Kelly Plateau

Plateau Antarctic plateau feature in the Transantarctic Mountains

An Antarctic plateau, Kelly Plateau lies in the continent’s high interior and is visited primarily by scientific expeditions studying glaciology, geology and polar climate conditions.

Kelly Plateau
-81.4000, 159.5000

How to Get to Kelly Plateau #

Access to Kelly Plateau is only possible via scientific or logistical expeditions to Antarctica during the austral summer (December-February). Travel typically involves intercontinental flights to Antarctic gateways (e.g., Punta Arenas, Chile) followed by a transfer on research vessels or ski-equipped aircraft arranged through national Antarctic programs or specialist operators.

Tips for Visiting Kelly Plateau #

  • Bring high-quality cold-weather gear and check logistics with Antarctic tour operators well in advance.
  • There are no visitor facilities; visits usually occur as part of scientific expeditions - coordinate through institutions or expedition companies.
  • Weather changes rapidly; route planning should include reliable satellite communication and contingency days.

Best Time to Visit Kelly Plateau #

Access is strictly seasonal (Antarctic summer) and generally restricted to research expeditions and trained personnel.

Antarctic summer
December-February · -20 to -5°C (-4 to 23°F) near the plateau edges
The only practical window for travel: slightly milder temperatures and continuous daylight for fieldwork.

Weather & Climate near Kelly Plateau #

Climate

Kelly Plateau's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in December) and freezing winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from -38°C to -9°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
-9°
Warmest Month
-38°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -14°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-14° -10°

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of -17°C and lows of -22°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-19°
Feels Like Freezing
-19°C
Temperature
-22° -17°

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of -25°C and lows of -30°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-27°
Feels Like Freezing
-27°C
Temperature
-30° -25°

Weather

4 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is freezing with highs of -29°C and lows of -34°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-32°
Feels Like Freezing
-32°C
Temperature
-34° -29°

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is freezing with highs of -30°C and lows of -36°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-33°
Feels Like Freezing
-33°C
Temperature
-36° -30°

Weather

4 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is freezing with highs of -30°C and lows of -35°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-32°
Feels Like Freezing
-32°C
Temperature
-35° -30°

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is freezing with highs of -31°C and lows of -37°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-34°
Feels Like Freezing
-34°C
Temperature
-37° -31°

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is the coldest month with highs of -32°C and lows of -38°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-35°
Feels Like Freezing
-35°C
Temperature
-38° -32°

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is freezing with highs of -30°C and lows of -36°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-33°
Feels Like Freezing
-33°C
Temperature
-36° -30°

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is freezing with highs of -25°C and lows of -31°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-28°
Feels Like Freezing
-28°C
Temperature
-31° -25°

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of -16°C and lows of -21°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.

Comfort

-19°
Feels Like Freezing
-19°C
Temperature
-21° -16°

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -14°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-14° -9°

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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