CLIMATE & WEATHER

Introduction
Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth. The climate is extremely harsh and dry.

Temperature

• Summer: -2°C to -20°C
  
  

• Winter: -40°C to -80°C
  
  

• Lowest temperature recorded on Earth: -89.2°C (Vostok Station)
  
  

Wind
Antarctica has strong “katabatic winds” — cold air rushing down from high elevations.
Winds can reach 200 km/h.

Precipitation
Antarctica is technically a desert because it receives very little snowfall.

Why It’s So Cold

• High elevation
  
  

• Sunlight angle is low
  
  

• Ice surface reflects sunlight
  
  

• Long periods of darkness