5 Reasons to Visit Antarctica in December
- The start of summer - up to 22 hours of daylight and sunnier days means more time for exploring
- The density of wildlife is increasing - penguin rookeries are at full capacity, while seal and whale sightings become common
- Penguin chicks begin to hatch, first in the Falklands, and then from mid-December on the Peninsula
- December marks the arrival back in Antarctic waters of hungry humpback whales from tropical waters
- Access to the landing sites becomes easier in December and breakup of ice allows wider exploration
Our Top Trips in December
Swoop Says
Antarctica in December 2016 with John from Swoop
Antarctica in December
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Approaching Neptune's Bellows, Deception Island, South Shetlands
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Paradise Bay
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Nesting chinstraps, Baily Head, South Shetland Islands
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Tidal Pools
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Diving Humpback whale, Melchior Islands
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Commuting chinstraps, Half Moon Bay
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Zodiac cruising in Pleneau Bay's iceberg graveyard
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Camping above Almirante Brown (Argentine) research station, Paradise Bay
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Sea Kayaking
What our customers think
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It exceeded our expectations and I would recommend it to everyone wanting to go visit Antarctica. We had a really wonderful time. So glad we flew!
Lori, Texas December 2017
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Mind blowing, once-in-a-lifetime trip. I would go back in a heartbeat. It far exceeded any expectations I had and I absolutely fell in love.
Deidre, New York December 2017
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The landscape was beautiful. I wanted to go early in the season to see white - snow, icebergs, clear landings. And I definitely saw that!
Angie, Minnesota December 2016
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Fantastic experience, would recommend to anyone interested in wildlife and the history of the area. Great informal atmosphere with no cocktail parties. Expedition staff were generally excellent.
David & Jill, UK November 2017
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Have recommended Swoop to all our friends; more than happy with your service before, after and during our trip.
Pauline, Australia December 2017
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We had an absolutely amazing honeymoon in Antarctica. One I'm sure we'll never forget. Highlight was the wildlife and the staff; we learned so much and had so much fun. Thanks for all your help!
Tish & Obadiah, Massachusetts December 2017
Antarctica Cruises - December
Antarctica Cruises December 2018
Sunny days and blue skies are common in December, while +20 hours of daylight help maximise the time you have to explore and help break up the ice.
Antarctica Cruises December 2019
By December, the Antarctic summer is in full swing. Long days for exploring, hatching penguin chicks and the return of humpbacks all mark the beginning of High Season.
Alex says
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Its action stations in the penguin rookeries in December with the chicks about to hatch. Peek into the nests or listen out for the 'keening' sound they make - it's like looking for Christmas presents.
Alex Mudd General Manager
FAQs: Antarctic Travel in December
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What are the typical weather conditions?
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)
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What's the wildlife doing?
By December the penguin rookeries are at full capacity and the birds are busy incubating their precious eggs. Hatching time differs on the Antarctic Peninsula between the three penguin species, and also different geographical location, but the later in December the better chances you have of seeing newly hatched chicks and hearing the particular 'keening' noise they make.
Weddell, Crabeater and Leopard seals are commonly sighted in December in good numbers, typically hauled up on ice floes.
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How will choosing to travel in December affect the cost?
The key thing to note in December is that around mid-month (it differs between boat operators) the pricing steps up as High Season begins. Those aware of this price watershed and who are flexible on dates can benefit from the best of both worlds: (a) traveling in the first two weeks of December under High Season conditions, and (b) but at the lower Shoulder season pricing.
'High Season' is reflective of the better weather, more plentiful wildlife, longer days for exploring and sheer popularity, and runs from mid December through to late February.
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Can I fly to Antarctica in December?
Yes, charter flights from Punta Arenas in Chile to Antarctica begin in early December when the Chilean airfield on King George Island resumes operations. Flights operate through to mid February.
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What additional activities are available?
With the arrival of High Summer, the opening up of the ice allows kayakers to cover more ground, while +21 hours of daylight a day provides an interesting experience for overnight campers out on the ice.
Snow conditions are usually good enough for snow shoeing up to Christmas, but can become challenging after that.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
With over 14 years' experience in Antarctica, we can guide you through the maze of options to choose the perfect voyage.