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Antarctica Weather

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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the NewsPrism weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.

☁️-53°C
OvercastAntarcticaFeels like -61° · Wind 26 km/h · Humidity 68%
Sunrise 00:00Sunset 00:00
Today☁️-49°-56°💧0%
Fri☁️-56°-60°💧0%
Sat☁️-58°-65°💧0%
Sun☁️-64°-66°💧0%
Mon☁️-59°-64°💧0%
Tue☁️-53°-59°💧0%
Wed☁️-50°-62°💧0%

Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·

Check the live forecast above for current conditions, but expect extreme cold, strong winds and limited precipitation across Antarctica, which is the coldest, windiest and driest continent on Earth.

What is the weather like in Antarctica today and tomorrow?

Antarctica’s weather changes little from day to day, but the live forecast above shows the immediate outlook for your planned travel or research window. Key points:

  • Temperatures remain well below freezing year-round, with coastal areas slightly milder than the interior.
  • Wind speeds frequently exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) and can reach hurricane force, creating blizzard conditions even without snowfall.
  • Precipitation is negligible – the continent is a polar desert – though light snow or ice crystals can occur, especially along the coast.
  • For antarctica weather today snow or antarctica weather tomorrow, rely on satellite data, as ground observations are sparse.

How does Antarctica’s weather vary by month?

The continent experiences only two seasons: a dark, severe winter (March–October) and a cooler, still hostile summer (November–February). Monthly extremes matter most for expedition planning:

  • Summer (December–January) sees the warmest coastal temperatures, averaging −2°C to −8°C, with 24-hour daylight. This is the only period for most tourist visits – see our 10 Day Weather Forecast UK for comparison with UK summer conditions.
  • Winter (June–August) brings average lows of −60°C inland and near-perpetual darkness, making travel impossible for all but specialist research stations.
  • Sea ice extent peaks in September, affecting ship access, while meltwater pools form briefly on the Antarctic Peninsula in January.
  • Check antarctica weather by month for precise averages if you are booking a cruise or research placement.
Coldest recorded temp−89.2°C (Vostok Station, 1983)
Average summer temp (coast)−2°C to −8°C
Average winter temp (interior)−60°C to −70°C
Annual precipitationless than 50 mm (polar desert)
When is the best time to visit Antarctica weather-wise?

The austral summer (November–February) is the only practical window: milder temperatures, continuous daylight and reduced sea ice allow ship access. December and January are peak months for cruise departures.

How accurate are long-range forecasts for Antarctica?

Forecasts beyond 10 days are highly uncertain due to the continent’s remote location and lack of weather stations. For a weather in antarctica 10 days or antarctica weather forecast 14 days outlook, rely on models updated daily.

Does it snow in Antarctica every day?

No. Most of Antarctica receives less than 50 mm of water-equivalent precipitation annually. What falls is usually fine ice crystals or light snow, but the interior is so dry that conditions are often clear and cloudless.