Rugged Island (South Shetland Islands)

Island Small rocky island in the South Shetlands, Antarctica

Off the west coast of Livingston Island, Rugged Island is uninhabited and frequented by Antarctic expeditions for penguin rookeries, seal haul‑outs and zodiac landings conducted under international environmental rules.

Main image
Rugged Island (South Shetland Islands)
-62.6330, -61.2500

How to Get to Rugged Island (South Shetland Islands) #

Rugged Island is accessible only via Antarctic expedition vessels operating from Ushuaia, Argentina, or occasionally from South American ports. Landings are permitted under the Antarctic Treaty System and are subject to operator itineraries and weather/ice conditions.

Tips for Visiting Rugged Island (South Shetland Islands) #

  • Only travel here with a licensed Antarctic operator-private attempts are strongly discouraged by Antarctic Treaty provisions.
  • Expect no facilities; landings are regulated by environmental protocols and often brief.
  • Bring appropriate cold-weather gear and follow all guide instructions to minimize environmental impact.

Best Time to Visit Rugged Island (South Shetland Islands) #

Visits to Rugged Island occur only in austral summer as part of Antarctic expedition itineraries; check operator schedules.

Austal summer (November-March)
Nov-Mar · -5°C to +3°C
The only practical time for expedition visits; wildlife is most active.

Weather & Climate near Rugged Island (South Shetland Islands) #

Climate

Rugged Island (South Shetland Islands)'s climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in January) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -9°C to 3°C. Moderate rainfall (679 mm/year).

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

January

January is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with 89 mm of rain.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

89 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
6.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy

May

May is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-6° -2°

Weather

41 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

June

June is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-8° -4°

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
6.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy

July

July is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-9° -5°

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy

August

August is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-9° -5°

Weather

37 mm
Rainfall
7.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

September

September is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-6° -2°

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

October

October is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy

November

November is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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