All Year Round

Summer months, officially defined as December, January and February, undoubtably are the best time to visit the Falklands, but there are delights and interests at other times of year. Why not consider a trip in the ‘shoulder season’ or even during winter to experience different aspects of Island life? You’ll find fewer visitors but still the same great hosting and hospitality, less diverse wildlife but plenty to see and from a more personal perspective.

Some locations offer accommodation all year round, and Stanley is always open for business. If you’re in the Falklands on a working visit, ask around about day trips, tour guides and have a look at What's On to make the most of your time here. The Historic Dockyard Museum in Stanley has changing exhibitions and is worth a visit at any time of year.

Spring – September, October and November

Penguins and all other birds prepare their nests and commence breeding. Colonies are busy places with a mix of scents and sounds. Elephant seals return and their delightful pups are born. Enjoy the raucous squabbles and sparring of many species as they compete for places and partners, building their nests and finding food. This is the perfect time of year to see our national flower, the pale maiden, whilst other species also come into bloom.

The agricultural year swings into action with lambing and shearing.

Stanley events include dances – the Conservation Ball and the Poppy Ball. ‘Peat Cutting Monday’ is a public holiday on the first Monday of October and some people may turn a sod or few. The King’s Birthday, 14^th November, is another public holiday with a parade and 21-gun salute on Victory Green. Remembrance is observed.

Look out for the fire-engine pull and Advent Market at the end of November.

Summer – December, January and February

The excitement of egg-hatching arrives with fluffy young. Elephant seals pups are still ashore whilst sea lions arrive in the Islands and pup. This is a great time of year to observe the wildlife at its best. Many pretty flowers can still be seen in various locations, including our lovely orchids.

The agricultural calendar is still busy with lambs and shearing. Look out for the ram sale and sponsored shearing events. ‘Christmas Sports’ begin on Boxing Day at Stanley racecourse with highly competitive horse races and family entertainment.

All around the Islands people prepare for Christmas. Christ Church Cathedral, our Anglican church, follows the Christian calendar; Father Christmas tours the city on Christmas Eve, 24^th December, and there are carols around the Whalebone Arch.

Autumn – March, April and May

Migratory species depart the Islands but Gentoo and King penguins are here all year. Gentoo colonies are quieter but the Kings have an 18-month breeding cycle so any time is a good time to visit. Berries are collected and jams made.

The agricultural community, with others, marks the end of the main sheep work with ‘Camp Sports’ including horse racing, dog trials, the mechanical bull and other fun family activities. Everyone is welcome!

The Horticultural Show shows off the best of local vegetables, soft fruits, preserves and hotly contested categories of home baking.

Remembrance of the 1982 war begins with services around the Islands to commemorate those who lost their lives in the early part of the conflict.

The May Ball sees the younger generation dress up finally to dance but all ages can partake in the general dancing of  the last weekend of May.

Winter – June, July and August

Snow does fall but rarely lingers for any length of time and casts a picturesque appearance across the Islands. There’s still wildlife to see, including Gentoo colonies, song birds and seabirds; this is great time to book self-catering accommodation and really escape from it all. Whilst days are short, they are exhilarating, and the ground is easy to walk. Wrap up warm, pack a hot drink and enjoy a hike into the hills or along the shores.

Remembrance of 1982 continues with events in several locations, concluding with the main service of 14^th June in Stanley at Christ Church Cathedral and the Liberation Memorial, another public holiday. Port Howard and Fox Bay (East and West) mark the 15^th June. Respects are paid by all generations and nationalities who now call the Falklands their home; visitors are also welcome to join these commemorations.

Look out for the Winter Ball as another opportunity to test out your dance shoes.