The climate of Grytviken
Grytviken, nestled in the
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, falls under the Tundra Climate Classification, also known as the ET in Köppen’s climate categorization. Its astronomical and geographical position makes for distinct weather patterns that are capricious in nature and arduous to predict. Widely varying atmospheric conditions prevail in this remote settlement, which sees significant rain or snowfall and frigid temperatures throughout the year.
An introspection of the climate data reveals an array of elements that play their part in defining Grytviken's unique weather. The lowest temperature recorded ranges from -4.9°C (23.2°F) to -0.1°C (31.8°F), while the highest fluctuates from 2.6°C (36.7°F) to -1.6°C (29.1°F). There is, however, minimal variance between these two parameters, signifying a close-knit temperature range.
Rain and snowfall are copious across the year. Rainfall figures range from a low of 82mm (3.23") to a high of 114mm (4.49"), with rainfall observed on 7.8 to 20.5 days a month. Transitioning between excessive rainfall, the settlement experiences considerable snowfall as well, which refers to measurements stretching from 171mm (6.73") to 421mm (16.57") and affecting from 11.7 to 19 days per month.
A noteworthy observation is the underwhelming number of sunshine days ranging from 1.1 to 4 days a month, coupled with a monthly sunlight duration of 3 to 5.8 hours. The relatively high cloud coverage ranging between 66% to 73% accounts for this limited sunlight.
The best time to visit Grytviken
Determining the best visiting time relies on personal weather preferences. However,
November proves to be a comparatively favourable month for a journey to
Grytviken. In this month, temperatures naturally settle at around 1.2°C (34.2°F) to -1.2°C (29.8°F), offering the most moderated weather window. Coupled with a rainfall of 89mm (3.5") and snowfall covering about 220mm (8.66"), November demonstrates a relatively more comfortable climate.
Sunlight is a scarce resource throughout the year. November, nevertheless, blesses Grytviken with a maximum number of sunshine days, reaching up to 4 days approximately, making the area slightly friendlier for visitors.
The worst time to visit Grytviken
August stands out as the most challenging month considering a visit to
Grytviken. This period experiences the lowest temperatures, plummeting to a bitter -4.9°C (23.2°F) alongside the highest snowfall reaching up to 421mm (16.57"). Complimenting this harsh weather, August also showcases the minimum number of sunshine days with a mere 2.8 days and one of the highest cloud coverages of 71%, thereby worsening the weather conditions further.
Spring weather in Grytviken
Spring months in
Grytviken range from
October to
December. Although spring usually signifies a warmer climate, Grytviken's spring temperatures maintain at a cooler palette hovering between -0.4°C (31.3°F) to 1.9°C (35.4°F). Furthermore, snowfall remains predominant during these months, ranging from 184mm (7.24") to 305mm (12.01"). Rainfall, on the other hand, lingers between 82mm (3.23") and 94mm (3.7"). Consequently, even the spring weather manifests dominated by cold and snowy conditions.
Summer weather in Grytviken
Distinctively, the summer season in
Grytviken, extend between
January and
March. During these times, the temperature varies from 0.5°C (32.9°F) to 3.1°C (37.6°F), which is slightly warmer compared to rest of the year. However, one must anticipate a substantial amount of rainfall that fluxes around 104mm (4.09") to 112mm (4.41") with frequent snowfall that measures between 125mm (4.92") and 208mm (8.19"). Indeed, even in summers, the weather remains predominantly cold and frosty.
Autumn weather in Grytviken
Fall in
Grytviken extends from
April through
June and often exhibits a drastic climate variety. This time of year indicates lower temperatures, ranging from -2.6°C (27.3°F) to 1.5°C (34.7°F). The consistent snowfall, measuring between 288mm (11.34") and 325mm (12.8"), along with rainfall spanning from 98mm (3.86") to 114mm (4.49"), make the ambiance rather chilly and moist.
Winter weather in Grytviken
The intense and biting winter weather grips
Grytviken from
July to
September, with temperatures dropping between -4.9°C (23.2°F) and -1.4°C (29.5°F). The settlement records the year's highest snowfall during these months, with values stretching from 292mm (11.5") to 421mm (16.57"). Accompanied by a rather comfortable rainfall of 87mm (3.43") to 105mm (4.13"), winters in Grytviken are notably frigid and snowy, featuring long stretching snow canopy as far as eyes can see.
Weather in January
In
Grytviken,
January's weather brings typical Antarctic conditions with prevailing chilly temperatures and an increased chance of snowfall. The days are relatively long compared to other months, and the city experiences a high average humidity of 91%.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
February rolls in,
Grytviken encounters slightly increased temperatures compared to the preceding month. Despite the marginal increment in temperature, the weather remains cold and windy, continuing
January's trend. This month endures lower rainfall levels with only 104mm (4.09") of precipitation, but the high humidity level of 91% persists.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March features less severe weather conditions in
Grytviken, observing a small drop in temperatures from the previous month. The daylight hours shrink further, leading to reduced evaporation and a subsequent decline in rainfall to 109mm (4.29").
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Tending towards a slightly better weather relief,
Grytviken in
April experiences the least rainfall and a noticeable decrease in humidity, dropping to 89%. Contrastingly, the month does not loosen the tight grasp of winter, as the city sees a sharp increment in snowfall with 325mm (12.8") of snow.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Grytviken's climate does not show signs of warming up in
May, with the mercury dipping further from the previous month, the city continues battling the biting cold. Accompanying this chillness is the month's maximum snowfall of an overwhelming 288mm (11.34").
Weather in May » Weather in June
The weather in
Grytviken does not seem to improve in
June either, the city embarks on this month with a further decrease in the average temperatures. Alongside this, June upholds the cold trend with a significant snowfall of 313mm (12.32") and the sea temperature slipping to 1°C (33.8°F).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The mid-year month,
July, brings slight improvements in the weather of
Grytviken. In this month, Grytviken endures the coolest temperature, with the mercury dipping to a lowest of -4.7°C (23.5°F). Precipitation of rain continues to decline, reaching 94mm (3.7").
Weather in July »Weather in August
In
Grytviken, the conditions in
August persistently continue to echo the chilly and brisk environment of the preceding months. However, the city also witnesses a noticeable increase in the snowfall amount, hitting the annual highest at 421mm (16.57").
Weather in August »Weather in September
September witnesses a slight respite from the harsh conditions in
Grytviken, giving a hint of spring, with a gradual rise in temperatures. Matching to this, the sea temperature also rises slightly from the absolute zero of the last two months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
Grytviken ventures into
October, the improvement in weather conditions becomes quite evident. A noticeable increase in temperatures makes this monthstand out in contrast to the past string of cold months. While the snowfall continues to decrease, the amount of daylight received begins to escalate, empowering a prompt rise in the number of sunny days.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Grytviken brings forth an upward swing in weather conditions, with further increments in temperature, giving a fair taste of approaching summer. The city witnesses an upswing in the number of sunny days, providing a much-needed respite from the long, cold, and dark days.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Closing out the year,
December in
Grytviken retains the feel of
November's weather with slightly warmer temperatures. The rise of temperature, however, is insufficient to deter the presence of snowfall and persisting rainfall, rising up to match the year-long high of 94mm (3.7").
Weather in December »