Antarctica in November
In November Antarctica opens its arms to the season's first visitors. You'll not only enjoy the excitement of walking on virgin snow, but you'll also appreciate its beauty as you …
5 Reasons to Visit Antarctica in March
- You are guaranteed great whale encounters - February and March are the best months for whale watching
- The penguin chicks are very curious towards visitors and are often drawn to the colour yellow in particular
- It's a popular month for photographers, with the sun now lower in the sky and wonderful sunsets/rises
- March can be a magical time as there are fewer ships around and it feels like you have Antarctica to yourself
- On South Georgia, the King penguin rookeries are at their most impressive and Macaroni’s are in their greatest numbers
Antarctica in March
Leopard seal on an ice floe, Antarctica
Kayaking near Charlotte’s Bay, Antarctica
Young Gentoo contemplating a swim, but not yet fledged, Antarctica
Zodiac to Pleneau Bay in March
Gentoo penguins, Pleneau Island, Antarctica
Humpback whale and zodiac, Wilhelmina Bay
Elephant Seals, Hannah Point, South Shetlands, Antarctica
Strong winds crossing Bransfield Strait, Antarctica
Spyhopping Humpback whale, Antarctica
Swoop says
Early March is well worth considering, particularly for spectacular whale sightings. The lower Shoulder Season pricing can really make a difference. Do note that conditions can markedly deteriorate from mid March.
Our Top Trips in March
What our customers think of Antarctica in March
Penguins were definitely the highlight. I could have watched them for hours. Lemaire Channel was spectacular though we had to turn around at the end due to iceberg blocking the way. We saw many whales - fin, humpback and orca. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2017
Nathalie Lemaire - United States Of America
Review:
Know which year you want to travel?
If you know when you want to explore the White Continent you can find your perfect trip on our specially dedicated year pages:
Alternatively you can browse the March trips for each year in the carousels below.
Antarctica Cruises March 2023
Antarctic Travel in March: FAQs
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What is the weather like in Antarctica in March?
March is a time of change for Antarctica as the early onset of winter begins to be felt. From around mid March the weather becomes increasingly colder and less predictable, and the number of ships markedly thins out as the season draws to a close. It can be a tricky time of year to visit Antarctica and can feel very different, depending on whether you are there at the beginning or end of the month.
Temperatures tend to be around -5 to 0 degrees Celsius (20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit), it can get colder, and of course, on a sunny day, it can feel a lot warmer. Wind chill may at times play a factor. Dress appropriately and you are unlikely to feel cold. Inside all the vessels you can expect standard room temperature and quite often each cabin will have its own temperature control thermostat.
Things change quite quickly in March, for example, each day that passes there are around 15 minutes less daylight, so the sun is literally setting on the season.
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Is March the best month for seeing wildlife in Antarctica?
By early March in Antarctica, penguin colonies are still large and chicks are learning to swim and feed themselves. While the penguin populations in March will be smaller (although you'll still see thousands), it's prime time for whale watching, particularly in well-known hang-outs like Wilhelmina Bay. Humpbacks by March can now become more curious, particularly the juveniles.
Towards the end of March things start to change: once the adult penguins have moulted, they start to desert the rookeries and head back to sea where they will spend the polar winter, not returning again to land until November. Whales are also fully fed and thinking about heading back north to their breeding grounds.
For those doing the longer voyages including South Georgia, it's an exceptional time to be visiting. The King penguins are in their greatest numbers at this time making for great photography, there are lots of playful fur seals and Macaroni penguins, and the Wandering Albatrosses on Prion Island have small chicks.
To read more on Antarctic wildlife, visit our dedicated page. -
Is it cheaper to visit Antarctica in March?
March is a shoulder season month to travel to Antarctica, like November, when the prices are lower than high season and trips offering good value can be found. Early March trips are definitely worth considering, however the savings made by taking a later March departure may well be eroded by the colder, less predictable weather and the fewer wildlife, so choose carefully.
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Can I fly to Antarctica in March?
Flights are limited this late in the season but there are still a few around. Get in touch with our Polar Specialists to find out the latest availability.
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What additional activities are available?
March is still a very good month for kayaking. With the nights drawing in ever earlier as the month progresses, camping isn't always possible.
Still unsure about when to travel?
Antarctica in December
The summer sun bathes the continent in 20-24 hours of daylight in December, making it a popular time to visit. It's also a busy time for the penguin rookeries as the chicks begin …
Antarctica in January
January is the peak of the Antarctic summer, so you'll enjoy magical 20+ hours of sunlight each day. These extra daylight hours gives you more time each day to explore,…
Antarctica in February
February's the time for sailing all the way to the Polar Circle, the Sun's rays through December and January having weakened the pack ice significantly enough to allow for …
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.
Ready 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 50 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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