The lowest maximum Arctic sea extent since 1979 was recorded on March 7, 2017, measuring 14.41 million square miles (5.56 million square miles). The five lowest maximum ice extents were all recorded in the last decade. The frozen layers of seawater that cap the Arctic Ocean typically reach a maximum size in March of each year. After melting during the summer months, the minimum Arctic sea extent usually occurs in September of each year.
Lowest maximum Arctic sea ice extents as of 2024
(in million square kilometers)
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
National Snow and Ice Data Center. (March 31, 2024). Lowest maximum Arctic sea ice extents as of 2024 (in million square kilometers) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved November 10, 2024, from https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/1177150/lowest-maximum-arctic-sea-ice-extents/
National Snow and Ice Data Center. "Lowest maximum Arctic sea ice extents as of 2024 (in million square kilometers)." Chart. March 31, 2024. Statista. Accessed November 10, 2024. https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/1177150/lowest-maximum-arctic-sea-ice-extents/
National Snow and Ice Data Center. (2024). Lowest maximum Arctic sea ice extents as of 2024 (in million square kilometers). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: November 10, 2024. https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/1177150/lowest-maximum-arctic-sea-ice-extents/
National Snow and Ice Data Center. "Lowest Maximum Arctic Sea Ice Extents as of 2024 (in Million Square Kilometers)." Statista, Statista Inc., 31 Mar 2024, https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/1177150/lowest-maximum-arctic-sea-ice-extents/
National Snow and Ice Data Center, Lowest maximum Arctic sea ice extents as of 2024 (in million square kilometers) Statista, https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/1177150/lowest-maximum-arctic-sea-ice-extents/ (last visited November 10, 2024)
Lowest maximum Arctic sea ice extents as of 2024 (in million square kilometers) [Graph], National Snow and Ice Data Center, March 31, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/1177150/lowest-maximum-arctic-sea-ice-extents/