Monthly average sea ice extent during winter maximum (top line) and summer minimum (bottom line) around Antarctica from 1979–2026. In most years, the maximum ice cover is in September and the minimum is in February. Climate.us image, based on data from the National Snow and Ice Data Center.
Sea ice concentration in September 2026, the month of the maximum winter extent in the Southern Hemisphere. Compared to median conditions from 1981–2010 (yellow line), the most recent maximum was the third lowest on record. Map by Climate.us, based on satellite data provided by NSIDC.