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
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
Antarctica Cruises - January
Antarctica Cruises January 2020
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.
Antarctic 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 …
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 …
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
Antarctic Travel in January: FAQs
-
What is the weather like in Antarctica in January?
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 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.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
With over 50 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.