Antarctica is just the tip of the iceberg
Whether you want to embrace the wilds of Southern Patagonia
or unwind at a vineyard near Santiago,
talk to Swoop about extending your adventure...
5 Reasons to Visit Antarctica in January
- It is the height of summer on the Antarctica Peninsula, with temperatures rising to 60 F / 15 C and the weather is generally at its most stable
- Penguin chicks are at their fluffiest and making strong demands on their busy parents for food – ideal for watching the comical goings-on at the rookeries
- The opening up of the ice allows the season’s first Antarctic Circle voyages to attempt the epic feat of reaching 66 degrees south
- Humpback whales are laser focused on gorging on krill in the polar waters after their long commute from the tropics
- The ice in the Ross Sea opens up, allowing a short window for accessing the historic huts of legendary polar explorers Shackleton and Scott
Swoop says
January trips may run with a peak season price premium, but it's a hive of wildlife activity at every turn. The ice opens up to allow intrepid travellers to reach below the Antarctic Circle.
Ian Young Antarctic Sales Manager
Antarctica in January
Landing at Pleneau Island to visit Gentoo penguin rookery
Acrobatic Humpback whale, Wilhelmina Bay
Sunset at Cape Tuxen, after encountering Adelie penguins on Yalour Islands
Adult Chinstrap penguins with chicks
Large Iceberg approaching Antarctica
Sea kayaking
Early season Antarctic sunset
Our Top Trips in January
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
What our customers think of Antarctica in January
We were extremely lucky with the weather.. we got to do everything thing we were supposed to. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2020
Susan Tinkler - Australia
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.
Travelled: January 2018
Al & Natalia - Florida
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!
Travelled: January 2018
Zoltan & Stephen Nemeth - Florida
For me, the highlight was crossing the Antarctic circle. Unbelievable landscapes and wildlife.
Travelled: January 2018
Tony & Penny - Mississippi
Review:
Listen to Molly's expert advice
Antarctica Cruises January 2026
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
Antarctica Cruises January 2027
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
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
Antarctic Travel in January: FAQs
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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
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.
Discover More
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 More
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.
Discover More
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.
Discover MoreReady to plan your Antarctic adventure?
1
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3
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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