The seabird colony on Hornøya is active from April through August — this is the main reason most visitors come, and the peak season for the puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, and razorbills that nest on the cliffs. Summer brings almost continuous daylight at this latitude (70°N), with the midnight sun visible from mid-May to late July.
Winter is dark, cold, and often stormy, but the Northern Lights are visible on clear nights from October through March. Vardø is one of the better locations in Norway for aurora viewing because of its low light pollution and far-northern latitude. Temperatures in winter frequently drop well below -10°C; the Barents Sea wind makes it feel colder. Pack accordingly regardless of season.