Norway’s Arctic volcanic island of Jan Mayen
Topped by the 2,277-meter high (7,470 feet) stratovolcano, Mount Beerenberg, the largely glaciated Norwegian island of Jan Mayen provides visitors staggeringly scenic views as well as the chance to spot marine life in the food-rich waters offshore.
The weather around Jan Mayen, however, can make landings tricky. Heavy rain, high winds, and fog are all likely here, though the temperatures are comparable to our other Arctic areas: When we visit Jan Mayen in June, the average temperature is around 2 to 3°C (36 to 37°F).
But despite the strong chance of inclement weather, occasionally the sun breaks through and provides Jan Mayen visitors some of the most ruggedly beautiful photo opportunities found in the Arctic.
From the slopes of this 2300 meters high volcano impressive glaciers spill into the sea. The food rich waters that surround the island offer very good whale sighting opportunities.
The weather around Jan Mayen is often not so good: it is said the weather is foul for 362 days of the year. There may be heavy rain, wind and fog but then, soon after, the sun may break through and the air becomes clear. In June, when our ships visit Jan Mayen, the average temperature is around 2º to 3ºC (36º to 37ºF).
Jan Mayen is an island of breath-taking beauty and mystique and is dominated by the active volcano Mt Beerenberg.
Cruises to Jan Mayen
Arctic Ocean - Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice Edge, Spitsbergen, Birding
27 May - 5 Jun, 2026
•Tripcode: OTL02-26
Search for whales, and other Arctic wildlife of the land, sea, and air on an adventurous voyage from the Scottish port of Aberdeen to our favorite Arctic island group.
Arctic Ocean - Jan Mayen, Ice edge, Spitsbergen, Birding
5 Jun - 13 Jun, 2026
•Tripcode: HDS03-26
Voyage from the volcanic shores of Iceland to the icy fjords and snow-capped peaks of Spitsbergen, crossing the Arctic Circle, visiting remote Jan Mayen with its rich seabird life, and following the edge of the ice as you go. Watch for whales, seals,...
Arctic Ocean - Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice edge, Spitsbergen, Birding - Summer Solstice
12 Jun - 21 Jun, 2026
•Tripcode: PLA04-26
Search for whales, and other Arctic wildlife of the land, sea, and air on an adventurous voyage from the Scottish port of Aberdeen to our favorite Arctic island group.
Latest blog and customer story
Hondius begins her Arctic season, with other ships to follow
Oceanwide’s Polar Class 6 vessel Hondius set sail from her homeport Vlissingen in the Netherlands on Sunday, delivering passengers to her first Arctic voyage of the season.
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See the highlights you may experience:
See the highlights you may experience:
Map of Jan Mayen
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Reviews
A service, engagement & knowledge that makes the the team of Ocean Wide the number one!
This expedition exceeded all our expectations. We went to experience the Arctic and that's what we did. The pack ice, views, wildlife ...all wonderful. Fair Isle was uncharacteristically hot in the British heat wave - the puffins and skuas on form. Jan Mayen was experienced as it should be - wet and wild. The pack ice was just stunning - so inspirational for art work and Svalbard - wow - field sketching at 2am in the morning - it just had to be done! The landings were all exciting and to see polar bears, whales, walruses - brilliant. The blue fulmars accompanied us in the north and are now a favourite - little albatrosses of the north. The ship, staff, lectures - all splendid and the food was wonderful! Thank you for the most amazing experience - we'll be back!
Jan Mayen FAQ
What is the weather on Jan Mayen like?
The weather around Jan Mayen is often not so good: it is said the weather is foul for 362 days of the year. There may be heavy rain, wind and fog but then, soon after, the sun may break through and the air becomes clear. In June, when our ships visit Jan Mayen, the average temperature is around 2º to 3ºC (36º to 37ºF).
What to wear during a trip to Jan Mayen?
Although it is not always cold, warm and waterproof clothing is needed on Jan Mayen. Waterproof trousers and jacket against wind, rain and salt spray coming into the zodiac. Furthermore fleece jackets, gloves and a warm hat. Rubber-boots for the landings are provided on board our vessels Plancius, Ortelius and Hondius.
Photo gallery
About Jan Mayen
Weather on Jan Mayen
Jan Mayen is isolated, surrounded by wild seas and battered by often strong winds. The weather around Jan Mayen can make landings tricky. Heavy rain, high winds, and fog are likely here, though the temperatures are comparable to other Arctic areas: When we visit Jan Mayen in June, the average temperature is around 2 to 3°C (36 to 37°F).
Be sure to dress appropriately for a visit to Jan Mayen. Thermals and good base layers are a must. You should wear windproof outer layers, and have good waterproof clothing, especially if the weather turns.
Facts about Jan Mayen
- Jan Mayen has no permanent population - only a rotating team of meteorologists, military personnel, and visitors.
- Jan Mayen has been under Norwegian control since 1929. The island is now part of the Kingdom of Norway and is protected by Norway's enforcement of a nature reserve around the island.
- The island falls under the protection of the Svalbard treaty despite not being part of Svalbard.
- Jan Mayen is located around 950 km (590 miles) from the coast of Norway and 600 km (370 miles) from Greenland. This makes it one of the most isolated islands in the world.
- Jan Mayen's whale population was decimated in the 17th century. This led to the abandonment of the entire island for over 200 years.
- Mount Beerenberg last erupted in 1985.
Visiting Jan Mayen
You can visit Jan Mayen on several of our expedition cruises to the Arctic. Often, Jan Mayen forms part of a cruise early in the season, exploring the North Atlantic, Arctic Ocean, and Svalbard.
There is an airstrip on Jan Mayen; however, no domestic flights fly to the island. The only way to visit Jan Mayen is by ship. Often, rough seas and bad weather make landing difficult.
