Antarctica is just the tip of the iceberg
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5 Reasons to Visit Antarctica in March
- You're almost guaranteed wonderful wildlife encounters – February and March are the best months for whale watching
- The penguin chicks are very curious towards visitors and are often drawn to the colour yellow in particular
- It's a popular month for photographers, with the sun now lower in the sky and wonderful sunsets and sunrises
- March can be a magical time as there are fewer ships around so it feels like you have Antarctica to yourself
- On South Georgia, the king penguin rookeries are at their most impressive and macaronis are in their greatest numbers
Swoop says
I love March for the bonanza of whale sightings and the glorious sunsets spilling molten gold over the icy mountains as the polar nights begin to draw in. Plus, lower price points can make this a cost-effective time to travel to Antarctica.
Otto Lock Antarctica Specialist
Antarctica in March
Leopard seal on an ice floe, Antarctica
Kayaking near Charlotte’s Bay, Antarctica
Young Gentoo contemplating a swim, but not yet fledged, Antarctica
Zodiac to Pleneau Bay in March
Gentoo penguins, Pleneau Island, Antarctica
Humpback whale and zodiac, Wilhelmina Bay
Elephant Seals, Hannah Point, South Shetlands, Antarctica
Strong winds crossing Bransfield Strait, Antarctica
Spot humpback whales
Our Top Trips in March
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
What our customers think of Antarctica in March
The light and the landscape changing before your eyes, completely captivating. Lots of wildlife despite being late in the season, and by visiting later we saw lots of whales. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2019
David Irwin - United Kingdom
Penguins were definitely the highlight. I could have watched them for hours. Lemaire Channel was spectacular though we had to turn around at the end due to iceberg blocking the way. We saw many whales - fin, humpback and orca. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2017
Nathalie Lemaire - United States Of America
Review:
Antarctica Cruises in March 2026
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
Antarctica Cruises March 2027
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
From One to One Hundred
Swoop has catered for travellers of every group size. Whether you’re adventuring solo or bringing a group of over 100. We can help.
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Solos
- Working with over 30 different ships to find you the most solo-friendly ships, with the lowest single supplements, and the best solo deals available. Discover More
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2 - 5 people
- With over 100 collective years of Polar experience our team will help you find your perfect trip, so you’re on the right ship, in the right cabin, and at the right point of the season. Discover More
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6 - 80 people
- We’ve worked with all sizes of groups, from large families to small schools. Travelling with Swoop means you’ll be the best prepared customers on the voyage and you pay nothing extra for this service. Discover More
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Large Groups
- We are experienced charter consultants that can build tailored experiences for both part and full charters of vessels. Discover More
Antarctic Travel in March: FAQs
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What is the weather like in Antarctica in 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.
Temperatures tend to be around -5 to 0 degrees Celsius (20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit), it can get colder, and of course, on a sunny day, it can feel a lot warmer. Wind chill may at times play a factor. Dress appropriately and you are unlikely to feel cold. Inside all the vessels you can expect standard room temperature and quite often each cabin will have its own temperature control thermostat.
Things change quite quickly in March, for example, each day that passes there are around 15 minutes less daylight, so the sun is literally setting on the season.
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Is March the best month for seeing wildlife in Antarctica?
By early March in Antarctica, penguin colonies are still large and chicks are learning to swim and feed themselves. While the penguin populations in March will be smaller (although you'll still see thousands), it's prime time for whale watching, particularly in well-known hang-outs like Wilhelmina Bay. Humpbacks by March can now become more curious, particularly the juveniles.
Towards the end of March things start to change: once the adult penguins have moulted, they start to desert the rookeries and head back to sea where they will spend the polar winter, not returning again to land until November. Whales are also fully fed and thinking about heading back north to their breeding grounds.
For those doing the longer voyages including South Georgia, it's an exceptional time to be visiting. The King penguins are in their greatest numbers at this time making for great photography, there are lots of playful fur seals and Macaroni penguins, and the Wandering Albatrosses on Prion Island have small chicks.
To read more on Antarctic wildlife, visit our dedicated page. -
Is it cheaper to visit Antarctica in March?
March is a shoulder season month to travel to Antarctica, like November, when the prices are lower than high season and trips offering good value can be found. Early March trips are definitely worth considering, however the savings made by taking a later March departure may well be eroded by the colder, less predictable weather and the fewer wildlife, so choose carefully.
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Can I fly to Antarctica in March?
Flights are limited this late in the season but there are still a few around. Get in touch with our Polar Specialists to find out the latest availability.
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What additional activities are available?
March is still a very good month for kayaking. With the nights drawing in ever earlier as the month progresses, camping isn't always possible.
Undecided on When to Travel?
Read Swoop's guide on choosing the best month and year for you, with advice on how to plan your perfect Antarctic voyage.
Discover more about Antarctica
When to go to Antarctica
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.
Discover More
How to get to Antarctica
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.
Discover More
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.
Discover More
Luxury Antarctica Cruises
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 MoreReady 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 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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