Antarctica in January

January gets you face-to-face with newborn wildlife, now strong enough to be inquisitive and seek you out. Plus, with receding sea ice new areas become accessible and voyages down to the Polar Circle become possible.

Photos
Voyages
FAQ

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
Sunset at Cape Tuxen, after encountering Adelie penguins on Yalour Islands
Antarctic Sunset

What our customers think

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, Florida January 2018
For me, the highlight was crossing the Antarctic circle. Unbelievable landscapes and wildlife.

Tony & Penny, Mississippi January 2018
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
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
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

Antarctica Cruises - January

Antarctica Cruises January 2019

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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Antarctica Cruises January 2020

January is marked by newly hatched penguin chicks, increasing numbers of whales, long days for exploring and the recession of ice.

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John says

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

John Newby Polar Specialist

FAQs: Antarctic Travel in January

What are the typical weather conditions?
It's the height of summer on the Antarctic Peninsula with temperatures rising to 60 F / 15 C and the weather is generally stable, with plenty of sunshine and blue skies.
Average temperatures:
- 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's the wildlife doing?

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.
How will choosing to travel in January affect the cost?

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 travelers 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.
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.