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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Canada Edition Weather Desk. Data from Environment and Climate Change Canada and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
The live forecast above shows Antarctica’s interior locked well below –50°C, while coastal stations such as McMurdo hover near –20°C in late summer. The continent is the coldest, driest and windiest place on Earth, with conditions that shift little from day to day.
What drives Antarctica’s extreme cold?
Antarctica’s high elevation – much of the East Antarctic Plateau sits above 3,000 metres – combined with its polar latitude and the reflective white surface means solar energy is minimal even in summer. The continent also acts as a giant heat sink, with the Southern Ocean surrounding it and katabatic winds funnelling cold air down from the plateau. During the austral winter, the sun disappears for months, allowing temperatures to plunge below –80°C in the interior.
How does the season affect conditions?
Antarctica’s weather is defined by its two seasons: the austral summer (October to February) and the austral winter (March to September). In summer, coastal areas see temperatures hover between –2°C and –10°C, with 24-hour daylight and frequent storms. Winter brings darkness, extreme cold and sea‑ice expansion. Antarctica weather in summer is the only window for most research and tourism, while weather in Antarctica 10 days out can shift quickly due to passing cyclones. For a detailed look at how polar conditions compare with Canadian winters, visit our Canada weather hub.
Does it ever snow in Antarctica?
Yes, but snowfall is light and rarely accumulates in the interior. Most precipitation falls as snow along the coast, where storms can drop a few centimetres at a time. The dry interior receives less moisture than the Sahara.
How cold does it get in the middle of winter?
On the East Antarctic Plateau, winter temperatures routinely fall below –70°C. The coldest reliably measured temperature on Earth is –89.2°C at Vostok Station. Coastal stations are milder, typically –20°C to –40°C.
Can you see the sun in summer?
Yes – south of the Antarctic Circle, the sun never sets during midsummer, providing 24 hours of daylight. This constant sunlight helps warm coastal areas slightly, but the angle remains low, so temperatures rarely rise above freezing.