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Antarctica Weather

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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Aussie Brief Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.

Antarctica is the coldest, windiest and driest continent on Earth. The live forecast above shows current conditions at Australian research stations such as Casey, Davis and Mawson. In summer, coastal temperatures hover near freezing; inland, they stay below -30°C year-round. Snowfall is light but persistent wind creates frequent whiteouts.

How does Antarctica’s weather change with the seasons?

Summer (October to February) brings 24-hour daylight along the coast, with temperatures between -2°C and 8°C. The interior remains bitterly cold, rarely above -30°C. Winter sees coastal averages around -20°C, while the plateau plunges below -60°C. Despite the cold, Antarctica is a desert – annual precipitation is less than 50 mm water equivalent, mostly as ice crystals.

Summer coastal temp-2°C to 8°C
Winter interior tempbelow -60°C
Annual precipitation<50 mm water equivalent
Typical wind speed40–100 km/h, gusts >200 km/h

What does the 14-day forecast look like for Antarctica?

For a practical outlook, check the antarctica weather forecast 14 days data in the live forecast above. Generally, the interior stays clear and frigid, while coastal stations experience passing low-pressure systems. The weather in antarctica 10 days is also updated daily by the Bureau of Meteorology. If you’re planning a trip, be ready for sudden shifts – the antarctica weather tomorrow can differ wildly from today.

Does it snow every day in Antarctica?

No. The air is extremely dry, so actual snowfall is rare. Most “snow” events are blowing snow from the surface. The continent averages only a few centimetres of accumulation each year, mostly as fine diamond dust.

What is the warmest temperature ever recorded in Antarctica?

The highest reading was 18.3°C at Esperanza Base (Antarctic Peninsula) in February 2020. But even in summer, typical coastal highs sit around 0–5°C. The interior never gets above -10°C.

Why is Antarctica so windy?

Cold, dense air flows downhill from the high interior plateau, accelerating as it reaches the coast. These katabatic winds can exceed 200 km/h, scouring the surface and creating constant blowing snow.

For a broader perspective on Australian conditions, compare the antarctica weather temperature with our Australia weather hub or the current Melbourne weather. The antarctica weather today hourly data is best viewed directly from the live forecast above, as conditions can shift within minutes.