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5 Reasons to Visit Antarctica in December
- December is the start of summer in Antarctica – 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 the breakup of ice allows wider exploration
Swoop says
Early December is a great time to visit while still enjoying shoulder season pricing. Daylight hours increase as whale activity picks up pace. Late December guarantees a White Christmas and penguin chicks begin to hatch.
Heather Moult Antarctica Specialist
Antarctica in December
Diving humpback whale, Melchior Islands
Chinstrap penguin colony
Kayaking amongst Antarctic icebergs
Approaching Neptune's Bellows, Deception Island, South Shetlands, Antarctica
Paradise Bay, Antarctica
Nesting chinstraps, Baily Head, South Shetland Islands
Sea kayaking
Our Top Trips in December
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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
Antarctica at Christmas
Guarantee a white Christmas by visiting the 7th Continent. Enjoy festive hosting onboard your expedition vessel, as well as plenty of wildlife sightings to make your experience magical. The weather tends to be at its best in the festive period, and with penguin chicks beginning to hatch, you'll certainly have lots of photographs to mark your time at the end of the world.
What our customers think of Antarctica in December
Most memorable moment was seeing penguins for the first time as we were on the mountaineering walk. Chinstrap penguins - they were so close! ? Read the full review
Travelled: December 2019
Sarah Gillett - Switzerland
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.
Travelled: December 2017
Deidre - New York
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!
Travelled: December 2017
Lori - Texas
Review:
Antarctica Cruises December 2025
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
Antarctica Cruises December 2026
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
Antarctic Travel in December: FAQs
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What's the weather like in Antarctica in December?
December is typically marked by sunshine and blue skies with increasing hours of daylight. Temperatures are reaching their warmest, as the height of the summer sets in. Glaciers calve, whales return from the tropics, and research activity increases. However, this is Antarctica and the odd whiteout can still occur. You'll want to bring warm clothing and base layers, with the following average daily 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)
These regions experience the mildest climate in Antarctica, further inland and at higher elevations, the weather is far more extreme.
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What wildlife can I see in Antarctica in December?
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. Find out more about Antarctic wildlife by visiting our dedicated page.
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Is it cheaper to visit Antarctica in December?
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) travelling 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 snowshoeing up to Christmas, but can become challenging after that.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
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Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
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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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