The tourist season runs from October to April, when the weather is most tolerable and wildlife activity is at its peak. Outside this window, most outer island lodges close and FIGAS schedules thin out considerably.
November to February is the summer and the busiest time. Days are long, temperatures occasionally reach 20°C in Stanley, and the penguin colonies are in full swing — adults incubating eggs, then feeding chicks. This is the best time if wildlife is your priority.
March and April see the season winding down but can be excellent for whale watching; sei whales and orcas are regularly seen offshore. The light is softer, crowds are smaller, and accommodation is easier to find.
October is early spring and still cold — average temperatures around 9°C — but you'll catch the start of the breeding season and have the islands largely to yourself.
Whenever you come, expect unpredictable weather. The Falklands can deliver four seasons in a single day: a warm still morning, a cold front in the afternoon, rain by evening. Wind is a constant presence. Pack layers and waterproofs regardless of the month.