Admiralty Mountains

Mountains Mountain range with glaciated peaks in Antarctica

The Admiralty Mountains form a rugged coastal range in northern Victoria Land, Antarctica; scientists and expedition teams study glaciers, steep peaks and polar weather here.

The Admiralty Mountains are a major mountain group in northern Victoria Land, Antarctica, forming part of the Transantarctic system. They are a prominent topographic feature of the region with numerous peaks and glaciers.

The range is primarily of interest to scientific expeditions studying Antarctic geology, glaciology and climate; it is not a tourist destination and access is by specialist logistical support. Glaciated terrain and severe weather dominate the landscape.

The mountains were charted during 19th and 20th century Antarctic exploration and have been mapped and studied in subsequent scientific surveys. Field parties have used portions of the range for geological and glaciological research.

Geographically the range lies in northern Victoria Land along the western margins of the Ross Sea sector of Antarctica, forming part of the coastline-to-interior mountain systems of the region.

Admiralty Mountains
-71.7881, 168.7617

How to Get to Admiralty Mountains #

Access to the Admiralty Mountains is only via organized Antarctic expeditions. Most science and tourism operations stage from New Zealand (Christchurch) or from seasonal bases such as McMurdo Station. Travel typically involves an ice-strengthened ship with helicopter support or logistics provided by national Antarctic programs. Independent travel is not possible due to environmental regulations and extreme conditions.

Tips for Visiting Admiralty Mountains #

  • Travel to the Admiralty Mountains requires expedition planning-coordinate with Antarctic tour operators or national Antarctic programs; independent visits are not feasible.
  • Bring a satellite communications device and emergency survival equipment; the mountains are remote and weather changes fast.
  • If flying in via helicopter from McMurdo or New Zealand logistics, pack redundantly: layers, crampons, and glacier travel gear are mandatory.

Best Time to Visit Admiralty Mountains #

Visits are limited to the Antarctic summer and require coordination with national Antarctic programs or specialized expedition operators.

Antarctic Summer
November-February · -2 to -20°C (28 to -4°F)
The only viable time to visit; relatively milder temperatures and nearly 24-hour daylight make fieldwork and landings possible.

Weather & Climate near Admiralty Mountains #

Climate

Admiralty Mountains's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in January) and freezing winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from -47°C to -20°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
-20°
Warmest Month
-47°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -20°C and lows of -30°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-25°
Feels Like Freezing
-25°C
Temperature
-31° -20°

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
7.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy

February

February is freezing with highs of -23°C and lows of -34°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-29°
Feels Like Freezing
-29°C
Temperature
-34° -23°

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
7.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy

March

March is freezing with highs of -30°C and lows of -40°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-35°
Feels Like Freezing
-35°C
Temperature
-40° -30°

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is freezing with highs of -36°C and lows of -44°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-40°
Feels Like Freezing
-40°C
Temperature
-44° -36°

Weather

12 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy

May

May is freezing with highs of -38°C and lows of -46°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-42°
Feels Like Freezing
-42°C
Temperature
-46° -38°

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is freezing with highs of -36°C and lows of -44°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-40°
Feels Like Freezing
-40°C
Temperature
-44° -37°

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
7.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

July

July is freezing with highs of -38°C and lows of -46°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-42°
Feels Like Freezing
-42°C
Temperature
-46° -38°

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
8.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy

August

August is the coldest month with highs of -40°C and lows of -47°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-44°
Feels Like Freezing
-44°C
Temperature
-47° -40°

Weather

27 mm
Rainfall
9.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy

September

September is freezing with highs of -37°C and lows of -45°C. Almost no rain and windy conditions.

Comfort

-41°
Feels Like Freezing
-41°C
Temperature
-45° -37°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
11.2 m/s
Wind
Windy

October

October is freezing with highs of -33°C and lows of -43°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-38°
Feels Like Freezing
-38°C
Temperature
-43° -33°

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
8.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy

November

November is freezing with highs of -26°C and lows of -36°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-31°
Feels Like Freezing
-31°C
Temperature
-36° -26°

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
8.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy

December

December is freezing with highs of -20°C and lows of -30°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-26°
Feels Like Freezing
-26°C
Temperature
-31° -21°

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
6.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy

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