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

Perched in the southernmost region of the planet, South Georgia Island is characterized by a unique climate that warrants the Köppen Tundra classification (ET). The climatological specifics of this island translate to predominantly cold weather patterns, and the consistency in these patterns is mirrored throughout the year. The average high temperature here oscillates from 1.9°C (35.4°F) in April to 5.6°C (42.1°F) in February, while the low averages between -5.4°C (22.3°F) in July to 1.4°C (34.5°F) in February. The weather on this island, in essence, demands careful preparation and suitable gear, given the persistently chilly conditions.

Rainfall consistency is another vital factor to the island's climate, with the annual lowest figure of 77mm (3.03") in December and highest at 123mm (4.84") in April. Interestingly, no drastic disparities are evident in the rainfall patterns. Significantly, the daylight availability sees prominent swings across the year. December brings the maximum daylight with 17.1 hours, which dwindles to a minimum of 7.4 hours in June. In terms of sunshine hours, December again headlines with the highest sunshine hours at 5.8, contrasting the meager 0.4 sunshine hours experienced in June.

The contrast in daylight and sunshine hours testifies to the polar conditions, with a general plunge in such hours during the harsh winters and their consequent surge during the friendlier summer months. South Georgia Island's climatic idiosyncrasies translate into a landscape marked by tundra and are integral to its unique ecological niche in the global map.

Undoubtedly, the best period to explore South Georgia Island is during the 'warmer' months from December to February. During this time, temperatures remain relatively mild, ranging from 4.5°C (40.1°F) to 5.6°C (42.1°F) during the day and 0.6°C (33.1°F) to 1.4°C (34.5°F) during the night. Also, this period favors exploration with the added benefit of prolonged daylight hours, peaking in December at 17.1 hours. Moreover, December boasts the highest sunshine hours at 5.8, offering abundant opportunities to witness the pristine beauty of South Georgia Island under favorable light settings.

The months from June to August can be challenging for visitors due to the extreme weather conditions prevalent during this period. During these winter months, South Georgia Island exhibits its coldest temperatures, which drop to -5.4°C (22.3°F) at night in July. Sunshine hours reach their nadir in June, with a meager 0.4 hours per day, and daylight availability also sinks to its lowest in June with just 7.4 hours. Consequently, these conditions considerably limit the exploration opportunities and potential activities on the island, thus making it less ideal for visitors.

The spring on South Georgia Island, spanning September to November, presents a gradual warming trend with daylight and sunshine hours noticeable on the rise. While September experiences the lowest average high at -0.2°C (31.6°F), November records a high of 3.4°C (38.1°F). Correspondingly, the low temperature improves from -3.4°C (25.9°F) to -1.5°C (29.3°F). Rainfall during these months also remains steady, ranging from 107mm (4.21") to 88mm (3.46"). The daylight hours increase from 11.7 in September to 16 in November, while sunshine hours witness a rise from 4.1 to 5.8 hours over the same period.

On South Georgia Island, the summer months from December through February are relatively moderate. High temperatures range from 4.5°C (40.1°F) to 5.6°C (42.1°F), whereas low temperatures hover from 0.6°C (33.1°F) to 1.4°C (34.5°F). February experiences marginally more clement weather, with an average high of 5.6°C (42.1°F). Rainfall does exhibit a slight drop in these months, oscillating between 77mm (3.03") in December to 80mm (3.15") in February. The hallmark of the summer season is the generous amount of daylight, which soars from 16.5 hours in December to 14.7 hours in January and February.

Autumn, extending from March to May, witnesses a visible cooling trend. The average high temperatures decrease from 4.4°C (39.9°F) in March to -0.5°C (31.1°F) by May, while the lows drop from 0.6°C (33.1°F) to -3.8°C (25.2°F) within the same timeline. Rainfall, however, shows an ascending trend, starting from 95mm (3.74") in March to 108mm (4.25") in May. Daylight and sunshine follow a declination path, with daylight hours receding from 12.5 in March to 8.4 hours in May, and sunshine hours tapering from 4.1 to 1.1 hours.

In winter, June through August, the island experiences its coldest temperatures, resulting in a climate best described as chilly and harsh. High temperatures rest between -1.8°C (28.8°F) in June to -2.4°C (27.7°F) in July, and the lowest temperature reaches -5.4°C (22.3°F) in July, amplifying the winter chill. Rainfall stands relatively consistent, fluctuating from 108mm (4.25") in June to 120mm (4.72") in July. Daylight hours remain low but see a slight increase from 7.4 hours in June to 7.9 hours in July. Correspondingly, sunshine hours following a similar trend, increasing from 0.4 hours in June to 0.7 hours in July.

January in South Georgia Island witnesses a relatively mild start to a new year with rains being a common phenomenon. Contrasting the frozen landscape of December, January unfolds a brighter image with longer daylight hours. The mercury levels hover from 0.7°C (33.3°F) to 5.5°C (41.9°F), bringing a little warmth to this Southern Atlantic island. Weather in January »

Moving into February, the weather in South Georgia Island holds many similarities with January. The landscape becomes a painting of gray and white, the sky often adorning a coat of cloud. As a continuation of the January weather pattern, rains persist with an intensity slightly lower than January. Weather in February »

March marks a transition in South Georgia Island’s weather from its rainiest phase to a dryer period. The rain showers tend to become a tad infrequent when compared to February. Parallely, the increasing cold slightly pulls down the temperature range to between 0.6°C (33.1°F) and 4.4°C (39.9°F), notably lower than February. Weather in March »

The arrival of April brings with it a noticeable shift in the weather pattern on South Georgia Island. Overall, the month harbors the year's highest rainfall level at 123mm (4.84"), setting it apart in the precipitation trend. Post-April, daylight hours steadily shrink, beckoning the darker phase of weather further down the yearly cycle. Weather in April »

May's arrival in South Georgia Island sets the stage for a colder, darker phase with a significant drop in temperature and sunlight. With temperatures oscillating in the negative region, the hostile bitter winds lay the groundwork for the upcoming fierce winter. Weather in May »

Days in June are substantially shorter on South Georgia Island, influenced by the Southern Hemisphere's typical winter pattern. Low levels of daylight and harsh temperatures mark June as one of the toughest months in terms of weather conditions. Weather in June »

When it comes to the peak of cold and minimal sunshine, July is the front runner in South Georgia Island’s entire yearly weather cycle. It is the coldest and least sunny month, with a temperature range from -5.4°C (22.3°F) to -2.4°C (27.7°F) and an average sunshine of just 0.7 hours. Weather in July »

August marks a gradual upward shift in temperatures on South Georgia Island after the frigid July. The scenes slightly mellow down as the daylight hours begin to extend again. Even though August brings with it a generous share of rain, the average sunshine hours show a significant rise when compared to July. Weather in August »

September brings a noticeable uptick in temperatures on South Georgia Island, painting a silver lining around the consistently lowering mercury levels. With rain showers being a continued companion, sunshine starts to have a more meaningful duration than in August. Weather in September »

As October unfolds, South Georgia Island begins to thaw with a marked reduction in the harsh weather conditions. This positive transition places October in contrast with the preceding cold months, exemplifying the islands' capacity for significant weather changes. Weather in October »

As November takes over the calendar, South Georgia Island sees a significant upswing in weather conditions. Slowly pulling away from the harsh winter, the island welcomes longer daylight hours, extended sunshine duration, and a warmer atmosphere. Weather in November »

Closing in on the year-end, December brings a warmer breath of air to South Georgia Island. The temperatures ranging from -0.6°C (30.9°F) to 4.5°C (40.1°F) is inevitably refreshing compared to the icy cold just a few months earlier. Weather in December »