Climate and monthly weather forecast
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

The South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are situated in the southern Atlantic Ocean. Known for their rugged landscapes, they are essentially mountainous and glaciated. Despite being a part of the British Overseas Territories, the islands lie close to the Antarctic Circle, which substantially influences their climate. The islands' weather reflects a polar or tundra climate characterized by low temperatures throughout the year. Average temperatures are typically below 10°C (50°F), even during the warmest months. The annual temperature oscillates between -2°C (28.4°F) and 8°C (46.4°F), with coastal areas somewhat warmer due to the mitigating influence of the ocean. Precipitation, often in the form of snow, occurs frequently, ranging from 800mm (31.5") to 1500mm (59.06") annually. The islands experience strong, predominantly north-easterly winds, with average speeds of 20km/h (12.4mph), and occasional storms reaching up to 150km/h (93.2mph).

If planning a visit, the ideal time to travel to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is the brief Antarctic summer, from December to February. During this period, temperatures range from 2°C (35.6°F) to 8°C (46.4°F), offering slightly milder conditions than the rest of the year. The summer months also mark the breeding season for local wildlife, providing unique opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers to observe a variety of bird and marine species. Precipitation is still frequent but less severe, with periods of sunshine and cloud cover alternating throughout the day.

The harshest period in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands occurs from May to August, during the Antarctic winter. Temperatures fall to a chilling low of -2°C (28.4°F) and rarely rise above 2°C (35.6°F). Snowfall is common and can be quite heavy, while winds intensify, making travel and outdoor activities challenging and often unsafe. Moreover, many bird and marine species migrate away from the islands during the winter months, reducing opportunities for wildlife observation.

Spring in the South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, which spans from September to November, brings a subtle change in weather. Temperatures hover around -1°C (30.2°F) to 5°C (41°F), and the snow begins to melt, especially in coastal areas. Precipitation levels remain high, but the incidence of rain increases relative to snow. Winds begin to abate, creating slightly more hospitable conditions. Spring also heralds the return of migratory wildlife, bringing life back to these remote islands.

The summer season, from December to February, marks the warmest period of the year, with temperatures ranging from 2°C (35.6°F) to 8°C (46.4°F). The warmer temperatures and milder weather conditions bring relief to the landscape, encouraging the growth of limited flora. Despite being the 'driest' season, rainfall is still relatively common, and sunny periods can be interspersed with cloudy and rainy intervals. While wind speeds reduce to about 10km/h (6.2mph), the possibility of stormy conditions remains.

During the autumn months from March to May, the islands start transitioning back to their harsher climate. Temperatures decrease, ranging from -1°C (30.2°F) to 4°C (39.2°F), and the environment becomes progressively colder. Precipitation increases, with the onset of more snow than rain, particularly in the higher altitudes. Winds pick up again, sometimes reaching speeds of up to 30km/h (18.6mph). As the environment grows harsher, most wildlife begins to migrate away from the islands.

Winter, from June to August, brings extreme conditions to the South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. With average temperatures oscillating between -2°C (28.4°F) and 2°C (35.6°F), the islands experience intense cold, frequent snowstorms, and strong winds, with speeds reaching up to 40km/h (24.9mph). In some instances, storm winds can exceed 100km/h (62.1mph). The accumulation of snow and ice can render large parts of the islands inaccessible, especially in interior regions. Despite the harsh weather, certain hardy wildlife species can still be observed, weathering the extreme conditions.

January is the midst of the Antarctic summer in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands and is typically the warmest month of the year. The average temperatures during this month range from 3°C (37.4°F) to 8°C (46.4°F). Weather in January »

February continues the relatively milder Antarctic summer in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, though temperatures begin to show a slight downward trend as the month progresses. Average temperatures range from 2°C (35.6°F) to 7°C (44.6°F), marking a subtle decrease from the peak warmth experienced in January. Similar to January, Grytviken, the main settlement, typically sees temperatures slightly above the island average. Weather in February »

March ushers in the beginning of the autumn season in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, marking the start of a transition towards the harsher weather conditions characteristic of this remote region. The temperatures in March start to drop, with averages ranging from 1°C (33.8°F) to 5°C (41°F). Weather in March »

April is a month of profound transition in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, firmly entrenched in the Antarctic autumn. Average temperatures continue their downward trend, now ranging between -1°C (30.2°F) and 4°C (39.2°F). Weather in April »

May in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is synonymous with the transition from autumn to the early onset of the Antarctic winter. Temperatures continue to drop, with averages fluctuating between -2°C (28.4°F) and 3°C (37.4°F). Weather in May »

June marks the advent of the heart of winter in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. The temperatures during this month are consistently low, with averages between -4°C (24.8°F) and 2°C (35.6°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. Grytviken, located on the sheltered northern coast of South Georgia, experiences marginally less severe conditions due to the ocean's moderating influence. Weather in June »

July stands as the peak of the Antarctic winter in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. This month is often the coldest, with average temperatures plunging between -5°C (23°F) and 1°C (33.8°F). Even in Grytviken, the marginally milder conditions of previous months give way to the pervasive cold. Weather in July »

August in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is characterized by the continuation of the severe Antarctic winter, although signs of a forthcoming transition towards spring start to appear. Average temperatures remain frigid, typically fluctuating between -5°C (23°F) and 2°C (35.6°F), mirroring the cold conditions of July. Grytviken experiences similar trends as the broader region, with the ocean's moderating influence less able to offset the winter chill. Weather in August »

September in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands marks the start of the spring season, with weather conditions beginning to moderate after the harsh winter. Average temperatures start to rise, albeit slowly, fluctuating between -3°C (26.6°F) and 4°C (39.2°F). In Grytviken, similar patterns emerge, with temperatures slightly milder than the broader region due to the ocean's moderating influence. Weather in September »

October brings further relief to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands as the spring season progresses. Temperatures continue their ascent from winter lows, with averages oscillating between 1°C (33.8°F) and 6°C (42.8°F). In the settlement of Grytviken, the ocean's warming effect translates into slightly higher temperatures compared to the overall islands, marking a noticeable shift towards the more clement conditions of spring. The average wind speeds continue to decrease in October, dropping to 20km/h (12.4mph). Weather in October »

November in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands ushers in the late spring period, setting the stage for the approaching Antarctic summer. Average temperatures during this month see a substantial increase, ranging from 3°C (37.4°F) to 9°C (48.2°F), some of the highest readings of the year. Grytviken continues to benefit from its coastal location, experiencing slightly warmer conditions than the rest of the islands. Weather in November »

December in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands marks the arrival of the Antarctic summer, the warmest season of the year. Average temperatures during this month can fluctuate from 5°C (41°F) to 11°C (51.8°F), presenting the highest values the islands experience throughout the year. Grytviken, like the rest of the islands, experiences milder conditions during December. Weather in December »