January weather forecast
Antarctica

January is the height of summer in Antarctica and is typically the warmest month of the year. During this time, temperatures on the coast can range from -2°C (28.4°F) to 8°C (46.4°F), providing relatively mild weather conditions for the continent. The interior of the continent, while warmer than other months, still remains quite frigid with average temperatures around -28°C (-18.4°F).

There are no cities as such on the continent, but notable research stations such as McMurdo Station, the largest research station in Antarctica, and Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, experience milder temperatures compared to the rest of the year. At McMurdo Station, temperatures can even climb up to -3°C (26.6°F), while at the South Pole Station, temperatures hover around -28°C (-18.4°F), a stark contrast but an improvement compared to the extreme cold of winter months.

The almost constant sunlight during January leads to a significant amount of melting ice, contributing to the calving of colossal icebergs. Sea ice reaches its minimum extent during this month, allowing for the greatest accessibility to the continent by sea. Consequently, most tourist visits occur during this period.

Wildlife viewing is at its peak in January. Penguin colonies are highly active with adults feeding their chicks. Seal pups can be seen on the beaches, and whales are often sighted in the surrounding waters.

In comparison to December, the previous month, January experiences slightly higher temperatures and less sea ice. Looking forward, the weather in February, while still within the summer season, begins to cool slightly with the onset of autumn, and the days start to shorten as the continent tilts away from the sun.

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• Artigas Base - January »
  The month of January sees the average highest temperatures in Artigas Base, reaching -26°C (-14.8°F) at the peak and -30°C (-22°F) at the low. January, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the highest UV index in Artigas Base, Antarctica.
• McMurdo - January »
  The months with the shortest days in McMurdo are January, May through July, November and December, with an average of 0h and 0min of daylight. In McMurdo during January, the rain falls for 2.6 days and regularly aggregates up to 15mm (0.59") of precipitation.
• Snow Hill Island - January »
  January and December are months with the least rain in Snow Hill Island when the rain falls for 1 days and typically aggregates up to 2mm (0.08") of rain. January and December are months with the least rain in Snow Hill Island, Antarctica, when the rain falls for 1 days and typically aggregates up to 2mm (0.08") of rain.