Flag of Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Weather in May
May is a time of significant transition in Svalbard and Jan Mayen, signaling the arrival of the brief yet profound Arctic summer. Daylight hours continue to expand until they eventually span the entire 24-hour period, and temperatures continue their slow climb.
In Svalbard, May's average temperatures continue to rise, reaching around -2°C (28.4°F). The capital, Longyearbyen, sees the last of the melting snow, and vegetation begins to show signs of life. The region's wildlife becomes increasingly active with the onset of the Midnight Sun, and the thawing of sea ice allows marine life to flourish.
In Jan Mayen, average temperatures hover around 2°C (35.6°F), marking a distinct shift from the freezing conditions of the winter months. The Midnight Sun makes its appearance, providing 24-hour daylight that extends through the summer. The Norwegian military base on the island experiences similar conditions, providing unique opportunities for research and observation during this extended daylight period.
Precipitation in both Svalbard and Jan Mayen during May remains relatively low. The melting snow and occasional rain, however, result in damp conditions and the beginning of the annual thaw.
Compared to April, May brings an even greater increase in daylight hours and higher temperatures. Moving into June, this trend continues, with temperatures peaking for the year and the Midnight Sun remaining for the entire month. However, visitors should still come prepared for chilly conditions, as temperatures can drop during the night.
[Resources]In Svalbard, May's average temperatures continue to rise, reaching around -2°C (28.4°F). The capital, Longyearbyen, sees the last of the melting snow, and vegetation begins to show signs of life. The region's wildlife becomes increasingly active with the onset of the Midnight Sun, and the thawing of sea ice allows marine life to flourish.
In Jan Mayen, average temperatures hover around 2°C (35.6°F), marking a distinct shift from the freezing conditions of the winter months. The Midnight Sun makes its appearance, providing 24-hour daylight that extends through the summer. The Norwegian military base on the island experiences similar conditions, providing unique opportunities for research and observation during this extended daylight period.
Precipitation in both Svalbard and Jan Mayen during May remains relatively low. The melting snow and occasional rain, however, result in damp conditions and the beginning of the annual thaw.
Compared to April, May brings an even greater increase in daylight hours and higher temperatures. Moving into June, this trend continues, with temperatures peaking for the year and the Midnight Sun remaining for the entire month. However, visitors should still come prepared for chilly conditions, as temperatures can drop during the night.
- Longyearbyen - May »
In Longyearbyen during May, the rain falls for 4 days and regularly aggregates up to 13mm (0.51") of precipitation. In Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, during May, snow falls for 16 days. - Barentsburg - May »
In Barentsburg, during the entire year, snow falls for 203 days. In Barentsburg, in May, during 3 rainfall days, 28mm (1.1") of precipitation is typically accumulated. - Olonkin City - May »
Olonkin City observes a slight ascent in average high-temperatures during May, adjusting from a subzero cold -3°C (26.6°F) in April to an icy 0°C (32°F). The months with the most sunshine in Olonkin City, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, are May and June, with an average of 5h of sunshine.
Svalbard and Jan Mayen
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