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Antarctica in November

November signals the start of the travel season to Antarctica and arrival of the first boats. Spring is in the air, the penguin rookeries are a hive of activity, while the presence of ‘fast ice’ provides the rare chance of walking on sea ice.

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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 – expect amazing sunsets, rare noctilucent clouds and spring flowers blooming in the Falklands
Weddell and fur seals are busy mating, while in South Georgia elephant seal beach masters patrol their recently won harems
Albatross, marine fulmars and petrels fly the Drake Passage while blue-eyed shags return to Antarctica

Swoop says

I love the stunningly pristine snow and untouched landscapes of Antarctica in November. It's not the best time for whale activity, but it offers fantastic value and there's plenty of action in the penguin rookeries as egg incubation begins.

Daniel Brooks Antarctica Specialist

Antarctica in November

Orne Harbour

Whalers Bay, Deception Island, South Shetland Islands

Mountaineering above Paradise Bay, Antarctica in November

Mountaineering above Paradise Bay in November

A rocky, snow-covered slither of scenery bisects a body of water

The snow-soaked Fort Point landing site in Antarctica

An imperial shag

Walking on fast ice

The Hondius ship in Antarctica during November

An Antarctic ship in November weather

Our Best November Cruises

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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...

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What our customers think of Antarctica in November

I felt overjoyed, ecstatic to witness this once in a lifetime journey. Breathtaking views, gorgeous, huge icebergs. Being among the massive icebergs and the vastness of the sea ice gave me a sense of awe. The pristine icebergs after icebergs gave me a perspective of how much larger than life and timeless they were. Being here in the silence has a deep sense of peace and tranquility. I stood staring at the vast ice landscape enjoying their beauty and strength. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2024

Mitsu Reddy - USA

Advice? Book early season - the scenes were amazing with all the snow around. Read the full review

Travelled: October 2024

Natalie Gillespie - UK

Most memorable moment? Standing there with the penguins and being at a place where only penguins have been since March. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2023

Stephanie Curtis - USA

Do not hesitate to go in early November. It's the beginning of summer but that is when you will see the most ice, cleanest snow, and still plenty of penguin chicks in South Georgia. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2023

Karen Yamamoto-Fosberg - USA

If you want pristine ice and plenty of penguins then go on the first voyage out in November. There were plenty of king penguin chicks to see in South Georgia, even in early summer. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2023

Karen Yamamoto-Fosberg - USA

Perhaps Zodiac cruising amongst glaciers and huge icebergs in the Cierva Cove was the highlight, with the ice popping and cracking and singing all around us. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2022

Helena Polackova - UK

It was majestic and moody and beautiful. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2017

Ryan George - United States Of America

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.

Travelled: November 2017

Janet - California

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; it could not have been better.

Travelled: November 2017

Prue & Dominique - Australia

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.

Travelled: November 2017

Sheryl & John - New Zealand

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.

Travelled: November 2017

Colin & Jacqui - UK

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.

Travelled: November 2017

Jennifer - UK

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.

Travelled: November 2017

Bob - California

Review:

November Customer Reviews

Antarctica Cruises November 2025

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Antarctica Cruises November 2026

Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip

View all our Antarctic Cruises

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.

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
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
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
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 November: FAQs

What's the weather like in Antarctica in November?
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 wildlife can I see in Antarctica in November?

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.
Is it cheaper to visit Antarctica in November?

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 traveller as the snow is at its best, offering ideal conditions for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing. Camping is possible, as is kayaking, but both are chilly.

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.

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