Accessible to visitors for a large portion of the year, each season in the Arctic offers the chance to view the region in a distinct way. Whether you want to marvel at the hypnotic Northern Lights, spot the mighty polar bear, follow in the footsteps of the explorers through fabled fjords and passages, or simply witness the otherworldly spectacle of the ‘midnight sun’, there is always plenty to see no matter when you choose to visit.
SPRING
Following a cold and dark winter, the arrival of spring - from late March to the end of May - brings a welcome breath of life to the Arctic. The sun once again rears its head above the horizon and many of the region’s inhabitants begin to arrive from the south in pursuit of warmer temperatures. Early March is a great time to view the Northern Lights before the nights draw out. With the snow and ice still very much intact, it also presents the opportunity for dogsledding and spotting enormous icebergs. Towards the end of the month and into April, mother polar bears emerge from their dens, ringed seals give birth to their pups and the coastlines become enveloped in migratory birds who have arrived for the breeding season. May marks the end of the spring and the region is now bathed in 24-hour daylight, making this a fantastic time for photographers to capitalise on the prime light conditions.
SUMMER
The Arctic's summer runs from June until the end of August. The remnants of winter begin to fade as the snow and ice starts to melt; by now the tundra and coastlines have started to thrum with animal activity. Now in peak season Arctic expedition cruises are in full swing with guests out to spot the wildlife and enjoy spectacular treks beneath the 'midnight sun'. It is a fantastic time to marvel at the millions of birds who have nested along the coast, playful polar bear cubs and magnificent whales who drift along the icy shores - some of whom have travelled all the way from the Caribbean in search of a mate.
As temperatures reach their peak, between 0°C to 10°C, many of the region’s more inaccessible areas begin to open up. Most notable are Canada’s High Arctic and the formidable Northwest Passage which are totally snowed-in for much of the year, making it the perfect time for those seeking a more intrepid Arctic adventure. Furthermore, icebreaker cruises begin the epic voyage into the Arctic Ocean on their way to the North Pole. One of the most mesmerising regions now accessible is Greenland’s spectacular Scoresbysund, the largest fjord network in the world. Visitors hoping for a bit of culture during their expedition will want to utilise this time to visit the remote Inuit settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit. The end of summer marks the prime hatching period for birds, making August a fantastic time for a spot of birdwatching.
AUTUMN
The temperature begins to drop, the sun once again dips below the horizon, and the hustle and bustle of the breeding season has started to quieten down; autumn has arrived in the Arctic (September to late November). During this time, the Arctic tern begins its 40,000-mile journey down to Antarctica, expedition cruises start to wind down for the season and harp seals relish the pack-ice which has started to form once more.
One of the main advantages of visiting during the Autumn is the lack of light pollution, meaning the spectacular Aurora Borealis becomes more pronounced again. Furthermore, the region's famous polar bears begin to arrive en masse at Churchill in Canada as they wait for the Hudson Bay to freeze over, making it the best time glimpse these magnificent creatures. As November draws to a close, most have moved on and found their dens for the winter and the region plummets into darkness until the arrival of the following spring.
WINTER
Though expedition cruises no longer operate and certain regions become inaccessible during the long Arctic winter (November to mid-March), this time of year can still be a magical time for those hoping to embark on classic Arctic adventures such as snowmobiling, dog sledding and snow shoeing. Experience sparkling snow-blanketed landscapes and encounter reindeer and huskies before retiring to a luxury lodge to warm your limbs in a sauna or in front of a crackling fire. Finnish Lapland presents a wealth of Arctic winter havens such as L7 Luxury Lodge, Javri Lodge or the utterly sublime Octola. Alternatively consider a stay at Engholm Husky Design Lodge in Norway for a truly authentic slice of life in the Arctic Circle, or sleep in a floating cabin above the frozen waters of the Lule River at Sweden’s remarkable Arctic Bath.
