Lake Untersee
Lake Antarctic perennially ice-covered lake with microbial communities
In Antarctica’s polar interior, Lake Untersee is visited by scientific teams studying its perennial ice cover, unusual chemistry and microbial ecosystems under thick ice.
.jpg?width=1200)
How to Get to Lake Untersee #
Access is by scientific expedition from national Antarctic programs; travel involves long-range aircraft to Antarctic coastal bases followed by overland traverse or aircraft to inland field camps. Individual tourist access is not available.
Tips for Visiting Lake Untersee #
- Access is restricted to scientific parties; visitors should not attempt independent travel to the area without specific institutional permission.
- Logistical preparation is essential: extreme cold, crevasse risk near glacier termini, and isolation require specialized equipment and experienced Antarctic guides.
Best Time to Visit Lake Untersee #
Visits occur only during the Antarctic summer and are generally limited to scientific expeditions.
Weather & Climate near Lake Untersee #
Lake Untersee'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 -29°C to -4°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -10°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -14°C. Almost no rain and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -18°C. Almost no rain and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is freezing with highs of -16°C and lows of -22°C. Light rainfall and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is freezing with highs of -18°C and lows of -24°C. Light rainfall and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is freezing with highs of -19°C and lows of -26°C. Almost no rain and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is freezing with highs of -20°C and lows of -27°C. Light rainfall and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is the coldest month with highs of -22°C and lows of -29°C. Light rainfall and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is freezing with highs of -19°C and lows of -26°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is freezing with highs of -16°C and lows of -23°C. Almost no rain and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -16°C. Almost no rain and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -10°C. Almost no rain and windy conditions.
.jpg?width=600)
_(cropped).jpg?width=600)
