Clarence Island (South Shetland Islands)
Island Remote Antarctic island in the South Shetlands
Part of the South Shetland Islands, Clarence Island features glaciated slopes and rugged coastline; Antarctic expedition cruises include the island for polar scenery, seabird colonies and remote landings when conditions permit.
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Clarence Island is an uninhabited island in the South Shetland Islands archipelago off the northwestern edge of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is part of the remote, largely ice-covered island groups that surround the peninsula and is subject to Antarctic environmental conditions.
The island is rugged and glaciated with no permanent human settlement; it is visited only occasionally by scientific or expedition vessels operating in the South Shetlands. Wildlife typical of the region may occur nearby, but there are no facilities or infrastructure on the island.
Geographically the island sits among the South Shetland chain in the Southern Ocean, far from any continental settlement and accessible only by ship during the austral summer window when sea and ice conditions permit passage.
How to Get to Clarence Island (South Shetland Islands) #
Clarence Island is visited only by Antarctic cruise ships or research vessels from Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile. Landings are subject to International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) rules and depend on sea ice and weather.
Tips for Visiting Clarence Island (South Shetland Islands) #
- Clarence Island is in the South Shetland Islands and accessible only by Antarctic cruise or research vessel-plan with an expedition operator and check IAATO guidelines.
- AIS-generated ice and weather reports determine landings-expect itineraries to change with weather and sea ice.
- There are no facilities; follow strict Antarctic environmental rules-don't disturb wildlife, and carry out all waste.
Best Time to Visit Clarence Island (South Shetland Islands) #
Visit during the Antarctic summer (Nov-Mar) via organized expedition vessels; landings depend on ice and weather.
Weather & Climate near Clarence Island (South Shetland Islands) #
Clarence Island (South Shetland Islands)'s climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with freezing summers (peaking in January) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -18°C to -1°C. Moderate rainfall (528 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and breezy conditions.
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June
June is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -17°C. The driest month with just 22 mm and breezy conditions.
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July
July is the coldest month with highs of -10°C and lows of -18°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and breezy conditions.
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August
August is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -14°C. Light rainfall and windy conditions.
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October
October is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -11°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. The wettest month with 72 mm of rain and breezy conditions.
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