Best Time to Visit Grytviken
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands · weather by month, temperature and rainfall
Weather-wise, January and February is the best time to visit Grytviken. February is the hottest month, with average highs of 4°C (40°F), while August is the coldest, with lows around -4°C (26°F). Rain is heaviest in March, at about 122 mm (4.8 in), and lightest in October, at 74 mm (2.9 in). January is the least comfortable month, mainly because of the cold.
When to go to Grytviken: a seasonal guide
Summer: the only real visiting season
Grytviken is a former whaling station on South Georgia, in the far South Atlantic. Almost everyone arrives by expedition cruise ship, usually from the Falkland Islands or Antarctica. Those ships run in the southern summer, roughly November to March. That's when you can land.
January and February score best in our data. Both sit around 4°C by day. That's still cold, and the rating is "Poor" every month of the year. Rain or sleet falls on most days, and the sun barely shows. So think of "best" as "least harsh". You come here for the wildlife and history, not for the weather.
What each part of summer offers
Late November and December are good for seals. Elephant seal bulls hold the beaches, and fur seals are busy too. Albatross and other seabirds are nesting. Snow still lies on the ground, which makes the old station look stark and beautiful.
January and February bring fur seal pups and the warmest days. King penguins stay around the area, and the walk to the Shackleton grave in the small cemetery is usually easier. Fur seals can be bold, so keep your distance as your guides tell you.
March is still possible. It's the wettest month here, at 122 mm, but the pups are bigger and the crowds thin out. Few ships run after that.
Winter and the quiet months
From May to September, temperatures hover around freezing or below, and the days are short. There are no regular tourist landings. Only a handful of researchers, museum staff and government officers live nearby. Unless you're on a private yacht with special permission, you won't be here.
April and October are shoulder months. They're cold, dark and mostly empty of visitors.
Crowds and events
"Crowds" here means one or two ships at a time. Landing numbers are tightly controlled, so the beach never feels packed. December to February is the busy stretch.
Every year around 5 January, people mark the anniversary of Shackleton's death in 1922. Ships often time visits to toast him at his grave with a drink. If that matters to you, aim for early January. Want the best mix of warmth, pups and calm? Choose late January.
Grytviken weather by month
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rainy days | Humidity | Sun hrs/day | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C 39°F | 2°C 35°F | 111 mm | 26 | 89% | 2.2 | Poor 0 |
| February | 4°C 40°F | 2°C 36°F | 115 mm | 24 | 90% | 2.1 | Poor 0 |
| March | 4°C 39°F | 2°C 35°F | 122 mm | 25 | 90% | 1.7 | Poor 0 |
| April | 3°C 37°F | 1°C 33°F | 101 mm | 24 | 89% | 1.3 | Poor 0 |
| May | 1°C 34°F | -1°C 30°F | 90 mm | 24 | 89% | 1.2 | Poor 0 |
| June | 0°C 32°F | -2°C 28°F | 90 mm | 24 | 89% | 1 | Poor 0 |
| July | -1°C 31°F | -3°C 26°F | 74 mm | 22 | 89% | 0.9 | Poor 0 |
| August | -1°C 31°F | -4°C 26°F | 87 mm | 23 | 90% | 1.1 | Poor 0 |
| September | 0°C 32°F | -2°C 28°F | 80 mm | 21 | 90% | 1.5 | Poor 0 |
| October | 1°C 33°F | -1°C 29°F | 74 mm | 21 | 90% | 1.7 | Poor 0 |
| November | 2°C 35°F | 0°C 32°F | 79 mm | 22 | 90% | 2.3 | Poor 0 |
| December | 3°C 38°F | 1°C 34°F | 94 mm | 24 | 89% | 2.2 | Poor 0 |
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Grytviken?
The best time to visit Grytviken is January and February, based on comfortable temperatures, low rainfall and plenty of sunshine.
What is the hottest month in Grytviken?
February is the hottest month in Grytviken, with an average high of 4°C (40°F).
What is the coldest month in Grytviken?
August is the coldest month in Grytviken, with an average low of -4°C (26°F).
What is the rainiest month in Grytviken?
March is the wettest month, with about 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain. October is the driest, with 74 mm (2.9 in).
Does it snow in Grytviken?
Snow is possible in April to November, when daytime highs stay close to or below freezing.