The climate of the Antarctic Peninsula is marked by extreme seasonal contrasts.

December and January are the warmest months, with average highs around 1°C, offering mild conditions compared to the rest of the continent. During this time, nearly 24 hours of daylight bathe the region, and sea ice cover is at its minimum.

In contrast, June and July are the coldest months, with temperatures often dropping below -15°C. During these winter months, the sun doesn’t rise at all, plunging the peninsula into a polar night. Sea ice cover reaches its peak, extending far into the surrounding waters.

These drastic shifts in temperature, sunlight, and ice cover shape the region’s ecosystems and make it one of the most dynamic environments on Earth.

Climate Table for the Antarctic Peninsula (Average Temperatures in °C)

Month Average high (°C) Average low (°C) Sea Ice cover sunlight hours
january 1°C -2°C Minimal 20-24 hours (Daylight)
February 0°C -3°C Minimal 18-22 hours
March -2°C -6°C Increasing 12-18 hours
April -5°C -10°C Significant 6-12 hours
May -8°C -13°C Extensive 0-6 hours (Twilight)
June -10°C -15°C Maximum 0 hours (Polar Night)
July -11°C -16°C Maximum 0 hours
August -10°C -15°C Maximum 0-6 hours (Twilight)
September -7°C -12°C Extensive 6-12 hours
october -4°C -8°C Decreasing 12-18 hours
November -1°C -4°C Minimal 18-22 hours
december 1°C -2°C Minimal 20-24 hours (Daylight)

 

January and December are the warmest months with average highs around 1°C, which is still cold but mild compared to the rest of the continent. 

June and July are the coldest months, with temperatures often dropping below -15°C, and the sun doesn’t rise at all during these months (polar night). 

Sea Ice Cover is at its maximum during the winter months (June-August) and minimal during the summer months (December-February). 

Sunlight Hours vary drastically from nearly 24 hours of daylight in the summer to complete darkness (polar night) in the winter. 

Facts about Climate of the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Antarctica
  • Antarctic Peninsula