Antarctica in November

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5 Reasons to Visit Antarctica in November

The penguins populations in the rookeries are swelling and the birds are busy nest-building and courting
Extensive snow cloaks Antarctica in a ‘pristine whiteness’. Sea ice is still prevalent and at its most impressive
Fantastic photo opportunities - amazing sunsets, noctilucent clouds and spring flowers blooming in The Falklands
Weddell and Fur seals are busy mating, while in South Georgia rowdy beach master Elephant seals are fighting
Albatross, marine fulmars and petrels fly the Drake Passage while Blue-eyed shags return to Antarctica

Swoop Says

November is colder and more unpredictable weather-wise, with less fauna, but the pluses include the chance of walking on sea ice, ideal conditions for snow shoeing, good cabin availability and great prices.

Walking on fast ice
Orne Harbour
Leopard seal on an ice floe
A frozen bay where a ship has recently 'parked up'
Getting set up for camping out
Whalers Bay, Deception Island, South Shetland Islands
Mountaineering above Paradise Bay
Nesting chinstraps, Baily Head, South Shetlands
Walkers at Portal Point
Sunset, Lemaire Channel (aka 'Kodak Alley')

What our customers think

Brilliant itinerary. Early season cruise was fantastic with lovely snow and ice to enjoy. Expedition staff were uniformly excellent with wide areas of knowledge and expertise. Everyone worked smoothly together to get us all ashore quickly, efficiently and safely. The Captain added to our enjoyment by giving us unexpectedly close-up experiences of polar ice.

Colin & Jacqui, UK November 2017
The ship was luxurious and the food, drink and service of an extremely high quality. The staff supporting trips from the ship were of a high calibre and the lecturers well informed. Nothing was too much trouble for anyone.

Jennifer, UK November 2017
Going early in the season gave us pristine snowy landscapes. We had the unique opportunity to see a lone emperor penguin. Getting out onto the sea ice and so close to massive icebergs was fantastic.

Janet, Sandra & Tokiki, California November 2017
It was magnificent. We very much appreciated the assistance provided by Swoop and the recommendations - particularly our cabin chosen by Alex. The organisation of the crew every day to get everyone on shore was exceptional. Everyone provided excellent service Could not have been better.

Prue & Dominique, Australia November 2017
The trip actually exceeded expectations, thanks to the superb organisation and energy of the crew, combined with a relatively small and friendly group of passengers in such a spectacular place.The ship could not be bettered.

Sheryl & John, New Zealand November 2017
Probably the highlight (there were many) was landing on the continent. Other highlights: thousands of penguins, many whales, hundreds of birds. Mountains covered with snow. Icebergs everywhere, some that rolled, looking very wet, some with a dusting of snow that looked like powder sugar and some with seals laying in the sun.

Bob, California November 2017

Antarctica Cruises - November

Antarctica Cruises November 2018

November is a rewarding month for seeing wildlife and include battling Elephant seals on South Georgia and pebble stealing penguins in Antarctica.

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Antarctica Cruises November 2019

November is springtime in Antarctica. Early visitors get to enjoy pristine snow conditions and heavy ice. Photographers love the soft light and antics of the courting …

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Loli says

Sometimes the snow is so thick in November that expedition staff have to go ahead and dig steps so we can get ashore - it's much more of an expedition. I love the pristine whiteness of November!

Loli Figueroa Polar Specialist

FAQs: Antarctic Travel in November

What are the typical weather conditions?
November is typified by colder, less predictable weather. Snow isn't uncommon on South Georgia, but makes for great photo opportunities.
Average temperatures:
- Antarctic Peninsula: 28 degrees F ( -2 degrees C)
- South Georgia: 41 degrees F ( 5 degrees C)
- The Falklands: 46 degrees F (8 degrees C)
What's the wildlife doing?

Spring has sprung in Antarctica and wildlife numbers begin increasing, particularly with the return of the penguins. On the Antarctic Peninsula the Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins are busily engrossed in nest building, pebble stealing and courtship displays in their vast rookeries.
Humpback whales may be sighted on the Drake Passage on their annual migration south to gorge in Antarctica's krill-rich waters. To the northeast, South Georgia is an exciting place in November as the beaches are packed with rowdy Elephant seals offering a visual feast you won't get at any other time of the year.
There are somewhat fewer King penguins in the rookeries, but they are still in their many, many thousands.
How will choosing to travel in November affect the cost?

November is traditionally perceived as a 'shoulder season' month which is reflected in lower prices than in high season (mid-December - early February). Savings by the canny traveller can definitely be made by opting to travel in November, which in our book is a really exciting time to go to Antarctica.
Can I fly to Antarctica in November?

The airstrip on King George Island in the South Shetlands only becomes operational from 1st December, so this month the only way to access Antarctica is by ship, sailing across the Drake Passage.
What additional activities are available?

November is a fantastic month for the active traveler as the snow is at its best, offering ideal conditions for snowshoeing and back country skiing. Camping is possible, although chilly, as is kayaking.