I love the stunningly pristine snow and untouched landscapes of Antarctica in November. It's not the best time for whale activity, but it offers fantastic value and there's plenty of action in the penguin rookeries as egg incubation begins.
Heather Moult Antarctica Specialist
Orne Harbour
Whalers Bay, Deception Island, South Shetland Islands
Mountaineering above Paradise Bay in November
The snow-soaked Fort Point landing site in Antarctica
An imperial shag
Walking on fast ice
An Antarctic ship in November weather
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At Swoop we proudly work with every major operator in the Antarctic industry.
This means we can find you the best Black Friday deals – and with our Price Match Promise you know you're always getting the very best price.
Whether you want to embrace the wilds of Southern Patagonia
or unwind at a vineyard near Santiago,
talk to Swoop about extending your adventure...
Brilliant itinerary. Early season cruise was fantastic with lovely snow and ice to enjoy. Expedition staff were uniformly excellent with wide areas of knowledge and expertise. Everyone worked smoothly together to get us all ashore quickly, efficiently and safely. The Captain added to our enjoyment by giving us unexpectedly close-up experiences of polar ice.
Travelled: November 2017
Colin & Jacqui - UK
The ship was luxurious and the food, drink and service of an extremely high quality. The staff supporting trips from the ship were of a high calibre and the lecturers well informed. Nothing was too much trouble for anyone.
Travelled: November 2017
Jennifer - UK
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
Swoop has catered for travellers of every group size. Whether you’re adventuring solo or bringing a group of over 100. We can help.
November is typified by colder, less predictable weather. Snow isn't uncommon on South Georgia, but makes for great photo opportunities.
Average temperatures:
Spring has sprung in Antarctica and wildlife numbers begin increasing, particularly with the return of the penguins. On the Antarctic Peninsula the Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins are busily engrossed in nest building, pebble stealing and courtship displays in their vast rookeries.
Humpback whales may be sighted on the Drake Passage on their annual migration south to gorge in Antarctica's krill-rich waters. To the northeast, South Georgia is an exciting place in November as the beaches are packed with rowdy elephant seals offering a visual feast you won't get at any other time of the year.
There are somewhat fewer king penguins in the rookeries, but they are still in their many, many thousands.
November is traditionally perceived as a 'shoulder season' month which is reflected in lower prices than in high season (mid-December - early February). Savings by the canny traveller can definitely be made by opting to travel in November, which in our book is a really exciting time to go to Antarctica.
The airstrip on King George Island in the South Shetlands only becomes operational from 1st December, so this month the only way to access Antarctica is by ship, sailing across the Drake Passage.
November is a fantastic month for the active traveller as the snow is at its best, offering ideal conditions for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing. Camping is possible, as is kayaking, but both are chilly.
Read Swoop's guide on choosing the best month and year for you, with advice on how to plan your perfect Antarctic voyage.
Choosing when to go to Antarctica is a key part of planning a cruise, with each month of the season offering a different side of the continent.
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Whether you’re visiting the Antarctic Peninsula or heading for the South Pole, discover the different routes by sea and air to visit the Seventh Continent.
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Your essential guide to Antarctica cruises: how to choose your ship, when and where to go and the penguins and icebergs you'll see when you're there. We've teamed up with some…
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From the onboard service and comfort of the suites to their fantastic expedition teams, luxury Antarctica cruise ships deliver a truly first-class polar experience.
Discover MoreWe'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
