Antarctica Cruises 2023
Forward planning is vital to secure your first choice of both Antarctic trip and ship. Get in touch to plan your trip of a lifetime to the White Continent.
When is the best time to travel to Antarctica?
During autumn and winter much of Antarctica's coastline is impenetrable due to thick ice and temperatures that can drop to -60 degrees. The best time to travel to Antarctica is during the Antarctic summer from November to March, when you'll see Antarctica's wildlife at its busiest and benefit from up to 24 hours of daylight.
Due to strong demand and the relatively modest number of ships, particularly during High Season, to be confident of securing your first choice we would strongly urge that you begin planning at least 12 months in advance. For the most popular Fly & Cruise trips or those incorporating South Georgia, 18 months ahead isn't too early.
Early season Antarctic sunset
Sea kayaking
Hungry Adelie penguin chick in February
Spy hopping Orcas in February
Cruising among icebergs in February
Zodiac to Pleneau Bay in March
Mountaineering above Paradise Bay in November
Setting up camp in November
Tidal pools in December
Nesting chinstraps, Baily Head, South Shetland Islands
The best month to go to Antarctica will depend on what you hope to get out of your trip. Whether you hope to go sea kayaking, snowshoeing or photography fluffy penguin chicks will affect your decision of when to go.
November
In November Antarctica opens its arms to the season's first visitors. You'll not only enjoy the excitement of walking on virgin snow, but you'll also appreciate its beauty as you discover the Peninsula aboard one of the few early visitors.
It's mating season for penguins, who will treat you to courtship displays and their nest-building. Seals of all kinds are also beginning to mate.
It's arguably the best time to travel to Antarctica for landscape photographers who will love the distinctive outlines of the giant icebergs cut against the sea and sky.
December
The summer sun bathes the continent in 20-24 hours of daylight in December, making it a popular time to visit. It's also a busy time for the penguin rookeries as the chicks begin to hatch from mid-December onwards.
The Christmas holiday period adds to the popularity, and prices tend to reflect this.
However you'll be treated to seals abound as they seek suitable mates and landscape photographers are treated to the still-crisp edges of great icebergs.
January
January is the peak of the Antarctic summer, so you'll enjoy magical 20+ hours of sunlight each day.
These extra daylight hours gives you more time each day to explore, making them very popular as you get to see a bit more of the Peninsula in the same number of days.
The slightly higher prices for early January reflect this popularity. In January you'll also see lots of penguin chicks having fun as they learn to run away from their mothers, while various species of seals abound.
February
February's the time for sailing all the way to the Polar Circle, the Sun's rays through December and January having weakened the pack ice significantly enough to allow for exploring the Peninsula so far south.
Photographers will appreciate the great light conditions, whilst wildlife enthusiasts will love the "penguin creches" formed by the growing penguin chicks and the return of whales to Antarctic waters.
March
March marks the end of the travel season to Antarctica. You'll be able to enjoy the mesmerising colours of blooming green and pink algae against the water and ice, as well as penguin chicks at their strongest, bravest and most inquisitive of visitors.
March is the best time to travel to Antarctica for cetaceans. Whales continue to feast through March in Antarctic waters before moving further north.
As Autumn dawns once more you'll have shorter days in which to explore, but also enjoy considerable savings compared with peak season.
Our Top Trips
Know which year you want to travel?
If you know when you want to explore the White Continent you can find your perfect trip on our year pages
Antarctica Cruises 2024
It's never too early to plan your Antarctic adventure. In fact, forward planning is vital to secure your first choice of expedition itinerary on the best suited ship for your trip …
The best month to go to Antarctica will depend on what you're hoping to get from your trip. Whilst November is great for photography and snowshoeing, December to February have more favourable weather and clearer ice conditions which make Polar Circle voyages possible. March is the best time to see whales in Antarctica, although the weather also becomes more unpredictable and daylight hours drop.
Our wildlife guides can help you decide the best time to travel to Antarctica to see whales, penguins and other wildlife. November is the time of mating penguins and other birdlife, whilst December sees chicks beginning to hatch. January is a popular time for seal sightings and fluffy penguin chicks, and February and March is the best time for whale watching and spotting fur seals.
Loli says
I spent eleven summer seasons in Antarctica and I genuinely don't have a favourite time - it's a place of such variety, constant wonder and excitement.
Loli Figueroa Polar Specialist
When should I start planning my Voyage?
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When are departure dates normally released?
Polar operators typically release their forthcoming departure dates and prices at least 18 months or so in advance, some even earlier. This is great news for travellers who like to plan ahead and get their cabin reserved early on, particularly if you can take advantage of an early booking incentive.
Given that there is only a finite number of places available on each departure, it really is a case of 'the early bird gets the worm' - or in this case the best dates and the widest choice of cabins - so early booking is strongly recommended.
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When should I start to plan my Fly & Cruise trip?
Trips which include time-saving flights to Antarctica and avoid the Drake Passage are incredibly popular and are the earliest of all voyages to become booked up.
Due to strong demand and the relatively modest number of ships, particularly during High Season, to be confident of securing your first choice we would strongly urge that you begin planning at least 12 months in advance. December and January are particularly busy times and typically are fully booked up 10 months ahead.
For the most popular Fly & Cruise trips or those incorporating South Georgia, 18 months ahead isn't too early.
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Is it less expensive to travel in November & March?
Yes it's true, the Shoulder Season months of November and March tend to be priced approx. 10-15% less than during the High Season (December - end February) and as a result are a good place to look for the budget-conscious or bargain-hunter.
The reason for this is partly the less predictable weather and slightly lower wildlife numbers, but it's also simply the case that many who live in Northern Hemisphere countries like to holiday during their worst winter months.
In our opinion a great time to travel is in early December when it's still Shoulder Season pricing but you get all of the benefits of High Season.
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Are there any advantages in booking early?
There certainly are: as well as securing your first choice, with many of the ships offering really quite generous early booking incentives of up to $1,500 per person to those willing to commit early, getting organised can really pay dividends.
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Can I wait until the last minute for a late deal?
Given the strong demand for Antarctic cruises boat operators rarely need to resort to offering any late availability discounts - particularly on the more popular ships and voyages - as cabins are normally all booked months ago in advance.
Any remaining unsold cabins tend to be left on the shelf for a reason and choice will be poor at best, so it's not an approach we advocate.
However, if you're flexible on dates and don't mind paying a last minute premium for your flights, there are normally odd cabins available.
What our customers think of The Best Time to Visit Antarctica
Absolutely no glitches and lots of pleasant surprises including aircraft carrier sized icebergs, Zodiac trips through ice fields, climbing the volcano on Deception Island, and up-close-and-personals with penguins, seals, and humpback whales. The continent is ineffable: words fail.
Travelled: December 2017
Marc - Florida
Review:
More about Antarctica
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From zodiac safaris and continental landings to expert-led lectures, there’s absolutely no risk of boredom.
Antarctica Cruises
We've teamed up with some of the best cruise operators so that you can choose from over 80 cruise itineraries based on your dates, budget and appetite for adventure.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
1
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3
Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
With over 50 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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