Does It Snow Year-Round in Antarctica? The Answer Is Yes

Yes, snowfall occurs during all 12 months of the year in Antarctica. The continent is permanently covered by a massive ice sheet—averaging 1.9 km thick—and experiences snowfall at various locations throughout every season.

Why It Never Stops Snowing

• Polar Climate: Temperatures remain well below freezing year-round (even in summer, coastal highs rarely exceed 0°C).
• Moisture Source: Despite being a desert (very low precipitation), the cold air holds minimal moisture; what little exists falls as snow.
• Katabatic Winds: These fierce, gravity-driven winds redistribute existing snow, creating the illusion of constant snowfall.

Seasonal Nuances

While snow falls every month, accumulation rates vary. Coastal areas receive more precipitation (up to 200 mm water equivalent annually), while the high interior plateau (e.g., Dome A) gets as little as 25 mm. Summer (Nov–Feb) sees slightly more frequent snowfall events due to marginally warmer air holding more moisture.

So, whether you visit in January or July, you’ll witness snow falling on the coldest, driest, windiest continent on Earth.