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Swoop says

Pack for the worse and hope for the best. While Antarctica is often less cold than people expect, don’t be caught out - make sure you’ve got plenty of layers.

What weather can I expect?

  • November

    November is typified by colder, less predictable weather. Snow isn't uncommon on South Georgia, but makes for great photo opportunities.

    Average temperatures:

    • Antarctic Peninsula: 28 degrees F ( -2 degrees C)
    • South Georgia: 41 degrees F ( 5 degrees C)
    • The Falklands: 46 degrees F (8 degrees C)
  • December

    December is typically marked by sunshine and blue skies with increasingly longer days of daylight, however this is Antarctica and the odd whiteout can still occur.

    Average temperatures:

    • Antarctic Peninsula: 30 degrees F (-1 degrees C)
    • South Georgia: 41 degrees F (5 degrees C)
    • The Falklands: 46 degrees F (8 degrees C)
  • January

    It's the height of summer on the Antarctic Peninsula with temperatures rising to 60 F / 15 C and the weather is generally stable, with plenty of sunshine and blue skies.

    Average temperatures:

    • Antarctic Peninsula: 32 degrees F (0.3 degrees C)
    • South Georgia: 43 degrees F (6 degrees C)
    • The Falklands: 52 degrees F (11 degrees C)
  • February

    Temperatures are still warm in February and the weather pretty stable, making travel pleasant.

    Average temperatures:

    • Antarctic Peninsula: 34 degrees F (1 degrees C)
    • South Georgia: 45 degrees F (7 degrees C)
    • The Falklands: 46 degrees F (8 degrees C)
  • March

    March is a time of change for Antarctica as the early onset of winter begins to be felt. From around mid March the weather becomes increasingly colder and less predictable, and the number of ships markedly thins out as the season draws to a close.

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What our customers think of Weather

Be prepared to be flexible. I know the websites all stress this. It's so true. Weather in Antarctica is very unpredictable and storms and high winds can change in a flash and interrupt or force cancellation of plans. However, there is always a Plan B, C... etc. which could lead to a new and sometimes equally exciting experience. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Lynn Guterman - USA

You are at the mercy of the weather, so you must be prepared to take the daily activities as they come. Believe me, though, you will have more than enough opportunities to live out the adventure! Read the full review

Travelled: November 2023

Greg W Muldrew - USA

Bring something to keep warm but also you are fairly likely to get wet – so anticipate this in your packing! The weather literally changes instantly and unpredictably. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2023

Jonathon Kemp - USA

Antarctica landscape is not what one would expect. It is very 3 dimensional with white glaciers on granite rock peaks, bright blue skies and waters. Many icebergs are nature's work of art. Weather can go from rain, to sleet, to snow in one morning. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Alex Chou - USA

The crew worked closely with the ship’s captain to make sure we were safe and made the most of every opportunity. Plans changed day to day and we learned to go with the flow! Read the full review

Travelled: November 2022

Jennifer Crews - Canada

Being open to changing plans and a little bit easygoing is a better attitude for this type of trip (as for any travel). The weather did impact some of our plans, but Sara, the Expedition Crew Leader, made tweaks and changes so that we were still busy and enjoying our trip. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2021

Claire Torrey - USA

Review: