Does it Snow in Antarctica? Given that Antarctica is a polar desert, it rarely receives precipitation in the form of rain or snow.
The inner areas of the continent typically receive roughly 2 inches (50.8 mm) of snow per year.
The minimal snowfall is simply owing to the chilly Antarctic air’s low moisture-carrying capacity, which prevents precipitation from forming.
Precipitation is significantly higher in the coastal region, averaging 8 inches (200 mm) each year.
So the answer to the question “does it snow in Antarctica?” is YES.
Because of the continent’s frigid temperatures, the little annual snowfall reported does not melt, but instead collects and builds up over many years to produce thick ice sheets.
These ice sheets are typically 1.6 kilometers thick and cover around 98% of Antarctica‘s landmass.
Heavy snowfall, on the other hand, is more typical along Antarctica’s coast, and there have been occasions where as much as 48 inches (1.219 meters) of snow has fallen in 48 hours.
In this post, I will further answer the question of whether it snows in Antarctica.
Let’s dive straight into it.
Does it Snow in Antarctica?
As previously noted, the answer is YES. Antarctica does experience snow but occasionally, which, in turn builds up instead of melting, to form layers of ice sheets.
Antarctica is covered in ice, which can be found in the form of glaciers, ice shelves, and icebergs.
Climate of Antarctica
Nicknamed the white desert and the home of blizzard, Antarctica is the coldest continent in the whole world.
The average temperature in the interior is around -57°C all year, with the lowest temperature reaching -90°C during the winter season.
However, the oceanfront is warmer, with temperatures ranging from -2°C to 8°C in the summer.
On average, it is the coldest, windiest, and driest continent on the planet.
Antarctica is a desert, with a mean annual precipitation of 166mm around the coast and considerably less deep in the interior regions.
With such frigid temperatures, snow rarely melts; instead, it becomes compressed over time and becomes part of the ice sheet.
This is referred to as an ice cap climate (a territory where the average monthly temperature never reaches 0°C).
This ice sheet is 1.6 km thick on average and encompasses 98% of the continent.
It accounts for approximately 90% of the world’s ice, so it’s no surprise that the Antarctic climate is so frigid!
Surprisingly, one can get major sunburn while there since the snow works as a reflector, reflecting virtually all of the ultraviolet light, so even though you don’t feel the heat, you still need to protect your skin from the rays.
How Often Does it Snow in Antarctica?
Snowfall in Antarctica is rare.
Every year, Antarctica receives only two inches of snow but this can vary.
That which does fall, accumulates on the compacted sheet ice because it is too cold to melt.
In extremely cold conditions, certain loose particles may fly around, producing the appearance of precipitation.
Antarctica is essentially a desert. The weather is cold enough to keep the ground frozen all year, thanks to glaciers, icebergs, and ice sheets.
Because the air is too cold for rain, any precipitation will fall as snow or loose ice crystals, which will happen only on rare occasions.
Does Antarctica Experience All the Four Seasons?
The answer is NO. Antarctica experiences only two seasons in a year, which are summer and winter.
Summers on the continent last five months, from October to February.
The sun is always visible in the sky during the summer, and the length of the days steadily increases until the Midnight Sun phenomena is attained.
The sun does not set during the Midnight Sun, and Antarctica has 24 hours of sunlight.
Although summer temperatures are mild, sunburn is a big problem in Antarctica because the white surface of the ice sheets reflects all UV rays.
January is the warmest month on the continent, with temperatures ranging from 48.4 to -76 degrees Fahrenheit (8 to -60 degrees Celsius) from coast to the interior parts.
Antarctica’s winter season begins in March and lasts until September.
The season is distinguished by cold temperatures that can reach -138.5 degrees Fahrenheit (-94.7 degrees Celsius) on July 21, 2010.
Winter weather is dangerous, thus all travel to and from Antarctica is suspended until the summer.
During the majority of the season, Antarctica is completely dark, a phenomenon commonly referred to as the Antarctic Night.
Fun Things to Do in Antarctica
Having answered the question “does it snow in Antarctica?” Let’s look at the fun things that you can engage in while visiting Antarctica.
To be honest, many individuals fantasize about exploring the wild and unexplored continent of Antarctica.
Unfortunately, only a few of these people accomplish their dream, with the majority of them being researchers working on various projects.
If you succeed in trying to make it down to the Earth’s coldest location, here are a few fun things to attempt.
Kayaking with Whales
Antarctica is the only site on the planet where you can enjoy canoeing or kayaking on calm seas surrounded by glaciers, bright skies, and snow-capped mountains.
To top it off, you’ll get to view seals, minke whales, and even humpback whales, which you won’t be able to see anywhere else.
Camp Under the Stars
Camping in Antarctica during the winter is not for the faint of heart.
This is because staying warm in sub-zero weather and on frozen ground is nearly impossible.
But if you’re willing to suffer the cold, you’ll have one of the nicest camping experiences you’ve ever had.
Whether you sleep in a tent or a cold-weather sleeping bag, the opportunity to gaze at the dazzling Antarctica stars will be unforgettable.
Final Thoughts on the Question: “Does it Snow in Antarctica?”
Does it snow in Antarctica? The answer is YES but on a few occasions.
The white desert, as it is popularly known, experiences approximately 2 inches of snow every year, which, in turn accumulates forming huge layers of ice over a long period of time.
Antarctica does experience only summer and winter seasons throughout the year.
If you happen to land in this remote destination, there are few fun activities for you to enjoy like camping under the stars and kayaking.