Seasons are different all over the planet. You might be used to the four seasons – winter, spring, summer and autumn, or a wet season and a dry season. On the continent of Antarctica, there are only two seasons, winter and summer.
In the southern hemisphere, where Antarctica is, summer and winter are at the opposite time of year to the northern hemisphere. Summer in Antarctica starts in October and ends in March, and winter starts in March and lasts until October.
Antarctic seasons change as Earth moves around the sun. Earth is a globe that spins around an axis. That axis is tilted. Because it is tilted, Antarctica and the south pole point towards the sun in summer and away from the sun in winter.
Daylight in an Antarctic Winter
When Antarctica is pointing towards the sun, in summer, there is sunlight all day long, and the sun does not set until the winter. This is often called Antarctic Day, with the Midnight Sun. You would be able to read a newspaper outside at midnight at the South Pole. If you’re camping in the Antarctic summer, it’s best to bring an eye mask!
In winter, it is dark all day long, and this is called Antarctic Night. Even at 12:00 noon, it will be pretty dark south of 80 degrees south. The sun may just peek above the horizon north of 80 degrees south.
Temperatures in an Antarctic winter
Because the sun never rises, Antarctic winters are very cold. The average temperature across Antarctica during winter is -34.4°C. Even in summer, Antarctica is still really cold, with temperatures rarely above freezing (0°C), except at the coasts and extremities.
Sea ice in the Antarctic Winter
In an Antarctic winter, it is so cold that the sea freezes, forming briney sea ice that surrounds the continent. In summer, most of the sea ice melts. The area of sea ice in winter is about six times as big as the area of sea ice in summer, with an average 3 million km2 in summer and 18 million km2 in winter.
At the end of summer, in March, the sea is warmest and the sea ice is smallest, called the sea ice minimum. At the end of winter, in September, the sea ice is biggest, known as the sea ice maximum.
People in an Antarctic winter
Antarctic seasons affect human and wildlife activity. Few people remain on Antarctica during the winter as it is cold and bad weather makes it difficult to get to and from research stations.
In summer, there is much more life on Antarctica, and melting sea ice means much more food available for fish, penguins and seals.
In Antarctica, some bases are occupied in the summer only. Others, such as Rothera and Halley, are occupied throughout the year. People that stay on Antarctica over winter are called winterers. They celebrate midwinter on 21st June, when Antarctica is furthest from the sun.
Traditional celebrations include games and sports such as an outdoor run or Winter Olympics, and a big meal together.
Once winter has come in Antarctica, it is very difficult to leave. Winterers must be entirely self sufficient, as evacuation from a winter base is very challenging. The base team will include doctors, engineers, carpenters, mechanics, chefs, and all kinds of skilled people who can keep the base running. Other people who might over-winter on a base include scientists, such as meteorologists or biologists.
Photographing Winter in Antarctica
Check out loads more dramatic photos of all seasons in Antarctica from Iain Rudkin on his website! https://www.iainrudkin.com/Polar-Life/
The photogallery below shows photos from Ian Hey from his time at Halley Station over winter.
A low sun over Halley VI Research station. Photo courtesy of Ian Hey. 
Star trails above Halley VI Research Station in midwinter. Photo courtesy of Ian Hey. 
A module of the Halley VI Research Station in midwinter. Photo courtesy of Ian Hey. 
Heavy machinery is vital for maintenance of Halley VI Research Station during Antarctic winter. Photo courtesy of Ian Hey. 
Sunset during a research trip from Halley VI Research Station. Photo courtesy of Ian Hey. 
Exchanging Midwinter gifts at Halley VI Research Station. Photo courtesy of Ian Hey. 
The Aurora Australis during the Antarctic winter. Photo courtesy of Ian Hey. 
A band playing at the Halley VI Research Station Midwinter Party. Photo courtesy of Ian Hey. 
Celebratory midwinter drinks at Halley VI Research Station. Photo courtesy of Ian Hey.
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I wish I could step foot to Antarctica once. With the weather there being so cold I don’t know how long I can last.
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I had always wanted to go to Antarctica and see it for myself. Because it is so chilly there, I am not sure how much longer I will be able to stay.
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what a great post! so helpful with the photos!
This was an excellent article filled with useful ideas! I grew up camping and like introducing my children to the experience.
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I had always wanted to go to Antarctica and see it for myself. Because it is so chilly there thanks for this interesting post
that’s a lovely place
but i would never go to antractia
Thank you for your article.Thanks Again. Want more.
You never know what you might find on The World’s Lost Seventh Continent ((of Antarctica)).!!!
Thank you for your article.
Summer and winter really have a sharp contrast, which is surprising
summer, research stations see increased activity, with more scientists and support staff present.