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

Climate and monthly weather forecast

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 »

Frequently asked questions

What is the most humid month?
The months with the highest humidity are January and February, with an average relative humidity of 91%.
How many days does it rain?
Throughout the year, there are 168.8 rainfall days, and 1190mm (46.85") of precipitation is accumulated.
When does it snow?
January through December are months with snowfall.
How many days does it snow?
In Grytviken, during the entire year, snow falls for 193 days and aggregates up to 3130mm (123.23") of snow.
When is the sea warmest?
January through April, with an average sea temperature of 3°C (37.4°F), are months with the warmest seawater in Grytviken.
What is the month with the highest UV index?
The months with the highest UV index are January through December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.
What is the month with the lowest UV index?
The months with the lowest UV index are January through December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.
What is the hottest time of year in Grytviken?
Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, experiences its average highest temperatures in February, reaching a peak of 3.1°C (37.6°F) and a minimum of 1°C (33.8°F).
When it does not snow?
March is the month with the least snowfall. Snow falls for 12.7 days and accumulates 125mm (4.92") of snow.
What is the rainiest month?
The month with the most rainfall is April, when the rain falls for 16 days and typically aggregates up to 114mm (4.49") of precipitation.
What is the month with the shortest days?
June has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 7h and 24min of daylight.
What are the least humid months in Grytviken?
The months with the lowest humidity are July and August, with an average relative humidity of 87%.
What month is the coldest?
August is the coldest month, with an average high-temperature of -1.6°C (29.1°F) and an average low-temperature of -4.9°C (23.2°F).
What is the snowiest month?
The month with the most snowfall is August, when snow falls for 19 days and typically aggregates up to 421mm (16.57") of snow.
What months are the sea coldest?
August through October, with an average sea temperature of 0°C (32°F), are months with the coldest seawater.
What is the month with the least sunshine?
August has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 3h of sunshine.
What is the driest month?
October is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 10.5 days and accumulates 82mm (3.23") of precipitation.
What month has the most sunshine?
The month with the most sunshine is October, with an average of 5.8h of sunshine.
When are the longest days in Grytviken?
With an average of 17h and 6min of daylight, December has the longest days of the year.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
Grytviken does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). -02 timezone is used throughout the entire year.
Average temperature - Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Average temperature
Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is February (3.1°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is August (-1.6°C).

The month with the highest average low temperature is February (1°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is August (-4.9°C).

Average pressure - Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Average pressure
Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is September (1002.1mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is December (992.9mbar).

Average wind speed - Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Average wind speed
Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is September (25.7km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is December (23.5km/h).

Average humidity - Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Average humidity
Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

The months with the highest relative humidity are January and February (91%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are July and August (87%).

Average rainfall - Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Average rainfall
Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is April (114mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is October (82mm).

Average rainfall days - Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Average rainfall days
Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

The month with the highest number of rainy days is March (20.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is August (7.8 days).

Average snowfall - Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Average snowfall
Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

The month with the highest snowfall is August (421mm).
The month with the least snowfall is March (125mm).

Average snowfall days - Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Average snowfall days
Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is August (19 days).
The month with the least snowfall days is February (11.7 days).

Average sea temperature - Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Average sea temperature
Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

The best months for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) are January, February, March and April (3°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are August, September and October (0°C).

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 17h and 6min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 7h and 24min).

The month with the most sunshine is October (Average sunshine: 5h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 3h and 0min).

Average sunshine days - Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Average sunshine days
Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

The months with the most sunshine days are September and November (4 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is January (1.1 days).

Average UV index - Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Average UV index
Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

The months with the highest UV index are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (UV index 1).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (UV index 1).

Average cloud cover - Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Average cloud cover
Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 73).
The month with the least cloud cover is October (Cloud cover 66).

Average visibility - Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Average visibility
Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, October, November and December (8km).
The months with the lowest visibility are July, August and September (7km).

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