Hearst Island

Island Uninhabited Antarctic island in the Bellingshausen Sea

A small island off the Antarctic Peninsula visited mainly by researchers and expedition ships; noted for polar landscapes, sea ice and opportunities to observe seabirds and seals from vessels.

Hearst Island
-69.4167, -62.1667

How to Get to Hearst Island #

Hearst Island is only reachable via licensed Antarctic expedition vessels during the austral summer (November-March). All visits must comply with Antarctic Treaty environmental regulations and be organised through approved operators.

Tips for Visiting Hearst Island #

  • Extreme polar conditions make any travel here specialized; coordinate with an expedition operator.
  • Expect no facilities; bring all required supplies and plan for self-sufficiency.
  • Respect environmental regulations for Antarctic landings and white-continent protections.

Best Time to Visit Hearst Island #

Visits are possible only during the Antarctic summer when sea ice retreats; all access must follow Antarctic Treaty and expedition protocols.

Antarctic Summer
November-March · -2-5°C (coastal summers)
The only window for sea access and landings; wildlife is active and daylight is nearly continuous.

Weather & Climate near Hearst Island #

Climate

Hearst Island's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in January) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -22°C to 0°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
-1°
Warmest Month
-22°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-5° -1°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-8° -3°

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -13°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-13° -8°

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -17°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-15°
Feels Like Freezing
-15°C
Temperature
-17° -12°

Weather

26 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -19°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-16°
Feels Like Freezing
-16°C
Temperature
-19° -13°

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is freezing with highs of -14°C and lows of -20°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-17°
Feels Like Freezing
-17°C
Temperature
-20° -14°

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coldest month with highs of -16°C and lows of -22°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-19°
Feels Like Freezing
-19°C
Temperature
-22° -16°

Weather

26 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is freezing with highs of -16°C and lows of -22°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-19°
Feels Like Freezing
-19°C
Temperature
-22° -16°

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -19°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-16°
Feels Like Freezing
-16°C
Temperature
-19° -13°

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-16° -9°

Weather

15 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -10°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-10° -4°

Weather

4 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

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

Weather

4 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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