Mont Ross
Mountain Highest peak of Kerguelen Islands, glaciated volcanic summit
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Mont Ross is the highest peak of the Kerguelen Islands in the southern Indian Ocean and the highest point of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands, rising to roughly 1,850 metres. It is a prominent, glaciated volcanic massif within the Kerguelen archipelago.
The mountain is notable for steep, ice-covered slopes and cirques rather than developed visitor facilities; its scale and glaciation are the main natural features of interest. There are no regular tourist services on the island, so landings and climbs occur only as part of organised scientific or expedition trips.
Mont Ross is a volcanic massif formed as part of the Kerguelen Plateau volcanic province. Its present shape reflects volcanic building and subsequent glacial erosion.
Geographically it sits on the main islands of the Kerguelen group in the southern Indian Ocean. The nearest permanent settlement is the French research station Port-aux-Français on Kerguelen.
- Height: Elevation is about 1,850 metres, making it the highest point of the Kerguelen Islands.
- Access: Very remote and glaciated - access is normally by organised scientific or expedition voyages to the Kerguelen archipelago.
How to Get to Mont Ross #
Mont Ross is reached only via specialised expeditions to the Kerguelen Islands (French Southern and Antarctic Lands). Voyages depart from Réunion or Cape Town and require coordination with scientific authorities and expedition operators.
Tips for Visiting Mont Ross #
- Mont Ross is remote and climbed only by experienced mountaineers with logistical support-plan as part of an Antarctic/sub-Antarctic expedition.
- Weather is extreme and unpredictable; suitable for professionals only.
- If sight-seeing, arrange observation from ship decks-Zodiac landings are rare and strictly controlled.
Best Time to Visit Mont Ross #
Visits possible only in the austral summer and usually as part of scientific or specialised cruise itineraries.
Weather & Climate near Mont Ross #
Mont Ross's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in February) and freezing winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from -7°C to 5°C. Abundant rainfall (1026 mm/year), wettest in January, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (102 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and breezy conditions.
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June
June is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and windy conditions.
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July
July is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and breezy conditions.
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August
August is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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