Does it ever rain in Antarctica?

Does it ever rain in Antarctica?

Despite having the coldest climate on Earth, sometimes temperatures rise high enough above freezing to allow for rain in some parts Antartica.

Exclusive US Offer - try a BBC Science Focus Magazine subscription and get your first 3 issues for only $12.99 PLUS get delivery from the UK!

Asked by: Glyn Wogan, Monmouth

Despite having sub-zero average temperatures, coastal Antarctica is sometimes above freezing, allowing rain to fall. For example, the British Antarctic Survey’s base at Rothera has around 30 days’ rain a year. But further inland, and at the South Pole, the temperature is permanently below freezing, and so it only ever snows.

Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.

© Getty Images

Sidebar Image

Exclusive U.S. Offer

Try a BBC Science Focus Magazine subscription and get free delivery from the UK!

Subscribe Now!
Want to keep up to date with the latest news from Science Focus?
By entering your details, you are agreeing to Science Focus terms and conditions. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Exclusive U.S. Offer

Try a BBC Science Focus Magazine subscription and get free delivery from the UK!

This website is owned and published by Our Media Ltd. www.ourmedia.co.uk
© Our Media 2025