Antarctica in 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,…
Discover MoreDeciding when you wish to travel is an important consideration as there are amazing, distinct highlights each month. High season is from December to February; temperatures are at their mildest and wildlife at its most abundant. During long days of daylight in December, you can expect to see penguin chicks hatching and humpbacks arriving from their time in the tropics. Encouraged by the 'warm' Antarctic weather at the height of the summer, penguin chicks acquaint themselves with their new home throughout January, while seal pup colonies are equally busy with activity. The continuing melt of the sea ice opens up the greatest access along the Peninsula in February, with wonderful opportunities to see whales as you venture far into the region.
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,…
Discover MoreFebruary'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 …
Discover MoreThe 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 …
Discover MoreWelcome in the arrival of the summer in November, experiencing the most snowy and icy landscapes of the season. You'll have the privilege and joy of watching male penguins impress their female interests and see how elephant and fur seals mark their breeding spots. Getting ashore on South Georgia is also still possible this early in the season, as prime mating time hasn't begun. March presents opportunities for great encounters with satiated whales who, now less focussed on hunting, are inquisitive and calm with visitors. Grown penguin chicks are in full moulting mode, large colonies of fur seals are playing on the Antarctic Peninsula, and returning home with a collection of mesmerising sunset and night sky photographs is very likely.
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 …
Discover MoreIn 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 MorePolar 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 for overinflated flights there are normally odd cabins available.
With over 50 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.