Vostok Subglacial Highlands
Plateau Subglacial highlands beneath East Antarctic ice sheet
A subglacial highland region beneath Antarctic ice, of interest to glaciologists and polar researchers working near deep‑ice drilling and remote sensing stations.
How to Get to Vostok Subglacial Highlands #
There is no civilian access. Visits to Vostok-adjacent areas occur only as part of national Antarctic programs, typically via Antarctic research stations and heavy logistical support.
Tips for Visiting Vostok Subglacial Highlands #
- Any travel requires approval from a national Antarctic program and is limited to scientific personnel with logistical support.
- If reading about Lake Vostok, note that much of the surrounding subglacial topography was inferred via ice-penetrating radar and confirmed by deep drilling beginning in the 1990s-2000s.
Best Time to Visit Vostok Subglacial Highlands #
Access limited to scientific expeditions; operations concentrated in December-February.
Weather & Climate near Vostok Subglacial Highlands #
Vostok Subglacial Highlands's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in December) and freezing winters (coldest in May). Temperatures range from -63°C to -26°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is freezing with highs of -27°C and lows of -36°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of -35°C and lows of -46°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of -48°C and lows of -57°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is freezing with highs of -54°C and lows of -61°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is the coldest month with highs of -56°C and lows of -63°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is freezing with highs of -54°C and lows of -62°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is freezing with highs of -55°C and lows of -63°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is freezing with highs of -56°C and lows of -63°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is freezing with highs of -54°C and lows of -62°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is freezing with highs of -46°C and lows of -57°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is freezing with highs of -35°C and lows of -46°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of -26°C and lows of -36°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and breezy conditions.
