When to Go
Best Time to Visit Welcome Islands
Visitation is seasonal and typically only possible during the Southern Hemisphere summer on organised expeditions.
Southern Hemisphere Summer
November-March · 0-8°C
The only practical time for expedition visits; wildlife activity is highest.
Weather & Climate near Welcome Islands
Climate
Continental climate with cold summers (peaking in February) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -5°C to 8°C. Abundant rainfall (1630 mm/year), wettest in February.
Air Quality:
AQI 14
Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
8°
Warmest Month
-5°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 3° - 7° | 2° | 136 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 4° - 8° | 2° | 165 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 3° - 7° | 1° | 155 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 1° - 5° | -1° | 153 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -2° - 3° | -4° | 154 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | -4° - 2° | -6° | 148 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | -5° - 2° | -7° | 142 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | -4° - 2° | -6° | 139 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | -3° - 3° | -5° | 121 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -1° - 5° | -3° | 97 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 1° - 6° | -1° | 110 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 2° - 6° | 4° | 110 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
Getting There & Around
How to Get to Welcome Islands
The Welcome Islands are typically visited as part of expedition cruises in the Southern Ocean or South Atlantic. Access is by ship only; itineraries are seasonal and organised by specialised polar expedition companies.
Tips for Visiting Welcome Islands
- These subantarctic islands are remote and weather is severe-visits generally occur as part of expedition cruises; plan through an operator experienced in subantarctic itineraries.
- Pack heavy-duty cold-weather gear and expect limited shore time even when the ship can anchor.
- Wildlife viewing is best from the ship's deck and during tightly controlled landings supervised by guides.