Visiting the Arctic in July is best done on an expedition cruise. In July, all of our expedition vessels take guests on dynamic expedition cruises in Svalbard. This archipelago, located between mainland Norway and the North Pole, is renowned as one of the best locations to encounter polar bears and a vast variety of bird life. With 24-hour daylight, relatively mild weather, abundant wildlife, and beautiful landscapes, July is the perfect time to explore the High Arctic.
The Arctic expedition cruise experience in July
An Oceanwide expedition cruise in the Arctic is nothing like a standard cruise. It's all about immersive experiences, guided excursions, dynamic activities, and close encounters with nature in its most raw and pristine form. July, being mid-summer in the Arctic, offers some of the best conditions for exploring Svalbard.
Expedition cruises in Svalbard typically embark from Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the world. On an expedition cruise to the Arctic, you'll be led by expert expedition guides with a range of expertise and disciplines, including marine biologists, polar historians, and photographers, who will teach, guide, and immerse you in a world entirely unlike your own.
Picture by Matt Cheok
Our expedition vessels are specifically designed for navigating sea ice and operating in remote fjords and distant shores. They are small and nimble, favoring flexibility and responsiveness to unnecessary luxuries and large guest numbers. Our expeditions accommodate fewer passengers than large operators. This means frequent Zodiac cruises and landings, dynamic itineraries, an intimate onboard experience, and a closer encounter with the beating heart of nature.
In July, melting sea ice opens up access to more remote parts of Svalbard, such as the northeast coast, which is often inaccessible earlier in the season.
Picture by Hana Spickova
What is the weather like in July in the Arctic?
A surprising aspect of visiting the Arctic in July is the milder weather. While the Arctic is never truly warm, July brings daytime temperatures ranging from 3°C to 7°C (37°F to 45°F). It's also the height of the midnight sun. This means the sun never sets — offering 24 hours of daylight for exploration, photography, and wildlife viewing.
With the warmer weather, July also marks the period when the sea ice retreats, enabling expedition ships to navigate to different locations. This creates more opportunities for close-up glacier views, secluded fjord exploration, and venturing into the northern reaches of the archipelago. In July, our expedition vessels begin to expand their itineraries to the northeast of the archipelago, circumnavigating Spitsbergen and visiting locations including Edgeøya, Barentsøya, and Nordaustlandet.
While snow still clings to the mountain peaks, the tundra begins to bloom with hardy Arctic plants like purple saxifrage and Arctic poppies. On an expedition cruise, you'll be able to safely explore the flora and fauna of the Arctic on foot, led by experienced guides.
Picture by Koen Jongerling
What should I pack for an Arctic expedition cruise in July?
Even though July is relatively warm for the region, it is important to note that weather can change rapidly. In particular, wind chill can make temperatures feel much colder.
Base layers are key for an expedition cruise to the Arctic in July. 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 - more common than you may think in an Arctic summer in July!
For outer layers, both waterproofness and a degree of windproofness 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!
Picture by Koen Jongerling
Don't forget warm socks, gloves, and a hat! Also important is UV protection. It may seem odd, but in the Arctic in July, you'll be in the sun a lot! Sunglasses are also helpful, especially considering the sun will always be high in the sky. 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 July expedition cruise, but be sure to bring sturdy, comfortable shoes for your time onboard.
What wildlife can I see in the Arctic in July?
July is prime wildlife viewing season in Svalbard. The archipelago is home to some of the Arctic's most iconic and elusive animals, and the melting sea ice and long daylight hours make sightings more frequent and accessible. Be sure to bring binoculars, as wildlife encounters can sometimes be at a distance!
Svalbard is one of the best places in the world to see polar bears in the wild. Key to how polar bears hunt is sea ice. In July, as the ice edge retreats, polar bears often patrol it to hunt for seals - their primary prey. On an expedition cruise with us, you will follow the edge of the ice and venture closer to shore - both superb locations for encountering the king of the Arctic.
Our expedition guides are skilled at spotting polar bears from a distance, and wildlife protocols are strictly followed to ensure safe and sustainable viewing. Before all shore landings, perimeters are set up, and guides scout for bears in the area to ensure guest safety.
Picture by Matt Cheok
Walrus haul-outs are more common in summer, and guests may see these massive marine mammals lounging on beaches or ice floes. Bearded seals and ringed seals are also prevalent, often seen basking on the ice or swimming near Zodiacs. July is also an excellent month for whale watching. Species such as belugas, minke whales, humpbacks, and even blue whales may be spotted feeding in the nutrient-rich waters around Svalbard.
On land, Svalbard reindeer feed in the blooming tundra, while Arctic foxes, in their brown summer coats, prowl the coastlines in search of bird eggs. In the skies and on the sea cliffs of Svalbard, over 200 bird species can be encountered. In July, the archipelago is a true birdwatcher's paradise. Massive colonies of Brünnich's guillemots, puffins, Arctic terns, and kittiwakes nest on cliffs and shorelines, providing excellent viewing and photographic opportunities.
What makes the Arctic in July so special?
There are plenty of reasons why July is such a busy month in the expedition cruise Arctic calendar, the midnight sun being one of them! With continuous daylight, expedition teams can plan excursions at a wider variety of times, and clear viewing periods maximize chances of seeing wildlife.
As previously mentioned, melting ice opens access to otherwise unreachable locations in July. This allows our ships to cruise deep into fjords and get closer to tidewater glaciers. You can also land at sites only accessible for a few short weeks each year, on a Zodiac cruise, or even kayak between icebergs.
Picture by Katlyn Taylor
Some itineraries include visits to historic whaling stations, early polar exploration sites, or abandoned mining settlements. Many, like Ny-Ålesund, offer a glimpse into the human history of this remote region and the many expeditions that charted the icy wastes of the far north. In July, the longer periods of daylight allow more of these locations to be incorporated into daily itineraries alongside wildlife encounters and exploration.
July - the perfect time for an expedition cruise to the Arctic
If you're dreaming of an Arctic adventure, July is the perfect time to explore Svalbard on an expedition cruise. With wildlife at its peak, favorable weather, 24-hour daylight, and a chance to witness the Arctic's raw beauty, there are few travel experiences that compare.
From dramatic glacial valleys to stark polar deserts, Svalbard's landscapes are otherworldly. The mix of sea ice, snow-capped peaks, and patches of summer vegetation is ideal for photography or exploring by foot, by Zodiac, in a kayak, or from the comfort of our vessels.
Discover our July expedition cruises to Svalbard, and start your own Arctic adventure.
Main image by Koen Jongerling
