February weather forecast
Antarctica

February marks the transition from the peak summer season towards the onset of autumn in Antarctica. The temperatures begin to drop compared to January, but it's still relatively mild for Antarctic standards. Coastal temperatures range from -4°C (24.8°F) to 4°C (39.2°F), while temperatures in the interior hover around -38°C (-36.4°F).

Notable research stations continue to experience milder conditions than the rest of the continent. For example, the McMurdo Station sees temperatures around -6°C (21.2°F), and the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station experiences temperatures around -38°C (-36.4°F).

Sea ice starts to reform as temperatures decrease, but accessibility to the continent by sea is still relatively high. February also marks the end of the peak period for tourist visits due to the shifting weather conditions.

In terms of wildlife, most penguin chicks start fledging and learning to swim in February. Whales are still frequently seen in Antarctic waters, and seals continue to be active, taking advantage of the lingering summer conditions to feed and build up their energy reserves for the challenging winter months ahead.

Comparatively, February is cooler than the preceding month of January, marking a downward trend in temperature as the continent moves towards autumn and subsequently winter. Looking forward to March, the conditions become progressively colder and darker as Antarctica heads into its long winter.

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• Artigas Base - February »
  On the first day of February in Artigas Base sunrise is at 20:36 and sunset at 13:41. February through October, with an average maximum UV index of 0, are months with the lowest UV index in Artigas Base.
• McMurdo - February »
  In McMurdo, during February, snow falls for 17.6 days and regularly aggregates up to 224mm (8.82") of snow. In McMurdo in February, it is raining for 4.7 days, with typically 21mm (0.83") of accumulated precipitation.
• Snow Hill Island - February »
  The months with the warmest seawater in Snow Hill Island are January, February and December, with an average sea temperature of 0°C (32°F). On the first day of February in Snow Hill Island, sunrise is at 20:10 and sunset at 13:53.