Heard Island and McDonald Islands climate and temperatures

The climate of Heard Island and McDonald Islands is a tundra climate (Köppen: ET), cold with no true summers. Monthly temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C in winter (June–August) to a maximum of 5°C in summer (December–February). The average annual temperature is around 3°C.

During the winter months, nighttime temperatures can drop to an average of -1°C, while summer nights average around 3°C.

Climate table of Heard Island and McDonald Islands

The climate table below gives you a clear overview of the climate in Heard Island and McDonald Islands by month, from average temperatures and rainfall to UV levels. This makes it easy to see when the weather best suits your travel plans.

Best time to visit Heard Island and McDonald Islands

The best time to visit Heard Island and McDonald Islands is January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November en December. During this period, temperatures are usually pleasant to warm and there is relatively little rainfall. Between January and December, average high temperatures range roughly from 4°C to 3°C, while rainfall remains limited. The warmest month is February, with an average daytime temperature of around 5°C. The driest month is January, with about 93 mm of rainfall, while August is usually the wettest month of the year, with approximately 131 mm. Snow is rare here, but may occasionally fall in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November en December.

Average temperature per month

This chart shows the average daytime (maximum) and nighttime (minimum) temperatures per month in Heard Island and McDonald Islands. The figures are based on climate data from recent years and are presented in degrees Celsius, so you can clearly see the temperature range for each month.

Average rainfall per month

This chart shows the average monthly rainfall in Heard Island and McDonald Islands. The figures are based on long-term climate data and are displayed in millimeters, so you can immediately see which months are drier or wetter.

Average UV index per month

This chart shows the average monthly sun intensity in Heard Island and McDonald Islands. The UV index ranges from 0 (no UV radiation) to 11+ (extreme). A higher UV index means you can burn more quickly, making proper sun protection increasingly important.

Average annual temperature

This chart shows the average annual temperature in Heard Island and McDonald Islands based on data from the past ten years. It allows you to see at a glance how the climate is evolving and whether there are clear warming trends.

Average annual rainfall

This chart shows the average annual rainfall in Heard Island and McDonald Islands over the past ten years. It allows you to see at a glance how much rain falls each year and whether there are clear fluctuations between the years.

Weather experiences in Heard Island and McDonald Islands

The weather in Heard Island and McDonald Islands is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8 visitors. Have you been to Heard Island and McDonald Islands? Share your experience with the weather to help other visitors plan their trip.

Average weather per month

Click on a month below and discover what the weather in Heard Island and McDonald Islands is typically like. For each period, you can instantly see the average temperature, rainfall, wind, and UV index. Thanks to years of historical weather data, you’ll know exactly what to expect during your trip.

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December