What’s the climate like in Heard Island and McDonald Islands?
The current climate of Heard Island and McDonald Islands features average monthly temperatures ranging from highs of 5°C during the day to lows of 1°C. The average yearly temperature is around 3°C. At night, temperatures in the colder months average around -1°C and in the warmer months around 3°C.
The highest temperature recorded in Heard Island and McDonald Islands in recent years was 8°C in February 2021. The lowest daytime temperature recorded was -6°C in August 2014.
On average, Heard Island and McDonald Islands gets 1380 mm of precipitation each year. Of this, about 251 cm is snowfall. For comparison, UK gets 701 mm of precipitation each year.
Best time to visit Heard Island and McDonald Islands?
If you’re looking for warm and sunny weather, there aren’t really any specific months that are best to visit Heard Island and McDonald Islands. The temperatures are too low year-round, or there’s just too much precipitation.
Climate Table of Heard Island and McDonald Islands
The climate table of Heard Island and McDonald Islands shows the average temperatures, precipitation, snow, and UV index per month. The table gives an overview of the average day and night temperatures in degrees Celsius, the total amount of precipitation in millimetres, the total snowfall in centimetres, and the UV index for each month. Precipitation is always measured as water, even if it's snow or hail.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
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| Temp. max (°C) | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Temp. min (°C) | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | -1 | -1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
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| Precipitation (mm) | 93 | 124 | 99 | 127 | 126 | 126 | 124 | 131 | 114 | 112 | 104 | 100 |
| Snow (cm) | 6,8 | 3,7 | 3,4 | 7,6 | 24 | 29 | 40 | 40 | 36 | 32 | 18 | 8,8 |
| UV Index | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
Click on the month name to see more weather details, like daily averages, temperatures, and precipitation for the past years in that month.
- Average yearly temperature: 3°C
- Highest temperature: 5°C in February and March
- Lowest temperature: 1°C in September
- Precipitation*: 1380 mm per year, averaging 115 mm per month
- Snowfall: 251 cm per year
- Driest months: 93 mm in January, 99 mm in March and 100 mm in December
- Wettest months: 131 mm in August, 127 mm in April and 126 mm in May
*Precipitation is measured as a combination of rain, snow, and hail
Table of Contents
Average Temperature per Month in Heard Island and McDonald Islands
This graph shows the average maximum temperatures per month in Heard Island and McDonald Islands. The temperatures are shown in degrees Celsius and the average is calculated based on the recorded temperatures per month from past years.
Average Precipitation per Month in Heard Island and McDonald Islands
This graph shows how much precipitation Heard Island and McDonald Islands gets on average per month. Precipitation is always measured as water, even if it's snow or hail. This makes it easy to compare how much has fallen, regardless of the form of precipitation. The amount of precipitation is measured in millimetres and the average is calculated based on the recorded precipitation per month from past years.
Average Snowfall per Month in Heard Island and McDonald Islands
This graph shows how much snow Heard Island and McDonald Islands gets on average per month. The amount of snowfall is measured in centimetres and the average is calculated based on the recorded snowfall per month from past years.
Average UV Index per Month in Heard Island and McDonald Islands
This graph shows the average UV index per month in Heard Island and McDonald Islands. The UV index indicates the intensity of ultraviolet radiation and ranges from 0 to a maximum of 11.
Yearly Temperature in Heard Island and McDonald Islands
This graph shows the average yearly temperature in Heard Island and McDonald Islands. The yearly temperature, expressed in degrees Celsius, is the average of all twelve monthly temperatures summed up for that year.
Total Yearly Precipitation in Heard Island and McDonald Islands
This chart shows the total yearly precipitation in Heard Island and McDonald Islands over the past few years. The total yearly precipitation, measured in millimetres, is the sum of all the rain that fell in the twelve months of that year.
Total Yearly Snowfall in Heard Island and McDonald Islands
This chart shows the total yearly snowfall in Heard Island and McDonald Islands over the past few years. The total yearly snowfall, measured in centimetres, is the sum of all the snow that fell in the twelve months of that year.
Weather experiences in Heard Island and McDonald Islands
The weather in Heard Island and McDonald Islands is rated an average of 1,3 out of 5 stars by 11 visitors. Have you been to Heard Island and McDonald Islands? Share your weather experience to help other visitors.
Write your own review
Regular snowfall and strong winds made outdoor recreation difficult. A plus was the pristine beauty of the white landscape.— This text is automatically translated to English
It rained regularly and there was almost no sun. Warm clothes were mandatory.— This text is automatically translated to English
There were cold winds, constant snowfall and extremely low temperatures. Not a single day did the thermometer rise above zero. Definitely not recommended for a holiday at this time.— This text is automatically translated to English
Temperatures will drop significantly and you may have to move your leisure activities indoors. Too rough for my taste.— This text is automatically translated to English
The cold is not to be underestimated and the wind is relentless. Perhaps a paradise for true polar travellers, but a challenge for the average tourist.— This text is automatically translated to English
Cold, harsh and unforgiving. The temperature dropped below zero. Rain and snow fell continuously, making the stay unpleasant. Definitely not the time of year to visit.— This text is automatically translated to English
The cold and strong winds were almost unbearable. Low cloud cover severely limited visibility. Definitely not recommended for holiday use.— This text is automatically translated to English
The climate is extremely unstable, with lots of wind and snow. You really need to be prepared for the weather here!— This text is automatically translated to English
Sustained heavy snowstorms and freezing temperatures. Not a minute's rest but the task of staying warm. Absolutely not recommended.— This text is automatically translated to English
Frequent snowfalls and strong gusts of wind make outdoor activities almost impossible. Be prepared if you like extreme weather.— This text is automatically translated to English
December is probably not the best time to visit the Heard and McDonald Islands. Severe frosts of minus 20 degrees and persistent snowstorms made outdoor recreation almost impossible. Next time, I will go to a warmer place.— This text is automatically translated to English
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Share your weather experiences in Heard Island and McDonald Islands.
Average Weather in Heard Island and McDonald Islands by Month
Click on a month below to see detailed weather info for Heard Island and McDonald Islands. Based on historical weather data, you can see the average temperature, precipitation, wind, and UV index for each day of the month.
