The climate of Stanley
Stanley, the capital of Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), experiences a Tundra type of climate under the Köppen climate classification. This ET climate is characterised by cold temperatures throughout the year with limited warm periods.
Weather conditions vary rather mildly from month to month with temperatures ranging from 14.1°C (57.4°F) in
January to a chilling 5.1°C (41.2°F) in
July. Average low temperatures can drop to -1.2°C (29.8°F) in winter, while the warmest months seldom exceed 14°C (57.2°F). Relative humidity remains high year-round, fluctuating between 74% in
November and 90% in July.
The annual rainfall in Stanley is fairly consistent, varying from 34mm (1.34") in
September to 63mm (2.48") in January. Rainfall is well-distributed throughout the year, with at least 11 days of precipitation per month. Stanley experiences notable daylight variations, stretching from a minimum of 7.9 hours in
June to a maximum of 16.6 hours in
December. The town generally has low sunshine hours, ranging from 2 hours in June to 6 hours from January to
March and in November and December. The UV index also fluctuates from a low of zero in June to a high of 8 in January and
February.
The best time to visit Stanley
The optimal time to visit
Stanley depends largely on individual weather preferences. However,
January and
February are typically the most agreeable months concerning weather conditions. With the highest temperatures of around 14°C (57.2°F) and sea temperatures near 9.8°C (49.6°F), these months offer relative warmth. January is the rainiest month but also has the highest UV index at 8, providing more opportunities for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Stanley
The harshest weather conditions in
Stanley occur from
June to
August. Temperatures drop to an average low of -1.2°C (29.8°F) in
July, while sea temperatures linger around 4.7°C (40.5°F) to 5.1°C (41.2°F). June is marked by the fewest daylight hours at 7.9 hours and experiences the lowest sunshine hours at 2 hours per day. Those unaccustomed to cold, dull weather may find this period unfavorable for a visit.
Spring weather in Stanley
Spring in
Stanley is characterized by slowly increasing temperatures from 7.7°C (45.9°F) in
September to 10.3°C (50.5°F) in
November. Rainfall tends to decrease gradually from 34mm (1.34") in September to 39mm (1.54") in November with rainy days ranging from 12 to 11. With daylight hours extending from 11.7 in September to 15.6 in November, spring sees gradually increasing sunshine hours and UV index levels.
Summer weather in Stanley
Summer in
Stanley, spanning
December to
February, is mild with daytime temperatures fluctuating between 13.4°C (56.1°F) and 14.1°C (57.4°F). Rainfall maintains a moderate pace, averaging between 45mm (1.77") and 52mm (2.05") across these three months. Long daylight hours of 14.4 to 16.6 hours allow for more outdoor activities. Ocean temperatures, while chilly, reach their peak during this period, ranging from 8.4°C (47.1°F) to 9.8°C (49.6°F).
Autumn weather in Stanley
The cooling trend of autumn in
Stanley emerges from
March, starting with a high of 12.8°C (55°F) in March and sliding to 7.4°C (45.3°F) in
May. Rainfall is consistent, with 52mm (2.05") in March, 50mm (1.97") in
April, and 48mm (1.89") in May. Although there is a slight decrease in daylight hours compared to summer, autumn still experiences 8.8 to 12.5 hours of daylight per day.
Winter weather in Stanley
Winter in
Stanley is frigid and cloudy with the least sunshine hours. There is a slight peak in average high temperatures in
August at 6°C (42.8°F), coming up from the lowest observed temperature of 5.1°C (41.2°F) in
July. Rainfall in winter months varies from 41mm (1.61") in July to 52mm (2.05") in August. Despite having the shortest daylight hours of the year, winter in Stanley still experiences up to 9.8 hours of daylight.
Weather in January
January in
Stanley offers the longest daylight hours of the year at 16 hours per day. Sunny days are often accompanied by relative humidity levels of 78%. These conditions create a predominantly wet start to the year, inducing frequent bouts of rainfall.
Weather in January » Weather in February
While
Stanley's
February weather exhibits a slight drop from
January's temperatures, its sea temperature peaks at its highest yearly average of 9.8°C (49.6°F). February carries the torch of summer's end with a daylight average of 14.4 hours per day.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The onset of autumn marks the noticeable decline in temperatures for
Stanley in
March. While the days continue to shorten, they maintain plenty of sunshine at 5 hours per day. Rain is still a significant feature of March weather, but the frequency of the rainfall days decreases slightly to 15 days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As the weather progresses further into autumn,
April's conditions cool down considerably with the lowest sea temperature of the year at 7.7°C (45.9°F). The fewer daylight hours mean a further decline in temperatures and an increase in the relative humidity level of 87%.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May indicates the transition from autumn to winter with
Stanley's lowest average temperatures of the year. The humidity escalates further, with May having a high relative humidity of 88%. The rainfall remains steady, a trend consistent with the transition period.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Stanley experiences the harshest temperatures during
June, with the average low temperature reaching its yearly nadir at -0.5°C (31.1°F). Winter days are short, with an average of 7.9 daylight hours, the least of any month. Despite the cold, the rainfall tends to decline associated with winter's chill.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July's weather insists on the severity of the Falkland Island's winter with all indices hinting at cooler temperatures. There is a tiny increment in the daylight hours as compared to
June. But with the relative humidity peaking at 90%, the highest yearly average, it doesn't offer much in the way of reprieve.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The
Stanley weather in
August indicates a gradual move away from the intense winter conditions of the previous month. Nevertheless, the cooler average temperatures persist, albeit with a slight improvement. A stamina of the Falkland's island climate, August sees a reduced relative humidity of 87%.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings a marked improvement to
Stanley's weather conditions with warmer average temperatures. The winter cold begins to recede as spring approaches. The earlier sunrise and longer daylight hours, averaging 11.7 hours, strengthen spring's hold on Stanley's climate.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Spring in full bloom, the
Stanley weather in
October further heightens with warmer days and increasing hours of sunlight. The sea temperature also notes a modest increase, signalling the return of leisurely beach activities. Stanley's climate continues to improve with declining relative humidity of 80%, despite seeing a modest increase in rainfall.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Stanley heralds in an aggrandized change in weather conditions. As the daylight hours increase to 15.6 hours, temperatures soar to their yearly high. The UV index peaks at 7, the highest of the year, causing a notable spike in temperatures.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Stanley's
December weather continues the trend set by
November with high average temperatures. The daylight hours peak once more, ending the year on a high note. Relative humidity presents a decent levels at 76%. The likelihood of rain remains high, but it's a small price to pay for soaking up the sun in Stanley.
Weather in December » [Resources]