Horlick Mountains
Mountain Remote Antarctic mountain range in the Transantarctic Mountains
A mountain group in Marie Byrd Land, the Horlick Mountains serve scientific parties and occasional mountaineers studying Antarctic geology and ice-sheet dynamics in an isolated polar setting.
The Horlick Mountains are a large group of mountains in Antarctica located near 85°S, 120°W and forming part of the Transantarctic mountain system. They consist of numerous peaks, ridges and glaciers rather than a single summit.
The range includes extensive glaciated terrain and nunatak peaks that rise above the ice, providing geomorphological features of interest to geologists and glaciologists. Scientific visits are limited and conducted from research stations during austral summer.
The mountains were mapped and explored during 20th-century Antarctic expeditions and have been studied intermittently by geological and glaciological teams. The range’s mapping and naming followed exploratory surveys and aerial reconnaissance.
The Horlick Mountains lie in the interior of Antarctica, within the Transantarctic Mountains system, and are accessible only by organized scientific logistics from Antarctic research bases.
How to Get to Horlick Mountains #
There are no public transport routes. Access is only by organized scientific or logistical Antarctic flights and over-snow vehicles from established Antarctic logistics hubs (McMurdo Station or remote field camps). Travel requires significant specialist support and permits under the Antarctic Treaty System.
Best Time to Visit Horlick Mountains #
The Horlick Mountains are remote and accessible only to scientific expeditions or highly specialized polar tours during the Antarctic summer. There are no visitor facilities.
Weather & Climate near Horlick Mountains #
Horlick 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 -42°C to -13°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -19°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -19°C and lows of -26°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -26°C and lows of -33°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -29°C and lows of -36°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is freezing with highs of -30°C and lows of -38°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and breezy conditions.
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June
June is freezing with highs of -30°C and lows of -37°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.
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July
July is freezing with highs of -32°C and lows of -40°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and breezy conditions.
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August
August is the coldest month with highs of -34°C and lows of -42°C. The wettest month with 48 mm of rain and breezy conditions.
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September
September is freezing with highs of -32°C and lows of -40°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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October
October is freezing with highs of -27°C and lows of -34°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -19°C and lows of -26°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -19°C. Almost no rain.
