Powell Island
Island Large South Orkney island, ice-covered and remote
A remote island within the Southern Ocean/Antarctic region visited mainly by scientific teams and expedition cruises for seabird colonies, seal haul-outs and polar landscapes.
Powell Island is an uninhabited island in the South Orkney Islands of the Southern Ocean, part of the Antarctic region. It is one of a small group of subantarctic islands administered under the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty System.
The island is principally of interest for its polar environment and as part of regional wildlife and scientific interest in the South Orkney archipelago; there are no permanent settlements or visitor facilities on the island. Access is limited to scientific expeditions and specialist polar cruises.
The island was charted during the era of southern ocean exploration and has remained largely uninhabited; its environment is typical of South Orkney islands with rocky coasts and Antarctic flora and fauna.
Powell Island lies in the South Orkney Islands in the Southern Ocean, east of the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula region and subject to the Antarctic Treaty; it is remote from major inhabited centres.
How to Get to Powell Island #
Access to Powell Island is only by ship as part of regulated Antarctic expedition cruises; landings are weather and sea-ice dependent and organized by expedition operators following international guidelines.
Best Time to Visit Powell Island #
Visits are only possible as part of expedition cruises in the austral summer when sea ice permits landings; otherwise the island is inaccessible.
Weather & Climate near Powell Island #
Powell Island's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with freezing summers (peaking in February) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -16°C to 2°C. Moderate rainfall (656 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. The wettest month with 79 mm of rain and breezy conditions.
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May
May is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and breezy conditions.
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June
June is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and breezy conditions.
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July
July is the coldest month with highs of -7°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and breezy conditions.
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August
August is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
