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When is the best time to travel to Antarctica?
- The Antarctic visitor season for expedition cruise ships runs from November to March, with high season in December and January
- There is no bad month for visiting Antarctica, but the weather and wildlife you'll experience will vary from month to month
- Day length varies throughout the season, peaking at nearly 24 hours of daylight at the end of December
- Penguins start nesting in November, with chicks arriving around Christmas and the new year, while February and March are the peak months for whale-watching
- November and March are often favoured by photographers for their soft light and sunsets
- Some Antarctic locations or experiences are only accessible at certain times of year, such as emperor penguin colonies, the Antarctic Circle and the Ross Sea
Swoop says
I've been Antarctica nine times and at all the different times of the season, and I genuinely don't have a favourite month to visit. It's a place of such variety, constant wonder and excitement whenever you go.
Lizzie Williams Polar Product Manager
Thick early season snow at Cuverville Bay
Receded late season snow at Cuverville Bay
November sunset at an Antarctic camp site
Snow Hill's emperor penguins can only be visited in November and December
Gentoo penguin feeding chicks hatched in the new year
King penguins with chicks are present year-round in South Georgia
Humpback whale in March
Fur seal pup on South Georgia in March
Late season Antarctic sunset
Our most popular Antarctic cruises
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When to Travel to Antarctica: A month by month guide
The best time to cruise to Antarctica is during the austral summer from November to March, when Antarctica's wildlife is at its busiest and there’s up to 24 hours of daylight. Every year a few brave cruise ships visit in late October or linger until early April, but outside these months, thick sea ice makes Antarctica’s coastline impenetrable. The Antarctic winter is long, dark and impossibly cold.
For travellers, there is no best or worst time to be in Antarctica. Every month has a distinct character, and your perfect trip depends very much on what you personally want to get out of this incredible destination – whether that's the deepest pristine snow, fluffy penguin chicks or close encounters with humpback whales.
Walking in Antarctica's early season snow
Swoop says
The Swoop team have visited Antarctica repeatedly during every month of the visitor season, and we use that experience to guide you towards the perfect time of year for your own polar adventure.
Travel to Antarctica in November
In November Antarctica, opens its arms to the season's first visitors. The deep snows of the late Antarctic spring await the footprints of the earliest cruise ship passengers, eager to take advance of cheaper shoulder season prices.
Penguins return to land after a winter at sea, and visitors can see courtship behaviours and nest-building with pebbles on rocky areas free of snow. There are relatively few whale sightings, as they are migrating south from warmer waters.
As days lengthen, expect 20 hours of daylight and more. November (and early December) is the only period when the emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill can be reached by expedition cruise ship.
Antarctica in November
Travel to Antarctica in December
The summer sun bathes Antarctica in up to 24 hours of daylight in December, and temperatures hover just above freezing, making this month a popular time to visit.
It's a busy time in the penguin rookeries, with eggs being incubated on nests and the first penguin chicks hatching from the middle of December. Whales start to arrive in Antarctic waters in increasing numbers, and from the end of the month the Antarctic Circle starts to become ice-free.
The Christmas holiday period helps make December one of Antarctica high season months, which is reflected in demand for cabins and prices.
Antarctica in December
Swoop says
If you're thinking of including South Georgia on your itinerary for the king penguins, it's worth knowing that their unusual breeding cycle means that chicks are present whatever month you choose to visit.
Otto Lock Antarctica Specialist
Travel to Antarctica in January
January is the peak of the Antarctic summer, with nearly 24 hours of daylight each day, which gives plenty of time for exploration.
Penguin chicks arrive in great numbers by January, and get more inquisitive as they become increasingly independent by the end of the month. Whales are now feeding in the krill-rich waters in large numbers, and there is less snow on the ground at many landing sites.
January is high season in Antarctica, with higher prices reflecting its popularity. The Weddell Sea, Antarctic Circle and Ross Sea all become accessible to ships this month.
Antarctica in January
Travel to Antarctica in February
The days are getting noticeably shorter in February, dropping down to 16 hours of daylight, but bringing the return of golden hour light for photography and some wonderful sunsets.
Penguin creches throng with growing chicks, and the snow around the penguin rookeries is now stained with bright pink guano from a steady diet of krill. Whales begin to take over as the biggest wildlife draw, as they become more relaxed and spend more time at the surface, leading to some tremendous encounters.
February is a peak month for exploring the Weddell Sea and south of the Antarctic Circle, as they are at their most free from sea ice – with the Weddell in particular offering astounding tabular icebergs.
Antarctica in February
Travel to Antarctica in March
There’s a taste of winter in the air in March in Antarctica, with slightly cooler temperatures and the days shortening to just 13 hours of daylight and some truly colourful sunsets and dawns.
Penguin chicks are getting ready to fledge, and adults start to moult to get ready for a winter at sea. Humpback whales put on real a show – having done most of their feeding, they often approach zodiacs and kayaks out of curiosity, making this one of the best places in the world for whale-watching.
As a shoulder season, March attracts slightly lower prices. The last visitors here will likely experience the first snow flurries of the changing season, and pancake ice starting to form on the sea.
Antarctica in March
Swoop says
Due to the relatively small size of the polar fleet, we recommend planning your trip at least 12 months in advance to secure the departure you want. If you're considering travelling during the high season of December and January when demand peaks, planning 18 months ahead isn't too early.
What our customers think of Antarctica throughout the season
Absolutely no glitches and lots of pleasant surprises including aircraft carrier sized icebergs, Zodiac trips through ice fields, climbing the volcano on Deception Island, and up-close-and-personals with penguins, seals, and humpback whales. The continent is ineffable: words fail.
Travelled: December 2017
Marc - Florida
Review:
The best month to go to Antarctica will depend on what you're hoping to get from your trip. Whilst November is great for photography and snowshoeing, December to February have clearer ice conditions which makes Antarctic Circle voyages possible, with January being the peak season for penguin chick arrivals. March is the best time to see whales in Antarctica, although the and daylight hours drop.
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
When should I start planning my voyage?
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When are departure dates normally released?
Polar operators typically release their forthcoming departure dates and prices at least 18 months or so in advance, some even earlier. This is great news for travellers who like to plan ahead and get their cabin reserved early on, particularly if you can take advantage of an early booking incentive.
Given that there is only a finite number of places available on each departure, it really is a case of the early bird gets the worm – or, in this case, the best dates and the widest choice of cabins – so early booking is strongly recommended.
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When should I start to plan my Fly & Cruise trip?
Trips that include time-saving flights to Antarctica, avoiding the Drake Passage, are incredibly popular and are the earliest of all voyages to become booked up.
Due to strong demand and the relatively modest number of ships, particularly during high season, we would strongly urge that you begin planning at least 12 months in advance to be confident of securing your first choice. December and January are particularly busy times and, typically, can be fully booked up 10 months ahead.
For the most popular Fly & Cruise trips or those incorporating South Georgia, 18 months ahead isn't too early.
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Is it less expensive to travel in November & March?
Yes it's true, the shoulder season months of November and March tend to be priced approx. 10-15% less than during the high season (December to the end of February) and, as a result, are a good place to look for the budget-conscious or bargain-hunter.
The reason for this is partly the less predictable weather and slightly lower wildlife numbers, but it's also simply the case that many who live in Northern Hemisphere countries like to holiday during their worst winter months.
In our opinion, a great time to travel is in early December when it's still shoulder season pricing but you get all of the benefits of high season.
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Are there any advantages in booking early?
There certainly are: as well as securing your first choice, with many of the ships offering really quite generous early booking incentives of up to $1,500 per person, getting organised can pay dividends.
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Can I wait until the last minute for a late deal?
Given the strong demand for Antarctic cruises, boat operators rarely need to resort to offering any late availability discounts – particularly on the more popular ships and voyages – as cabins are normally all booked months in advance.
Any remaining unsold cabins tend to be left on the shelf for a reason, and choice will be poor at best, so it's not an approach we advocate.
However, if you're flexible on dates and don't mind paying a last-minute premium for your flights, there are normally odd cabins available.
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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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