Bristol Island

Island Remote South Sandwich volcanic island with active volcanism

Bristol Island is a volcanic, uninhabited island in the South Sandwich archipelago. It is visited only by scientists and occasional expedition vessels studying volcanism and polar ecosystems.

Main image
Bristol Island
-59.0384, -26.5684

How to Get to Bristol Island #

Access only via expedition cruises or research vessels operating in the South Atlantic/Antarctic regions; itinerary-dependent and subject to strict environmental rules.

Tips for Visiting Bristol Island #

  • Expeditions to South Sandwich Islands are only possible as part of specialized cruises - plan well in advance and prepare for rough seas.
  • Observe all wildlife regulations - the islands are protected and landings are very limited.
  • Bring cold-weather and sea-sickness gear; the islands lie well south in the sub-Antarctic belt.

Best Time to Visit Bristol Island #

Visits only practicable in the austral summer during organized expeditions.

Southern summer
December-March · -5-5°C
The only practical time for expedition cruises; seas are still rough but wildlife is active.

Weather & Climate near Bristol Island #

Climate

Bristol Island's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with cold summers (peaking in February) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -8°C to 4°C. Abundant rainfall (1438 mm/year), wettest in January.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
Warmest Month
-8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (157 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

157 mm
Rainfall
7.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy

February

February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

146 mm
Rainfall
9.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy

March

March is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

127 mm
Rainfall
9.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy

April

April is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

116 mm
Rainfall
9.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy

May

May is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-4° -1°

Weather

127 mm
Rainfall
9.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy

June

June is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-7° -1°

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
9.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy

July

July is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-8° -2°

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
9.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy

August

August is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-7° -2°

Weather

111 mm
Rainfall
9.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy

September

September is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-6° -1°

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
9.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy

October

October is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-3°

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
9.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy

November

November is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
9.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy

December

December is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

131 mm
Rainfall
7.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy

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