessels.
Picture by unknown photographer
What is the weather like in June in the Arctic?
June marks the start of summer in the Arctic. While "summer" might sound like a stretch, the weather is more favorable than you might expect. In Svalbard, average daytime temperatures hover between 0°C and 7°C (32°F to 45°F) in June, and the air often feels warmer under continuous sunlight.
Notably, the sun doesn't set in June, with darkness disappearing between April and August. This means 24 hours of daylight. This phenomenon creates unique opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and exploration at any hour. It is not uncommon to see guests on deck spotting wildlife late into the night.
While conditions are relatively mild, the Arctic remains unpredictable. Winds can pick up, and snow showers may still occur. Wind chill can also be a factor to consider. Like anywhere in the polar regions, it is essential not to underestimate the weather - things can change in an instant.
Nonetheless, June is generally more stable and less icy than spring months, making it ideal for expedition cruising.
Picture by Katlyn Taylor
What to pack for an Arctic expedition cruise in June
Packing for the Arctic in June is all about layering. Though it's technically summer, conditions can change rapidly, and you'll want to be prepared for anything, from sunshine to sleet. Base layers are key for an expedition cruise to the Arctic in June. Thermal underwear is a good start. Good mid-layers, such as sweaters and down jackets, can help keep you warm while also being easy to remove if the sun is too hot.
For outer layers, both waterproofness and a degree of wind proofness are essential qualities. Whether it snows and rains or not, you'll need waterproof trousers and a jacket for Zodiac operations. While generally you will enter and exit Zodiacs without entering the water, spray and changing conditions can mean you may get splashed. Some landings also require you to step into the water – so bear this in mind.
Don't forget warm socks, gloves, and a hat. Also important is UV protection. It may seem odd, but in the Arctic in June, you'll be in the sun a lot. Sunglasses are also helpful, especially against the glare of snow and ice. Beyond clothing, consider bringing binoculars to spot wildlife and a camera to capture memories that will last a lifetime.
With us, you will be provided rubber boots and lifejackets for your June expedition cruise, but be sure to bring sturdy, comfortable shoes for your time onboard.
Picture by Beth Hitchcock
Wildlife in Svalbard in June: A natural spectacle
One of the biggest reasons to visit Svalbard in June is the wildlife. This month brings a surge of activity across the archipelago as animals take advantage of the short Arctic summer. June is one of the best times to see polar bears in Svalbard. As the sea ice retreats, bears are often spotted near the ice edge or swimming between islands in search of seals. Expedition cruises follow strict wildlife guidelines, but close and respectful encounters from Zodiacs or the ship are common.
Walrus haul-out sites become more accessible in June, and you can often see large groups lounging on the beaches or swimming near the shore. The Svalbard reindeer, a subspecies unique to the region, is stockier and shorter than its mainland cousins and can be spotted feeding in the tundra landscapes of Svalbard. Another tundra inhabitant, the Arctic fox, will slowly shed its white winter coat in favor of a brown summer version as June progresses. Keep an eye out for ptarmigan.
June is nesting season for millions of seabirds in the Arctic. Kittiwakes, puffins, guillemots, and Arctic terns fill the cliffs and skies at locations such as Alkefjellet. Bird cliffs bustle with life, offering unique birdwatching opportunities and dramatic photo opportunities. Alkefjellet, in particular, is the breeding location for over 60,000 pairs of Brünnich's guillemots.
In the waters below, with sea ice receding, whale sightings become more common in June. You might spot minke whales, belugas, and even blue whales during your expedition cruise in June.
Picture by Katlyn Taylor
What to expect in the Arctic in June
Svalbard is a land shaped by ice, wind, and time. In June, the landscapes become more accessible, revealing dramatic fjords, towering glaciers, and eerie historical sites. You can Zodiac cruise past immense glaciers like Monaco Glacier, where you may witness ice calving, or explore the waters of Nordenskiöldbreen, among others. Svalbard's past comes alive at sites like Smeerenburg, a 17th-century Dutch whaling station, or Ny-Ålesund, a starting point for many expeditions to the North Pole.
In June, shores begin to thaw, revealing alpine tundra dotted with blooming Arctic flora. Expedition landings may also take you to isolated islands, such as Nordaustlandet, areas of open tundra that are ideal for hiking. Perhaps the most surreal experience of all is the phenomenon of the midnight sun. June's unending daylight adds a magical dimension to every moment for those ready to explore into the night (or day, depending on how you view it!)
Main image by unknown photographer
