When to go to Antarctica

The season is November through to March (the Antarctic summer) and travel is only possible during this time. Temperatures can vary be between 5 to -27.5 degrees C depending on wind and weather. Each month offers dramatically different experiences and below are just some highlights of travelling at different times of the season.  

November 

• Penguins and birds are nest building and courting 
• Loads of snow and sea ice 
• Amazing sunsets, noctilucent clouds and spring flowers in Falklands 
• Weddell and fur seals mating 
• Elephant seals fighting 
• Albatross, fulmars and petrels fly the drake passage 
• Blue eyed shags return 

December 

• The start of summer, with up to 22 hours of daylight and sunnier days 
• The density of wildlife increases – penguin rookeries fill up 
• Seal and whale sightings common 
• Penguin chicks begin to hatch first in falklands, then on the Peninsula mid month 
• Humpback whales arrive back from tropics to feed 
• There is less sea ice so landings easier 

January 

• The height of summer – temps up to 15 degrees C and generally stable weather 
• Penguin chicks at their fluffiest and asking for food 
• Opening sea ice means vessels can cross the Antarctic circle 
• Humpback whales focused on eating krill 
• Ross sea ice opens up allowing access to huts of Shackleton and Scott 

February 

• Penguin chicks most active and curious, chasing parents for food 
• Peak whale spotting season as all migrating pods will now have arrived 
• Sea ice at minimum so it is the best month for crossing polar circle 
• Adult penguins begin moulting, chicks are fledging and learning to swim 
• Humpbacks become more inquisitive now that they’ve eaten 

March 

• Almost guaranteed great whale sightings  
• Penguin chicks very curious and come up to visitors 
• Good for photography, with good sunsets and sunrises 
• Fewer ships around as season draws to a close 
• King and macaroni penguin rookeries largest and most impressive on South Georgia