top of page

Falkland Islands Weather by Month – Climate, Temperatures & Travel Tips

Falkland Islands Weather & Climate is shaped by its location in the South Atlantic, offering cool, fresh air year-round with minimal temperature extremes. Summers are mild, winters are chilly but not severely cold, and strong winds are common in all seasons. 


Rainfall is moderate and evenly spread, while daylight hours vary dramatically between summer and winter. This unique maritime climate supports rich wildlife, from Gentoo penguins to albatrosses, making the islands a fascinating destination in every season.


Nestled in the South Atlantic, the Falkland Islands present a maritime subarctic climate characterized by cool, narrow annual temperature fluctuations and steady winds. 


Falkland Islands Weather Year Round Snapshot

  • Summer (Dec–Feb): Average highs ~13 °C (55 °F), lows ~9 °C (48 °F).

  • Winter (Jun–Aug): Average highs ~4 °C (39 °F), lows ~2 °C (36 °F), occasionally hitting –5 °C.

  • Rainfall: Moderate and evenly distributed, especially in Stanley (~544 mm/year), though the western islands are drier.


Falkland Islands Weather by Month


Falkland Islands Weather by Month

Month

Avg High / Low (°C)

Precipitation & Humidity

Notes

January

~13 / 9

Moderate rain

Warmest month, ideal for beach walks

February

~12 / 9

Moderate rain, sunshine peaks

Lots of sunshine 

March

~11 / 8

Most wet days

Rain peaks in March 

April

~10 / 7

Steady rain

Cool and wet transition

May

~8 / 4

Increasing wind

Mostly overcast

June

~4 / 2

Snow possible, high humidity

True “winter” conditions

July

~4 / 2

Cloudiest, continued cold

Overcast skies 

August

~5 / 2

Very windy

Strong westerlies 

September

~7 / 3

Drier, improving clarity

Rain dips, clearer skies 

October

~9 / 4

Low rainfall, cool

Spring chill, minimal rain 

November

~11 / 6

Moderate rain

Warming trend begins

December

~13 / 9

Fair weather, more sun

Start of summer, longer daylight

(All temperature ranges approximate using °C and referenced weather-data sources above.)

Data Source: (Weather Spark)


Natural Highlights & Travel Tips by Season


  • Summer (Dec–Feb): Best time to visit for beaches, Gentoo penguins, and mild weather.

  • Winter (Jun–Aug): Very chilly, high winds—excellent for dramatic photography, not sunbathing.

  • Shoulder Seasons (Mar–May & Sep–Nov): Less crowded, great for tours with moderate weather and fewer rainy days.

Tourist Tips:

  • Dress in layers with wind- and waterproofs year-round.

  • For wildlife spotting—especially the penguin colonies—summer offers the best daylight and warmth.

  • Guided tours offer expert access to remote colonies and scenic beaches.



Penguin Nesting Areas & Seasonal Behavior

The Falkland Islands are home to five penguin species — Gentoo, King, Magellanic, Rockhopper, and Macaroni — with Gentoo penguins being the most abundant and easily spotted during guided tours.


  • Nesting Locations:

    • Volunteer Point – Largest King penguin colony outside South Georgia.

    • Bertha’s Beach – Famous for Gentoo penguins near white-sand dunes.

    • Gypsy Cove – Close to Stanley, with Magellanic burrows in the tussac grass.

    • Sea Lion Island – Rockhoppers and Magellanic penguins in large numbers.


  • Behavior by Month:

    • October–November: Courtship and nest building begin.

    • November–December: Egg-laying period for most species.

    • December–January: Chicks hatch; high feeding activity.

    • February–March: Chicks fledge, colonies become more active along the shore.

    • April–September: Many species spend time at sea, with fewer land-based sightings.


💡 Tour Tip: Visiting in December or January gives you the magical experience of seeing fluffy chicks being fed at close range.


Falkland Islands Wildlife Weather Calendar Highlights


Month

Penguin Activity

Other Wildlife

Jan

Chicks hatching/fed

Seal pups on beaches

Feb

Chicks growing fast

Albatross fledging

Mar

Fledging season

Dolphins in coastal waters

Apr–Sep

Penguins mostly at sea

Sea lions, whales (winter migrations)

Oct

Courtship displays

Elephant seal breeding

Nov

Egg laying

Large seabird gatherings

Dec

Chicks hatching

Seal pups, summer seabirds


Falkland Islands Weather by Month

Month-Wise Tailored Packing List for the Falkland Islands Tour


Month

Clothing & Gear

Extras for Wildlife Tours

January

Light thermal base, fleece, waterproof shell; waterproof hiking boots

Camera with zoom lens, sun hat, sunscreen (strong UV)

February

Similar to Jan but add light windproof pants

Extra batteries (long daylight hours for photography)

March

Layered clothing with warmer mid-layer; beanie & gloves

Binoculars for dolphin spotting

April

Heavier fleece/down jacket, rainproof pants

Thermos for hot drinks on cooler tours

May

Thick thermal base, insulated jacket, waterproof gloves

Tripod for low-light wildlife shots

June

Multiple thermal layers, insulated gloves/hat, winter boots

Hand warmers for long outdoor viewing

July

Full winter kit (thermal base, down jacket, heavy waterproof shell)

Waterproof camera cover for wet/windy days

August

Same as July; focus on wind protection

Energy bars/snacks for extended tours

September

Layered setup with lighter fleece as temps rise

Sunglasses (clearer skies, bright sun)

October

Mix of spring layers + waterproofs

Light gloves for early-morning chill during courtship displays

November

Layered clothing with mid-weight fleece; waterproof boots

Extra SD cards for seabird photography

December

Summer layering with light thermal; rain jacket

Lightweight hiking pants, sun protection, seal pup photo gear


Falkland Islands Weather by Month: FAQs


What is the best month to visit the Falkland Islands?

Early summer—December to February—offers the mildest temperatures and longest daylight, ideal for tours and wildlife viewing.


Is the Falkland weather good to live in for a long time? 

The Falkland Islands’ weather is cool, windy, and changeable year-round, making it comfortable for some but challenging for long-term living.


Does the Falklands get hot?

No — even in summer, temperatures rarely exceed ~13 °C (55 °F).


How much is a house in the Falkland Islands?

 Housing varies widely; specifics are scarce, but rent for a 2-bed house is around £1,100/month (Reddit).


What is the Falkland islands winter temperature?

Falkland Islands winter temperature typically ranges from 1°C to 5°C, with frequent cold winds and occasional frost.




Understanding Falkland Islands Weather & Climate helps you plan the perfect trip, whether for wildlife watching, photography, or exploring scenic beaches. With its changeable conditions, layering clothing is essential, and each season offers distinct experiences.


From sunny summer days with penguin chicks to dramatic winter seascapes, the islands’ climate is part of their charm. Whatever the month, the Falklands promise a memorable adventure for nature lovers and explorers alike.


 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page