Last updated: July 31, 2025
The climate of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) is characterized by its cool maritime conditions and significant variability throughout the year. With a maximum temperature reaching 17°C (63°F) in February and a minimum of -2°C (29°F) in September, the islands experience mild summers and chilly winters. The annual average temperature hovers around 7°C (45°F), making it a temperate yet brisk environment. Precipitation is moderate, totaling 642 mm (25.3 in) annually, with rain spread out over the year, notably during May (15 days) and April (13 days). Humidity levels peak in June at 84%, creating a distinctly crisp atmosphere, while October records a lower average minimum humidity of 79%. This unique blend of temperature and precipitation shapes the diverse ecosystems and rugged landscapes that define the Falkland Islands.
The Falkland Islands (Malvinas) are predominantly classified under the ET Köppen-Geiger climate zone, characterized by its cool, temperate environment. This unique climate features long, chilly winters and mild summers, with average temperatures rarely exceeding 10°C (50°F). The Islands experience a significant amount of precipitation, mostly in the form of drizzle or light rain, contributing to their lush, green landscapes. The winds can be quite fierce, adding to the overall rugged beauty of the terrain. Visitors to the Falkland Islands can expect a distinctive blend of wild, untamed natural beauty and a climate that is as invigorating as it is unpredictable.
| Climate Zone | Description |
|---|
The Falkland Islands (Malvinas) experience a diverse range of temperatures throughout the year, showcasing a cool maritime climate. January and February are the warmest months, with temperatures peaking at around 16-17°C (61-63°F), while the averages linger at a comfortable 10°C (51°F). As autumn sets in, March to May sees a gradual decline, with average temperatures dropping from 9°C (49°F) to a chillier 6°C (44°F) in May. The winter months of June to August bring the coldest conditions, with thermometers dipping to -1°C (30°F) and averages hovering around 4-5°C (40-41°F). As spring approaches in September and October, temperatures begin to rise slightly, though they remain cool at 5-6°C (41-43°F). Finally, November and December usher in a mild resurgence, offering bursts of warmth with high averages of 8-9°C (46-49°F) and maximum temperatures reaching back to the 15-16°C (59-61°F) range, making the islands a unique destination throughout the seasons.
In the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), precipitation patterns reveal a consistent and varied climate throughout the year. From January's average of 59 mm (2.3 in) to the cooler months, rainfall fluctuates but generally remains moderate, with April and May both receiving 63 mm (2.5 in), marking them as the wettest months. Interestingly, March sees a dip to 43 mm (1.7 in), while September is the driest month with just 47 mm (1.8 in) and 10 days of precipitation. The islands experience a steady number of rainy days, peaking in May with 15 days of precipitation, which hints at the onset of the wetter period before winter. Overall, while the rainfall is fairly consistent, there are subtle seasonal changes that reflect the unique climatic character of this remote archipelago.
In the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), humidity levels exhibit a notable rhythm throughout the year, peaking in the autumn months of March to May, where they consistently hover around 84%. This trend reflects the islands' propensity for moist air, particularly during the transitional seasons. As the year progresses into winter, humidity dips slightly in July and October to 81% and 79%, respectively. However, it quickly recovers in the late months, with November and December both maintaining a lively 80% and 79%, ensuring a generally humid ambiance. Overall, the humidity in the Falklands remains relatively stable, creating a cool, moist climate that shapes the unique ecosystems and experiences found in this remote archipelago.
The UV Index in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) reveals a clear seasonal pattern, with stark fluctuations throughout the year. January and November stand out, both boasting an extreme rating of 11, which necessitates a brief burn time of just 10 minutes. As summer transitions to autumn, the UV Index dips, reaching a more moderate 6 in March and October, allowing for longer exposure times of 25 minutes. By April, the Index further declines to 4, indicating a more manageable sun exposure. The cooler winter months of May and June see low indices of 2 and 1, respectively, where sun safety becomes less critical, allowing for longer exposure without the risk of sunburn. This gradual rise again in late winter and early spring, peaking at 11 in December, underscores the importance of seasonal awareness for sun protection efforts in this unique and diverse environment.
UV Risk Categories
The sunshine duration in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) showcases a fascinating seasonal shift, peaking dramatically towards year-end. Starting from January with 294 hours, daylight gradually decreases, hitting a low of 125 hours in May. This lull in sunlight is followed by a modest recovery over the winter months, with a slight uptick to 181 hours in August. As spring approaches, the islands bask in a resurgence of light, culminating in a striking spike in November with 342 hours, and reaching a remarkable 384 hours by December. This trend illustrates the Falklands' unique climatic rhythm, where the long summer days provide a stark contrast to the brief winter light, inviting visitors to experience the islands' ever-changing skies.
When it comes to catching some sunshine in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), the trends throughout the year reveal some interesting patterns. December shines bright with the highest chance of sunny weather at 44%, closely followed by October and November, where the sun breaks through about 43% and 42% of the time, respectively. As the year progresses into the cooler months, however, the likelihood of sunny days generally decreases, especially by May, where it's at its lowest at just 25%. Notable exceptions include March and April, where sun probabilities peak at 41% and 34%. Despite the variability, spring and summer months tend to offer the best chances for those seeking warmth and light in this charming archipelago.
The Falkland Islands (Malvinas) experience a captivating ebb and flow in daylight hours throughout the year, reflecting the dynamic rhythms of their southern hemisphere climate. In January and December, the islands bask in 16 hours of daylight, offering long, sun-soaked days perfect for outdoor exploration. As summer transitions to autumn, daylight gradually diminishes, dropping to 8 hours by May and reaching its lowest point with just 7 hours in June. However, as winter eases into spring, daylight begins to stretch again, gradually increasing to 15 hours by November, marking the return of the sun’s warm embrace. This cyclical pattern not only enhances the region’s natural beauty but also influences the activities and lifestyle of its inhabitants.
The climate of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) presents a distinct character shaped by its cool temperatures, consistent humidity, and unpredictable precipitation. The warmest months, January and February, offer a modest average high of 16°C (61°F), while winter descends into chillier conditions, with July's average tumbling to just 4°C (40°F). Humidity remains relatively high throughout the year, peaking in late winter, mirroring the persistent overcast skies typical of this region. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed, with approximately 12 to 15 days of precipitation each month, which keeps the lush landscapes thriving. Overall, the weather can be capricious, inviting visitors to embrace the unique, ever-changing essence of these remote islands.