The thick ice and super low temperatures of Antarctica can make it difficult to access the coastline during winter and autumn. The Antarctic summer, which runs from November through March, is the best time to visit Antarctica. You'll be able to see Antarctica's wildlife at its peak and have up to 24 hours of daylight.
We recommend that you plan at least 12 months ahead of your trip to ensure you have the best chance of getting on board the ship of your choice, especially during high season. It is a good idea to plan 18 months in advance for the most popular Fly & Cruise and those that incorporate South Georgia as well as Christmas and New Year trips.
See our month by month guide below to visiting Antarctica. Choosing the right month is important to enable you to get the most out of what you want to see in Antarctica as there are variations on what is possible each month.
NOVEMBER
Average Temp Peninsula
28F / -2C
Average Temp S. Georgia
37F / 4C
Daylight
18 Hours
DECEMBER
Average Temp Peninsula
30F / -1C
Average Temp S. Georgia
41F / 5C
Daylight
21 Hours
JANUARY
Average Temp Peninsula
32F / 0C
Average Temp S. Georgia
43F / 6C
Daylight
20 Hours
FEBRUARY
Average Temp Peninsula
33F / 0.5C
Average Temp S. Georgia
44F / 6.5C
Daylight
16 Hours
MARCH
Average Temp Peninsula
30F / -1C
Average Temp S. Georgia
41F / 5C
Daylight
13 Hours
NOVEMBER
The Antarctic seasons begins in November with the first visitors arriving into a pristine environment that few if anyone will have visited since March. For the wildlife it is spring and there is much activity in the penguin colonies and you may be lucky enough to see courtship displays. The landscape also looks impressive as there is more ice and the snow is fresh.
NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
● Penguin courtship & nest building. ● Elephant seals fighting for territory in South Georgia. ● Weddell & Fur seals mating. ● Albatross, Marine Fulmars & Petrels cross the Drake Passage. ● Spring flowers across The Falklands. ● Impressive amounts of sea ice & clean snow. ● Perhaps the best month for photographers.
DECEMBER
December weather is a bit warmer and the penguin rookeries start to fill with chicks. The days are also at their longest with daylight most of the day and a wonderful monochrome twilight for the rest. Photography of icebergs is still good with their crisp winter edges intact. The Christmas New Year period is at its busiest so booking as far in advance as possible is essential.
DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
● Penguin chicks are born and the rokkeries are active. ● Humpback whales migrate down from the tropics. ● Seals jostle for mates. ● Long days and warmer weather make for more comfort. ● Landings get easier and more frequent. ● The continued break-up of sea ice increases cruising options.
JANUARY
Believe it or not but it is the height of the Antarctic summer now. Young wildlife abound and make for cute photography. The continued break up of the sea ice means more routes become accessible including Polar Circle trips. January is a popular month and prices can reflect this.
JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS
● Some of the warmest weather up to 15C / 60F and less chance of rough seas. ● Fluffy penguin chicks are everywere. ● Polar Circle seaon begins. ● Humpback whales can be seen feeding on Krill. ● The Ross Sea becomes accessible as the ice breaks up.
FEBRUARY
As the icepack weakens further and trips further south along the Peninsular are possible. February is arguably the best month for wildlife as not only are the penguin check growing but more whales appear and predators such as Skuas and Leopard seals are on the hunt.
FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS
● Activity in the Penguin rookeries is at its peak with chicks starting to swim. ● This month offers the best whale spotting are more arrive from the tropics. ● It is peak season for Polar Circle trips as the ice at its freest. ● Humpback whales take a break from feeding to observe us!
MARCH
The Antarctic season starts to wind down with fewer ships as the days get shorter mean price can be lower. Penguin chicks are nearing maturity and are curious about visitors. March is the best time to see whales as they spend a final month feasting on the rich waters before migrating back north.
MARCH HIGHLIGHTS
● Peak whale watching season. ● Green and pink algae bloom against the white and blue of ice. ● Juvenile Penguins are at their most inquisitive.
OTHER MONTHS
For the vast majority of us a trip to Antarctica out of season is pretty much impossible. Thankfully you can still get your polar fix in the Arctic - ask us for options!
Our ATOL license is number 10287 and booking with us provides you 100% financial protection. We are members of ABTA - The Association of British Travel Agents, member number Y1699 which has a strict code of conduct we happily adhere to.
