In Antarctica, the concept of seasons is based on the southern hemisphere, resulting in drastic temperature changes and alternating sunlight conditions with each season. Below are the monthly climate characteristics and major events and cultural activities related to research, tourism, and ecosystems.
Spring (March to May)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Begins to drop sharply from the relatively mild summer temperatures (around -5 to 0°C)
- Sunlight: Shortening daylight hours, a period when the sun sets heading towards polar night
- Features: Reformation of sea ice begins, and ice formation progresses along coastal areas
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relationship with Climate |
| March |
Summary of Summer Season & Cleanup |
24-hour daylight ends, and preparations for equipment organization and cleanup at research bases begin |
| April |
Sea Ice Expansion Observation |
As sea ice gradually increases, sea ice observation and sampling become active |
| May |
Winter Harsh Environment Measures |
Temperature drops close to -30°C. Each base conducts winter supplies and heating equipment inspections |
Summer (June to August)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Lowest of the year (below -40°C) during the coldest period
- Sunlight: 24-hour polar night (no sun rises)
- Features: Severe cold and snowstorms are frequent, limiting outdoor activities
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relationship with Climate |
| June |
Wintering Team Preparation & Snow Cave Construction |
Constructing snow caves and domes on the ice sheet to establish living conditions for the wintering team |
| July |
Polar Night Astronomical Observation |
High atmospheric transparency allows for aurora observation and star photography |
| August |
Meteorological and Ice Sheet Deep Research |
Utilizing the lowest temperature period for ice core sampling and long-term atmospheric sample collection |
Autumn (September to November)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Begins to rise from -20 to -5°C
- Sunlight: Gradual recovery of daylight hours after polar night ends
- Features: Sea ice begins to crack, and biological activities become active along coastal areas
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relationship with Climate |
| September |
First Sunrise & Sea Ice Cracking Observation |
Observations of increasing cracks with the return of the sun |
| October |
Beginning of Sea Ice Melting Investigation |
Start of penguin nesting site surveys and seal birthing observations along the coast |
| November |
Start of the Summer Research Season |
Large-scale investigations by aircraft and ships, and the activation of international joint projects |
Winter (December to February)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Ranges from -5 to +2°C, the warmest period of the year (Antarctic summer)
- Sunlight: 24-hour white nights (the sun does not set)
- Features: Accepting tourists due to mild climate, enabling large-scale field research
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relationship with Climate |
| December |
Start of Summer Tourist Season |
Cruise ships and sightseeing flights operate, with landscape tourism becoming active in 24-hour daylight |
| January |
Ecosystem Monitoring |
Peak of penguin breeding, with observations of chick growth and marine biology programs being conducted |
| February |
Iceberg Drifting Survey & Marine Research |
Targeting the highest seawater temperatures for marine circulation and plankton studies |
Summary of Seasonal Events and Climate Relationships
| Season |
Climate Characteristics |
Example Major Events |
| Spring |
Temperature decline, approaching polar night, reformation of sea ice |
Cleanup work, sea ice expansion observation |
| Summer |
Extreme cold, polar night, snowstorms |
Snow cave construction, astronomical observations, ice sheet deep research |
| Autumn |
Temperature rise, recovery of sunlight, sea ice cracking |
First sunrise observation, sea ice melting investigation, start of summer research |
| Winter |
High temperatures, white nights, mild weather |
Tourist season, penguin breeding surveys, marine research |
Additional Notes
- The Environmental Protection Protocol based on international treaties is strictly enforced.
- Data from seasonal transition periods serves as an important indicator for climate change research.
- Each country's wintering teams continue long-term observations on a rotating basis.
- The tourism industry is only permitted during a limited period, with necessary safety management and reduction of environmental impact.
Activities in Antarctica are centered around extreme environments, and climate changes with each season are deeply connected to research, tourism, and ecosystems.
Sunny