5 Reasons to Visit Antarctica in January

It is the height of summer on the Peninsula with temperatures rising to 60 F / 15 C and the weather is generally stable
Penguin chicks are at their fluffiest and making strong demands on their busy parents for food
The opening up of the ice allows the season’s first Polar Circle voyages to reach 66 degrees south
Humpback whales are very focused on gorging on krill after their long commute from the tropics
The ice in the Ross Sea opens up allowing a short window to access the historic huts of Shackleton & Scott

Swoop says

There is a price premium if you choose to travel in January, but for the favourable weather conditions and off-the-scale wildlife encounters we think it's well worth the investment. You will need to book early.

Antarctica in January

Landing at Pleneau Island to visit Gentoo penguin rookery
Acrobatic Humpback whale, Wilhelmina Bay
Visitors to the Post Office & Gift Shop at Port Lockroy, Wiencke Island
Adult Chinstrap penguins with chicks
Camping in Antarctica
Large Iceberg approaching Antarctica
Sea kayaking in January
Sunset at Cape Tuxen, after encountering Adelie penguins on Yalour Islands
Antarctic Sunset in January

What our customers think

I could not have asked for better service than Swoop provided. You answered all my questions and concerns and provided me with all trip details and requirements.

Al & Natalia Florida January 2018

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Excursions were the highlights of the trip. I can't point a finger to any of them saying that one was the best. They were all fantastic!

Zoltan & Stephen Nemeth Florida January 2018

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For me, the highlight was crossing the Antarctic circle. Unbelievable landscapes and wildlife.

Tony & Penny Mississippi January 2018

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The trip was amazing. Michael particularly liked the whales that were diving within 10-15 feet of our zodiac; my favorite was seeing all the penguins and, in particular, the chicks.

Joan & Michael New Jersey January 2018

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January to my way of thinking is the best time to go, penguins with their chicks, lots of seals and whales. The surprise was the adventure itself: how fantastic it was.

Pat & Alex Australia January 2018

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I believe that there is nowhere else like Antarctica. The penguins and seals are so cute, and we saw many of them. It was my first time seeing a whale this closely. The zodiac cruising allowed us to explore Antartica in depth and detail. We saw a lot of fantastic icebergs and wildlife.

Feng Zheng China January 2017

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Antarctica Cruises - January

Antarctica Cruises January 2021

To enjoy a packed itinerary January is a great time to visit, with its long summer days and warmth (warm by Antarctica standards). The recession of the ice opens up more …

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Antarctica Cruises January 2022

January is a particularly welcoming month to visit the continent - temperatures are pleasant and the Polar Circle is opening up for navigation. Newly born penguin chicks are …

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Antarctica Cruises January 2023

The penguin rookeries are a hive of activity with the adult birds kept busy round-the-clock feeding and protecting their fluffy and photogenic young.

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Alex says

The combination of penguin chicks at their most cute, photogenic stage and spectacular whale sightings makes January my favourite month.

Alex Mudd Polar Specialist

Antarctic Travel in January: FAQs

What is the weather like in Antarctica in January?
It's the height of summer in Antarctica with temperatures averaging 43 degrees F / 6 degrees C and the weather is generally stable, with plenty of sunshine and blue skies.
Average temperatures across the continent:
- Antarctic Peninsula: 32 degrees F (0.3 degrees C)
- South Georgia: 43 degrees F (6 degrees C)
- The Falklands: 52 degrees F (11 degrees C)
What wildlife can I see in Antarctica in January?

January is a very active month for wildlife in Antarctica. The fluffy, mega cute penguin chicks are growing rapidly and parents are taking it in turns to go out to sea to fish for their ever demanding offspring. Observe the comical "feeding chases" as the hungry chicks chase their parents along the shoreline for more food.
Whales are seen this month in increasing numbers, particularly humpback and minke, but also orcas who are very impressive if you catch them hunting.
Is it more expensive to visit Antarctica in January?

January is 'high season' and the busiest month in Antarctica. The weather and wildlife are arguably at their best, and it's a very popular time for those travellers who live in the Northern Hemisphere to take a holiday, which means you need to book early (12-18 months in advance).
As such there is an approximately 20-25% premium for choosing to travel at this time, over shoulder season rates.
Can I fly to Antarctica in January?

Yes, charter flights from Punta Arenas in Chile to Antarctica begin in early December and operate through to mid-February.
Which 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.