The colours of Autumn

The colours of Autumn

August-September

Arctic autumn season – An Arctic symphony of radiant colours and golden light

The Arctic Autumn season unfolds from late August through September and into October, casting the region in a breathtaking array of colors and light. This season is particularly spectacular as the foliage undergoes a vibrant transformation, painting the Arctic tundra with hues of red, yellow, and orange, creating a mesmerizing landscape for photography.

The changing angle of the sun during this period bathes the Arctic in a soft, golden light, perfect for photography enthusiasts. The extended durations of beautiful lighting conditions during sunrises and sunsets provide optimal moments for capturing landscapes and wildlife against the backdrop of the glowing Autumn sky.

In Autumn, wildlife begins preparations for the impending winter. While Polar Bears may be more lethargic due to the challenges of hunting, they can still be spotted in the drift ice. Though many bird species have migrated south, some, including migrating geese and other waterfowl, linger and can be observed during this transitional period.

Despite generally milder temperatures compared to the Spring and early Summer months, Autumn temperatures can be variable, and weather conditions and light may change rapidly and become more dramatic. the Arctic Autumn season will definitely give any travelers some breathtaking moments when it comes to rapidly weather and light changes. With that great opportunities for great pictures comes.

Onboard one of our small cruise vessels we use a strategy to stay more in the drift ice further north. Lack of ice closer to land makes it more interesting to spend more time in vast areas of open drift ice.

svalbard autumn ice
arctic autumn season

Upcoming tours August-September

svalbard photography expeditions
Svalbard

Polar Bear adventures in the pack

30. Aug 2026 - 09. Sep 2026
The Adventure of Navigating the Pack Ice. The pack ice can be likened to a nameless continent, composed entirely of drifting ice and teeming with wildlife. It stretches across vast expanses of the ocean, with the ice moving according to ocean currents, tides, and winds. Navigating these icy areas requires patience, but the rewards are great when wildlife is spotted. Especially will this be a Polar Bear Adventure. Some of the expedition will be dedicated to exploring the Islands of Svalbard. In late August and early September, the light in this region becomes more colorful. Sunsets and sunrises return after the long, sunlit summer, transforming the landscape with vibrant hues.
Spots available 3 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Season Autum season, Main season
Duration 10 nights/11 days
polar bear family in fron of glacier
New!
Svalbard

Autumn Svalbard Adventure

10. Sep 2026 - 18. Sep 2026
We are embarking on a Autumn Svalbard Adventure, designed to immerse participants in the spectacular autumn light and, potentially, the first new snow of the season on the mountains. This journey follows the tradition of classic Svalbard expeditions, offering the opportunity to explore several of the region’s most captivating fjords. Throughout the adventure, we will encounter the unique wildlife of Svalbard and cruise by zodiac boats, allowing us to get close to the glaciers. The autumn colours and light during this period are especially remarkable, providing a stunning backdrop for exploration and photography. In September, the quality of light in Svalbard transforms; sunsets and sunrises return after the long, sunlit summer, bathing the landscape in vibrant hues. In recent years, our autumn expeditions have been marked by truly spectacular moments, highlighting the unique appeal of Svalbard during this season.
Spots available 10 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Season Autum season
Duration 8 nights / 9 days