Svalbard Global Seed Vault : Longyearbyen : Seek The Aurora

Longyearbyen

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Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of the most remote and breathtaking places on Earth? Longyearbyen, the most northerly settlement in the world with a population over 1,000 people, is a spectacular destination that offers an extraordinary chance to witness the awe-inspiring northern lights. Nestled in the heart of the Svalbard archipelago, this charming town is surrounded by stunning mountains and vast arctic landscapes, making it the perfect base for your northern lights expedition.

Positioned well above the Arctic Circle, The Northern Lights season in Svalbard runs from late September until mid-March and the best time to view the auroras is typically between 6pm and midnight, while there is also a good period between 4am and 8am. For optimal viewing conditions, consider visiting during the Polar Night (from late November to mid-February), when the region experiences 24 hours of darkness, enhancing the visibility of the lights. In December and January, it’s even possible to see the Northern Lights around the clock – even in the middle of the day.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Longyearbyen. Geomagnetic activity, cloud cover and the amount of ambient light all play a big part. Check the forecasts for how good the viewing conditions are today.

20%

There is a 20% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Longyearbyen area (forecast for 11 January 2026 at 8:29pm UTC)

Kp 5.00

The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.

0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.

HPI 76 GW

The Hemispheric Power Index (HPI) is a vital measure used to assess the strength of auroral activity at the poles. It estimates the total auroral energy input, with values above 20 GW indicating an aurora-active state. When the HPI reaches levels of 100 GW or more, it signifies a very significant geomagnetic storm, which can lead to spectacular auroral displays.

Bz -3 nT

Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).

When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced aurora activity.

Bt 5 nT

Bt measures the overall power of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) from the Sun; higher numbers (e.g., above 20 nT) mean more energy available for aurora.

Density 2.54 p/cm³

Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimetre (p/cm³).

A typical solar wind density is around 2.76 p/cm³.

The density of the solar wind affects how many particles reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. A higher density means more particles are available to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 550.7 km/s

Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

A typical solar wind speed is about 375 km/s. When both speed and density are high, the energy transferred to the Earth’s magnetosphere increases, enhancing the chances of seeing vibrant auroras.

Moon

Waning crescent 46%

Sunrise N/A

Sunset N/A

Clouds

-5°C Feels like -10°C

High: -5°C
Low: -12°C

Chance of precipitation 0%
Cloud cover 100%
Easterly winds 3 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Longyearbyen

Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Longyearbyen.

Free cancellation Private tour

Svalbard Discover the Mining Settlement of Pyramiden

5.0 (1)

8 hours From £840.47

What makes this tour unique is that it's catered to photographers and adventurers in that your private guide is more than just a tour guide – they’re a certified photographer and able to, apart from just showing you the sights, help you compose the perfect photograph in terms of composition, aperture, what lense to use and so forth. Add to that your certified photographer Photo Exploring guide will be together with you the whole day.
Free cancellation Private tour

Explore the Legendary Town of Longyearbyen

No reviews

3 hours From £216.75

You’ll be picked up at your hotel by a local, experienced guide that will show you not only this fascinating town, but some of their favorite photography motifs as well. On this relaxing walking tour you’ll get intimate knowledge of off-the-beaten-path vistas and wind up with an unparalleled experience offered by no other services - in that ours is not just a tour of the city, but a tour based on photography. From late October to mid-February, Longyearbyen is wrapped in the magic of the polar night. Though the sun doesn’t rise, the soft blue twilight and snow-covered landscape create an unforgettable setting—perfect for capturing the northern lights and the unique Arctic atmosphere. During this period of time expect crisp, cold weather, typically between -13°C and -25°C (9°F to -13°F). The chill is part of the adventure—and with the right warm layers and sturdy winter boots, you’ll be comfortable and fully able to enjoy the serene beauty of the Arctic
Free cancellation Private tour

From Longyearbyen photo tour: Mysterious Barentsburg

No reviews

10 hours From £840.47

What makes this tour unique is that it's catered to photographers and adventurers in that your private guide is more than just a tour guide – they’re a certified photographer and able to, apart from just showing you the sights, help you compose the perfect photograph in terms of composition, aperture, what lense to use and so forth. Add to that your certified photographer Photo Exploring guide will be together with you the whole day.

Places to check out around Longyearbyen

Discover Restaurants, Mountains, Museums and more…

Coal Miner's Bar & Grill

BBQ Joint
Fruene

Café
Funktionærmessen

Scandinavian Restaurant
Galleri Svalbard

Art Gallery
Gruvelageret

Modern European Restaurant
Huset

Scandinavian Restaurant
Karlsberger Pub

Pub
Kroa

Pub
Lars Hiertafjellet (783 m)

Mountain
Lindholmhøgda

Mountain
Longyearbyen Camping

Campground
Mary-Anns polarrigg

Restaurant
Nordenskiöldfjellet (1053 m)

Mountain
North Pole Expedition Museum AS

History Museum
Nuga

Sushi Restaurant
Platafjellet

Mountain
Polar Bear Sign

Monument
Pyramiden

Village
Rabalder Café & Bakery

Bakery
Restaurant Nansen

Scandinavian Restaurant
Restaurant Polfareren

Scandinavian Restaurant
Sarkofagen (500 m)

Mountain
Spitsbergen Airship Museum

Museum
Stationen

Scandinavian Restaurant
Svalbar

Bar
Svalbard Bryggeri

Brewery
Svalbard Global Seed Vault

Structure
Svalbard Museum

History Museum
Trollsteinen (850 m)

Mountain
Vinterhagen Restaurant

Seafood Restaurant

Explore more nearby Longyearbyen

Credit: Chris-Håvard Berge

Barentsburg

78°3'59"N, 14°12'59"E

Aurora probability in Barentsburg: 19%

The Russian mining village of Barentsburg offers a unique glimpse into Arctic life, with its Soviet-era architecture and rich history set against the spectacular backdrop of Isfjorden.
Credit: patano

Ny-Ålesund

78°54'59"N, 11°55'59"E

Aurora probability in Ny-Ålesund: 13%

Ny-Ålesund, the world’s northernmost permanent settlement, is a research hub surrounded by stunning Arctic landscapes, attracting scientists and adventurers with its unique environment and historical significance.
Credit: Sebastian Bjune

Pyramiden

78°40'59"N, 16°23'59"E

Aurora probability in Pyramiden: 15%

Pyramiden one of the worlds most famous ghost towns, offers a haunting glimpse into the past with its abandoned Soviet-era buildings and striking surroundings, attracting adventurous travellers eager to explore its unique history.