2 min summary When to go Map & highlights Things to do Arctic activities Wildlife Polar bears Whales How to pack Choosing a ship Advice Responsible tourism

When to go on an Arctic cruise

The best time to go on an Arctic cruise is during the summer months, when the sea ice melts enough to let ships pass, and the midnight sun bathes these northern lands. The main window is from around April to September, with the April promising bigger icebergs and possibly the Northern Lights, but June to August are when most trips run. Find out more with our month by month guide.

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Best time to go on an Arctic Cruise

The Arctic summer is not as bitterly cold as you might think, with almost 24-hour sunshine and wildflower-filled tundra.

July-August is – for many – the loveliest time in the Arctic, as the sea ice has melted, leaving open waters to cruise through, while migrating whales breach the chilly surface. The Gulf Stream flows up Svalbard’s coast, creating a strangely mild oasis 1,200km north of the Arctic Circle. Earlier on the recently calved icebergs are more colossal, but the later you travel, the further north you can sail. By late September, however, the ice creeps southward again, and the Northern Lights begin to glow. Canadian and Russian cruises barely skim the Arctic Circle; the climate is much chillier, bringing ice – and polar bears – considerably further south.

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Arctic cruises, month by month

There’s not much in the way of sunlight or open sailing passages during November, December, January and February, so Arctic cruises are not recommended, especially if you’re hoping to see any wildlife. The Northern Lights are visible from September through to March - with the spring and autumn equinoxes said to be particularly good times for viewings. The return of the sun in mid-February and early March sees the advent of spring, and polar bears begin to emerge in the wilds of Canada. April is one of the best times to go on an Arctic cruise for nature photographers as not only are there some incredible newly formed icebergs but there’s every chance of also seeing humpback whales appearing beyond untouched landscapes covered in snow and ice. The most impressive icebergs tend to last through May and into June and it’s as they’re melting that you’ll find the best time to see narwhals and sea birds. If you’re looking to find polar bears coming closer to the shoreline then July and August is the best time for an Arctic cruise. If you're cruising around Spitsbergen, this is definitely a summer activity. By October the northern shores have iced over, blocking your route, and the lack of daylight and colder temperatures make cruises much less pleasurable.

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More about Arctic cruising

Arctic cruises travel guide

Our Arctic cruises travel guide reveals why the best way to explore is a small ship expedition cruise, and compares the different Arctic areas - with Northern Lights, Inuit art, dog sledding,and - of course - polar bears.

Arctic cruise itineraries

There are several Arctic cruise itineraries available, focusing on different regions and activities - wildlife features on any Arctic cruise, but use our interactive map to find out which species you are likely to see and where.

Things to do on an Arctic cruise

An Arctic cruise is not all about onboard entertainment - the most exciting things to do on an Arctic cruise all involve disembarking and getting up close to the action on zodiacs, on foot, by kayak or even on snowshoes.

Activities in the Arctic

On a typical Arctic cruise the amenities are quite basic as the aim is to spend a lot of time on land - optional activities in the Arctic range from nature hikes to kayaking and even the chilling ‘Polar Plunge’!

Arctic wildlife cruises

Arctic wildlife cruises, with superb biologists and wildlife guides accompanying them, will help you spot polar bears, enormous walrus, fluffy Arctic foxes and several species of whales, plus birds, seals and orca.

Where to see polar bears on an Arctic cruise

The big ticket attraction on Arctic cruises is the chance to see polar bears and while sightings can never be guaranteed certain locations are more likely than others - read on to find out where to see polar bears on an Arctic cruise.

Whale watching in the Arctic

With at least 17 species seen in Arctic waters at different times of year, responsible whale watching in the Arctic has immense potential, and onboard experts are always at hand to explain what species and behaviours you’re witnessing.

What to pack for an Arctic cruise

With comfortable but compact cabins, and various practicalities that you’ll need to prepare for, knowing what to pack for an Arctic cruise is essential to make the most of the space in your suitcase and ensure you bring all you need.

How to choose your Arctic Cruise ship

An Arctic cruise is likely to be one of the most memorable vacations of your life, so it’s important to get it right - here's our advice on choosing a ship for an Arctic cruise so you have all you need to know before making a decision.

Life onboard an Arctic cruise ship

What will the sleeping and eating arrangements be, how many fellow passengers can you expect, but most importantly, what will you be doing each day - read on to find out what life onboard ship on a typical Arctic cruise vacation involves.

Save or splurge on an Arctic cruise?

Deciding whether you ought to save or splurge on an Arctic cruise vacation is likely to be one of the biggest issues you face during the planning process - here are some of the ways you can either cut costs or supersize your trip.

Arctic cruises advice

Read on for the best Arctic cruises travel advice offered up by our vacation experts who have spent years working in the far north, with tips on which regions to visit, recommendations for twitchers and health and safety advice.

Responsible tourism in the Arctic

Responsible tourism in the Arctic is a thorny issue but taking a responsible Arctic cruise can help strengthen this region, its communities and wildlife against exploitation, climate change and land grabs - find out more below.