Peter I Island is an uninhabited volcanic island located in the Bellingshausen Sea, part of the Southern Ocean off the coast of Antarctica. It is the northernmost island of the South Shetland Islands archipelago and the only island in the group that is not claimed by any nation. The island is roughly circular, measuring 8 km in diameter, and is composed of an extinct volcano that rises to an elevation of 1,640 m above sea level.
The island was discovered in 1821 by Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen, a Russian explorer, and named after Tsar Peter I of Russia. The island was claimed by Norway in 1929, but the claim was disputed by the Soviet Union. In 1939, the Soviet Union annexed the island and established a research station, which was abandoned in 1959.
In 1994, the island was declared a nature reserve by the Norwegian Polar Institute, and in 2002 it was designated a protected area under the Antarctic Treaty System. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and penguins.
The island is a popular destination for scientific research and has been visited by numerous scientific expeditions over the years. In 2018, a team of researchers from the Norwegian Polar Institute made the first-ever landing on Peter I Island, where they collected soil and rock samples for further study.
In addition to its scientific importance, the island is also of historical significance. During World War II, it was the site of a secret Soviet-German meeting in 1941, which resulted in the signing of the Lend-Lease Agreement. This agreement enabled the Soviet Union to receive military supplies from the United States in exchange for raw materials.
Experience Peter I Island with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Peter I Island. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.
The climate on Peter I Island in Antarctica is extreme, with temperatures ranging from -20°C to -14°C in winter, and -2°C to +2°C in summer. The island experiences very strong winds, up to 25 m/s, and is covered in snow and ice all year round. During the summer months, the climate is relatively mild, with some days reaching temperatures of up to +2°C, however, the island is still prone to strong winds and snowfall. In the winter months, temperatures drop significantly and the island is subjected to temperatures as low as -20°C and strong winds.
Our weather forecast for Peter I Island helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.
| Date | Icon | Temperature | Wind speed/gusts | Cloudiness/Visibility | Air humidity/pressure | Sunrise/Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec. 26th 2024 Dec. 26th 2024 | max: -0.5 °C min: -1 °C |
10.8 m/s 16.9 m/s |
97.0 % 18.4 m |
93.2 % 977 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| Dec. 27th 2024 Dec. 27th 2024 | max: -0.1 °C min: -1 °C |
13.0 m/s 22.3 m/s |
94.8 % 24.1 m |
83.5 % 982 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| Dec. 28th 2024 Dec. 28th 2024 | max: -0.2 °C min: -0.8 °C |
36.0 m/s 59.4 m/s |
64.8 % 18.2 m |
92.3 % 984 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| Dec. 29th 2024 Dec. 29th 2024 | max: -0.5 °C min: -1.9 °C |
24.8 m/s 36.0 m/s |
100.0 % 21.1 m |
91.2 % 982 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| Dec. 30th 2024 Dec. 30th 2024 | max: -0.8 °C min: -1.4 °C |
21.8 m/s 35.5 m/s |
94.4 % 23.1 m |
84.7 % 976 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| Dec. 31st 2024 Dec. 31st 2024 | max: -0.5 °C min: -1.4 °C |
26.6 m/s 40.7 m/s |
100.0 % 0.1 m |
98.9 % 968 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| Jan. 1st 2025 Jan. 1st 2025 | max: -0.9 °C min: -1.5 °C |
14.9 m/s 23.6 m/s |
100.0 % 1.5 m |
96.9 % 972 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| Jan. 2nd 2025 Jan. 2nd 2025 | max: -0.4 °C min: -1.4 °C |
16.2 m/s 25.9 m/s |
85.1 % 22.8 m |
85.9 % 983 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| Jan. 3rd 2025 Jan. 3rd 2025 | max: -0.3 °C min: -1.6 °C |
30.8 m/s 50.9 m/s |
81.9 % 18.8 m |
89.5 % 981 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| Jan. 4th 2025 Jan. 4th 2025 | max: -0.3 °C min: -1.3 °C |
42.8 m/s 64.1 m/s |
95.7 % 16.1 m |
94.8 % 971 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| Jan. 5th 2025 Jan. 5th 2025 | max: -0.6 °C min: -1.1 °C |
35.9 m/s 55.4 m/s |
99.5 % 12.0 m |
94.7 % 971 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| Jan. 6th 2025 Jan. 6th 2025 | max: -0.8 °C min: -1.3 °C |
36.7 m/s 55.8 m/s |
96.4 % 1.5 m |
96.2 % 974 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
Would you like to travel to Peter I Island on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Peter I Island.
| Date | Ship | Arrival | Departure | Details |
|---|
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