Best Time to Visit Stanley
Falkland Islands · weather by month, temperature and rainfall
Weather-wise, November to March is the best time to visit Stanley. January is the hottest month, with average highs of 13°C (55°F), while July is the coldest, with lows around 2°C (35°F). Rain is heaviest in April, at about 66 mm (2.6 in), and lightest in October, at 39 mm (1.5 in). July is the least comfortable month, mainly because of the cold.
When to go to Stanley: a seasonal guide
November to March: the best stretch
This is summer, and it's when most visitors come. Days are mild rather than warm, with highs of 10°C to 13°C. Dec is the sunniest month in the data, with Nov close behind. Even so, expect wind and quick showers. Rain falls on 12 to 14 days a month, so it's more often drizzle than a washout.
This is the season for wildlife. Penguins and other seabirds are at their colonies, and day trips leave Stanley for places like Volunteer Point, famous for its king penguins. The tracks are rough, so most people go with a local guide in a 4x4. Travelling with kids? Summer is easiest, because the days are long and the walks along Stanley Harbour are pleasant.
Cruise ships call at Stanley through summer too. On those days the waterfront, Jubilee Villas and the Historic Dockyard Museum feel busy. Hotels and guesthouses are small, so rooms fill up.
Events worth planning around
Two dates stand out. Falklands Day on 14 August marks the 1982 Liberation and is a quiet, local occasion. It falls in the cold season, when few visitors are around. The Stanley Sports meeting, a mix of horse racing and community fun, happens over Christmas and New Year. It's a great way to meet islanders, though I'd check dates with the tourist board, as they shift.
April to September: quiet and cold
Autumn arrives in April and the ratings drop. By June and July, highs are only 4°C to 5°C, and you get barely over an hour of sun a day. July is the coldest month in the data, tied with June on sun and close on temperature. Evenings suit the pub, with a pint at the Victory Bar or a warm seat in a café on Ross Road.
If you hate crowds, this is your window. You'll have the Whalebone Arch and the shipwreck hulks in the harbour almost to yourself. The trade-off is that fewer tours run, and wildlife is thinner on the ground.
October: the shoulder month
October is still rated Fair, with highs of 8°C and the driest-feeling weather of the year: 10 rain days, tied with September. Days lengthen fast, and birds start returning. It's a good pick if you want a quieter Stanley and don't mind a chill. By November, the season is properly under way.
Stanley weather by month
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rainy days | Humidity | Sun hrs/day | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13°C 55°F | 8°C 46°F | 55 mm | 14 | 78% | 4.2 | Fair 5.7 |
| February | 13°C 55°F | 8°C 46°F | 51 mm | 13 | 79% | 3.8 | Fair 5.9 |
| March | 11°C 53°F | 7°C 45°F | 60 mm | 14 | 82% | 3.3 | Fair 5.2 |
| April | 9°C 48°F | 5°C 42°F | 66 mm | 15 | 86% | 2.2 | Poor 3.8 |
| May | 7°C 44°F | 4°C 39°F | 55 mm | 13 | 88% | 1.8 | Poor 3.5 |
| June | 5°C 41°F | 2°C 36°F | 46 mm | 14 | 89% | 1.4 | Poor 2.6 |
| July | 4°C 40°F | 2°C 35°F | 49 mm | 13 | 88% | 1.4 | Poor 2.5 |
| August | 5°C 40°F | 2°C 35°F | 48 mm | 13 | 88% | 1.7 | Poor 2.7 |
| September | 6°C 43°F | 2°C 36°F | 40 mm | 10 | 87% | 2.3 | Poor 3.8 |
| October | 8°C 46°F | 4°C 38°F | 39 mm | 10 | 84% | 3.4 | Fair 4.7 |
| November | 10°C 50°F | 5°C 41°F | 41 mm | 12 | 81% | 4.4 | Fair 5.2 |
| December | 12°C 53°F | 7°C 44°F | 48 mm | 14 | 78% | 4.5 | Fair 5.4 |
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Stanley?
The best time to visit Stanley is November to March, based on comfortable temperatures, low rainfall and plenty of sunshine.
What is the hottest month in Stanley?
January is the hottest month in Stanley, with an average high of 13°C (55°F).
What is the coldest month in Stanley?
July is the coldest month in Stanley, with an average low of 2°C (35°F).
What is the rainiest month in Stanley?
April is the wettest month, with about 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain. October is the driest, with 39 mm (1.5 in).
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