The climate of Dunnose Head
Located in the Falkland Islands,
Dunnose Head's climate falls under the tundra category, as described by the Köppen climate classification. This ET category implies long, harsh winters paired with short, cool summers. The geographical position contributes to this type of climate, exposing the region to subpolar oceanic currents and winds.
Throughout the year, the climate in Dunnose Head remains relatively cold, oscillating between a minimum and maximum average temperature of 2.2°C (36°F) and 13.1°C (55.6°F) respectively. Relative humidity sees little variation annually, remaining within the range of 71% to 80%.
The winds, blowing strongly throughout the year, make average wind speeds of 25.7km/h (16mph) to 27.7km/h (17.2mph) with gusts reaching up to 42km/h (26.1mph). Average atmospheric pressure fluctuates marginally between 999.9mb and 1007.2mb, reflecting the stability in climatic conditions. Despite receiving a mean of 9 to 16 daylight hours, the area sees about 3.1 to 9.7 sunshine hours per day, implying a relatively cloudy sky.
Although there is steady precipitation throughout the year with rainfall ranging from 21mm (0.83") to 36mm (1.42") per month,
December to
March are the wettest months. Snow is more frequent in the winter period from
May to
September, hitting a peak in
July with 35mm (1.38") of snowfall. A unique characteristic of the Dunnose Head climate is the frequent changing weather conditions incited by winds and cloud cover.
The best time to visit Dunnose Head
While the notion of 'best time' can vary depending on individual preferences, generally, the period from
December to
March offers the most conducive conditions for touring
Dunnose Head. During this period, temperatures fluctuate from a low of 7.4°C (45.3°F) to a high of 13.1°C (55.6°F), offering relatively warmer weather. Despite being the wettest period, this phase also delivers the longest daylight hours, ranging from 14.4h to 16.6h, and the most sunshine hours, reaching up to 9.7h in December.
The worst time to visit Dunnose Head
Contrastingly, the coldest months from
May to
September could be seen as the least favorable for visitors. Temperatures during this phase can plunge to as low as 2.2°C (36°F) in
July. Furthermore, snowfall reaches its height in this period, especially in July where the town experiences an average of 35mm (1.38") of snowfall. Despite the shorter days, conditions could be suitable for visitors interested in winter activities, highlighting the subjectivity inherent in assigning a 'worst' time.
Spring weather in Dunnose Head
In
Dunnose Head, spring varies from
September to
November, and it is characterized by gradually increasing temperatures, ranging from 6.5°C (43.7°F) to 10.3°C (50.5°F). Precipitation is relatively low in comparison to other months, with rainfall averaging between 21mm (0.83") and 26mm (1.02") and snowfall declining from 18mm (0.71") in September to just 3mm (0.12") in November.
Summer weather in Dunnose Head
Summer lasts from
December to
February in
Dunnose Head. This season provides the warmest weather of the year, with average temperatures reaching 13.1°C (55.6°F) in
January and dropping to 11.7°C (53.1°F) by the end of February. Despite the increased rainfall, from 22mm (0.87") in December to 36mm (1.42") in February, the long daylight hours from 14.4h to 16.6h make summer the brightest period of the year.
Autumn weather in Dunnose Head
Autumn in
Dunnose Head extends from
March to
May. The average temperatures during this time span from 9.3°C (48.7°F) in March, plummeting to a chilly 5.8°C (42.4°F) in May. Notably, this period experiences a marked increase in snowfall, escalating from virtually none in March to 6mm (0.24") in May, signaling the advent of winter.
Winter weather in Dunnose Head
Dunnose Head experiences winter from
June to
August, marked by the coldest months of the year. The average temperature falls to a brisk minimum of 2.2°C (36°F) in
July, but gradually rises to 5.6°C (42.1°F) in August. This season witnesses considerable snowfall, peaking at 35mm (1.38") in July. However, the shortest daylight hours of the year are also seen during this time, adding to the harshness of winters in Dunnose Head.
Weather in January
The weather in
Dunnose Head, Falkland Islands, begins on an unpredictable note in
January. Typical conditions involve fluctuating wind speeds and temperatures. This period also registers the highest daylight hours in comparison to the rest of the year, with an average of 16 hours.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Heading into
February, the weather continues with similar erratic tendencies. Coupled with increasingly prevalent rainfall, temperatures continue their oscillating nature, posing challenges for sensitive ecosystems. February maintains similar levels of cloud cover and relative humidity as
January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings more consistency to the weather, stepping down from the extreme fluctuations of the previous months. It also indicates a slight increase in cloud cover and a minor uptick in relative humidity to 76%. Visibility remains consistently at 10km (6.2mi), a trend seen throughout the year.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The cooling trend intensifies in
April as the season transitions further. Episodes of rainfall become more frequent, and the day's light begins to recede. Compared to previous months, there is an increase in relative humidity to 79% in April.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May introduces a greater presence of snowfall and reduced daylight hours, signaling the approach of winter. Although the month presents an increase in cloud cover, the visibility remarkably stays at a constant 9km (5.6mi). Relative humidity continues its upward movement, reaching 80% this month.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the midpoint of the year and indicates the height of winter in the Falkland Islands. With shortened daylight hours and increased snowfall, residents experience significantly cooler temperatures. Despite these conditions, visibility maintains a consistent level at 9km (5.6mi).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings a continuation of cooler temperatures and reduced daylight hours, creating formidable weather conditions. A stable level of cloud cover is maintained, contributing to the consistent climatological scenery observed. Despite the continuation of the snowy season, snowfall declines slightly to 35mm (1.38"), indicating a gradual retreat of winter. July, with its high-temperature average of 5.1°C (41.2°F) and a low-temperature average of 2.2°C (36°F), is the coldest month.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August sees a transition away from winter as snowfall continues to decline. The weather conditions steadily become milder with a nominal increase in temperature along with growing daylight hours. Subtly, the humidity level begins to drop to 80%.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the commencement of spring and an improvement in weather conditions. With a decrease in cloud cover and a significant increase in daylight hours, the environment becomes more vibrant. Despite the emerging warmth, September continues to witness minor snowfall.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October continues the transition to milder weather with a decline in snowfall and increased daylight hours. The gradual rise in temperatures, along with the reduced cloud cover, marks an improvement in weather conditions. Particularly, snowfall dips to a mere 4mm (0.16"), indicating the nearing end of the spring season. The arrival of October in
Dunnose Head, Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), marks a slight shift to an average high-temperature of a still frosty 8.6°C (47.5°F) from
September's 6.5°C (43.7°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November experiences a more vibrant atmosphere with longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures. The late spring month also registers reduced cloud cover and a slight decrease in relative humidity. Snowfall continues to fall as the climate normalizes, settling at a mere 3mm (0.12"), symbolizing the imminent arrival of summer.
Dunnose Head in November witnesses an average high-temperature of a fresh 10.3°C (50.5°F), indicating a slight variation from
October's 8.6°C (47.5°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the arrival of summer with an uptick in temperatures and daylight hours. The climate becomes more dynamic with varying wind patterns and a noticeable reduction in cloud cover. Despite the fairer weather, a constant level of visibility is maintained.
Weather in December »