Markham Plateau

Plateau Antarctic ice plateau in central sector of continent

A high Antarctic plateau visited mainly by scientific teams studying ice, climate and glaciology; access is by research expedition rather than regular tourism.

Main image
Markham Plateau
Markham Plateau, Antarctica (Queen Elizabeth Land region)
-82.9333, 161.1667

How to Get to Markham Plateau #

Access is via organised scientific or expedition voyages that operate in Antarctic waters; travel requires coordination with national Antarctic programs or accredited expedition companies. Overland traverses are planned by research institutions with appropriate permits.

Tips for Visiting Markham Plateau #

  • Any travel to Antarctic regions requires operators accredited by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO); choose a ship with experienced guides.
  • Weather can change quickly-bring approved cold‑weather gear and layered insulation.
  • If planning scientific visits, coordinate well in advance with research institutions that hold permits and logistical details for the region.

Best Time to Visit Markham Plateau #

Access is limited to the Antarctic summer (roughly November-March); travel is restricted and typically part of scientific expeditions.

Antarctic summer
November-March · −20 to −40°C (varies widely and locally)
The only practical season for shipborne and scientific access; daylight is continuous for much of the period.

Weather & Climate near Markham Plateau #

Climate

Markham 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 -57°C to -26°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
-26°
Warmest Month
-57°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -26°C and lows of -35°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.

Comfort

-31°
Feels Like Freezing
-31°C
Temperature
-35° -26°

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is freezing with highs of -33°C and lows of -43°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-38°
Feels Like Freezing
-38°C
Temperature
-43° -33°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is freezing with highs of -42°C and lows of -51°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-47°
Feels Like Freezing
-47°C
Temperature
-51° -42°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is freezing with highs of -47°C and lows of -55°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-51°
Feels Like Freezing
-51°C
Temperature
-55° -47°

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is freezing with highs of -47°C and lows of -55°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.

Comfort

-51°
Feels Like Freezing
-51°C
Temperature
-55° -47°

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is freezing with highs of -46°C and lows of -54°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.

Comfort

-50°
Feels Like Freezing
-50°C
Temperature
-54° -46°

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is freezing with highs of -48°C and lows of -55°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-52°
Feels Like Freezing
-52°C
Temperature
-55° -48°

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is the coldest month with highs of -50°C and lows of -57°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-53°
Feels Like Freezing
-53°C
Temperature
-57° -50°

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is freezing with highs of -47°C and lows of -54°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.

Comfort

-51°
Feels Like Freezing
-51°C
Temperature
-54° -47°

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is freezing with highs of -42°C and lows of -50°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.

Comfort

-46°
Feels Like Freezing
-46°C
Temperature
-50° -42°

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of -33°C and lows of -41°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.

Comfort

-37°
Feels Like Freezing
-37°C
Temperature
-41° -33°

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -26°C and lows of -34°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-30°
Feels Like Freezing
-30°C
Temperature
-34° -26°

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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