Climate and monthly weather forecast
Artigas Base, Antarctica

Artigas Base, located in Antarctica, features a severe weather pattern prevalent on this frozen continent, classified as Ice Cap climate (EF) according to the Köppen climate classification. This implies a permanent layer of ice and snow, with temperatures remaining far below the freezing point throughout the year. With temperatures ranging from a high of -26°C (-14.8°F) in January to lows touching -64°C (-83.2°F) in August, the area experiences the harshness of extreme cold.

A notable parameter is daylight, varying significantly across different months. In December and January, one can expect up to 18.5 hours to 19.6 hours of daylight respectively, while June and July dwindle to around 5.2 hours to 6.1 hours. Sunshine hours follow a similar path, offering most sunlight from November to January with 14 to 20 hours and least from March to August with nil to minimal hours. Another important parameter is the UV index, remaining at low levels, primarily zero to one across the year.

Various unique weather patterns characterise this region - including months of near-total darkness followed by period of constant day illuminations and months when the sun barely crosses the horizon. This drastic swing in sunlight hours impacts not just the visibility but also the temperature and UV index throughout the year.

Although the conditions remain harsh throughout the year, if one has to pick a relatively 'best' time to visit the Artigas Base, it would be the summer months .December through February might offer slightly more tolerable conditions, with temperatures soaring to a high of -26°C (-14.8°F) and -27°C (-16.6°F) and plunging to lows of -29°C (-20.2°F) and -30°C (-22°F). During these months, the base also experiences maximum daylight of 18.5 hours to 19.6 hours, and the highest annual sunshine hours of 18 to 20. It should be kept in mind that the UV index is minimal (one in these months), implying low risk from unprotected sun exposure, but due to the high albedo effect from snow cover, UV radiation can be intense.

The winter months from May to July can be extremely challenging to visit the Artigas Base, with temperatures plummeting to a record low of -63°C (-81.4°F) to -64°C (-83.2°F) and no to minimal sunshine hours. Daylight ranges from a minimal 5.2 hours to 6.1 hours, which significantly affects visibility. The UV index is also at its lowest in these months, posing less risk from sunlight but the risks from extreme cold are magnified.

In Antarctic, the spring season, which spans from September to November, is characterised by a gradual increase in temperature from -56°C (-68.8°F) to -36°C (-32.8°F). Corresponding with this warming, the daylight increases consistently from 8.7 hours to 17.6 hours. Their relation is reinforced by the determination of sunshine hours, inching up from zero to 14 hours in similarly corresponding months. UV Index stays at zero levels, offering minimal protection requirements against solar UV radiation.

The Antarctic summer, from December through February, is known for its below freezing temperatures, albeit these are the warmest at this base. Offering a temperature range from -27°C (-16.6°F) to -29°C (-20.2°F) with increased daylight from 18.5 hours to 19.6 hours. Sunshine hours peak with 19 to 20 hours, offering the brightest conditions of the year. UV index remains at one, continuing to suggest a standard protocol for sun protection.

As Antarctica steps into its autumn phase from March through May, the light begins to fade, with the region experiencing a sizeable reduction in daylight from 14.6 hours to 5.2 hours. Sunshine hours shrink drastically from 9 hours to zero. Temperatures start plummeting, reaching from -51°C (-59.8°F) to -63°C (-81.4°F). The UV index stays at zero, indicating minimal risk from UV radiation.

Winter at Artigas Base is predictably punishing with severe cold. June through August witness temperatures from -62°C (-79.6°F) to -64°C (-83.2°F). These months come with the shortest daylight, ranging from 5.2 hours to 8.7 hours, and zero sunshine hours. Consistent with other parameters, the UV index remains at zero across these months, thus posing minimal risk from UV radiation.

The month of January in Artigas Base, Antarctica is entrenched with freezing conditions. Remarkably, the temperatures descend from -26°C (-14.8°F) to -30°C (-22°F), signaling a stark change in weather conditions. The thick blanket of frost is encountered through both daylight and night. Weather in January »

February presents itself as a colder month in Artigas Base as compared to January. An oversized winter coat is a necessity since the frost intensifies and the temperatures drop even further. The icy atmosphere is exacerbated by the declining hours of daylight and an absence of sunshine. Weather in February »

The progression into March, from February, is signified by drastic changes in weather. Notably, the temperatures plummet from -39°C (-38.2°F) to -57°C (-70.6°F), setting a new low. Despite the chilling weather, the natural landscape carries a captivating allure. Weather in March »

Artigas Base transitions into a dark, dreary environment in April, with an almost complete drop in daylight and sunshine. Venturing outdoors is limited to essential activities due to the severe weather conditions. With colder temperatures come the necessity of leveraging heavy thermal wear. Weather in April »

In May, Artigas Base descends further into darkness, with the shortened day length. The predominant climatic aspect is the continual lack of sunshine and increasing cold conditions. The Antarctic landscape is transformed into a realm of extended nights and shortened days. Weather in May »

June emerges as the darkest month in Artigas Base with daylight limited to a mere 5.2 hours. Amid the bitter cold, the terrain displays an ethereal beauty under the twilight conditions. Sunshine remains a distant memory as evident from the weather attributes. Weather in June »

Artigas Base begins to emerge from the persistent darkness in July, with an increase in daylight hours. The frozen landscape seems to soften slightly against the dwindling cold. Notably, July marks the progression from the coldest weather conditions of -63°C (-81.4°F) to marginally less cold at -64°C (-83.2°F). Weather in July »

August in Artigas Base witnesses a resumption of the daylight, albeit in limited capacities. The immersive experience of observing the landscape transitioning in the Atarctic twilight is unparalleled. The severe weather conditions slowly start to recede, unwinding the intensifying cold. Weather in August »

September registers a marked change in Artigas Base as daylight extends to 11.6 hours and sunshine makes a comeback. The sunlight refraction against the iced landscape creates a mesmerizing play of light and shadows. The overall weather begins to display signs of moderation as the extreme cold begins to retreat steadily. Weather in September »

As Artigas Base steps into October, a significant increase in daylight creates a noticeably different atmosphere. The Antarctic territory is alight with the sun's rays for up to 14 hours, magnifying the pristine beauty of the landscape. Weather in October »

November in Artigas Base amplifies the daylight to 17.6 hours, gracing the Antarctic with a beautiful soft glow. The weather lends a tangible respite from the stark cold that cancered the previous months. Extended daylight combined with 20 hours of sunshine makes for a remarkable atmospheric change. Weather in November »

December in Artigas Base traverses towards the peak of Antarctica's brief summer season. The weather experiences maximum daylight hours, totalling up to 19.6, accompanying the festive season's cheer. Mild weather settings and longer daylight hours enrich the beauty of the frozen landscape. Weather in December »