Around seven percent of the earth lies within the two polar circles. The Polar Regions encompass no less than eight countries and three continents. There are areas to be explored all year round and all polar region seasons have their appeal. Scroll down to read the cazenove+loyd polar calendar, where we list the best time to go to each of our polar destinations.

January in Antarctica, the Polar Region Seasons

JANUARY

PENGUIN CHICKS AND SEAL PUPS

In Antarctica, penguin chicks are hatching and seal pups are being born. The Antarctic Circle and the Ross Sea become accessible as the ice retreats.

Whale Watching, February in The Polar Regions, a Polar calendar

FEBRUARY

WHALE WATCHING

Young penguins are finding their feet and whales are arriving in large numbers. In Greenland and Churchill, the northern lights are dazzling.

March, Penguins in South Georgia, Polar Region seasons

MARCH

KING PENGUINS

Young penguins are finding their feet and whales are arriving in large numbers. In Greenland and Churchill, the northern lights are dazzling.

April, Dog Sledding in Svalbard, polar region seasons

APRIL

DOG SLEDDING

An amazing time to sail and ski in northern Norway or to explore Svalbard by snowmobile or dog sled, as the wildlife starts to arrive for spring.

May, Polar Bear Spotting in Svalbard, Polar region seasons

MAY

POLAR BEAR HUNTING GROUNDS

Polar bear hunting grounds in Svalbard become accessible as the ice retreats. It’s a wonderful time to spot narwhal in the Canadian Arctic.

June, Spotting Puffins in Svalbard

JUNE

SPOTTING PUFFINS

An exciting time for polar bear and walrus-spotting in Svalbard. Puffins and guillemots are nesting and flowers bloom across the tundra.

July, Expedition to the North Pole, polar calendar

JULY

EXPEDITIONS TO THE NORTH POLE

It is now possible to circumnavigate Spitsbergen Island. Whale numbers in the region peak and North Pole expeditions commence.

August, Explore The North West Passage

AUGUST

EXPEDITIONS TO THE NORTH POLE

The optimum time to explore West Greenland and enter the Northwest Passage.

September, Northern Lights in Greenland, Polar Region Seasons

SEPTEMBER

NORTHERN LIGHTS

The northern lights in East Greenland are at their most radiant. The soft autumnal light is a photographer’s dream.

September, Polar Bear Migration in Churchill

OCTOBER

POLAR BEAR MIGRATIONS

The polar bear migration in Churchill reaches its peak as they wait for Hudson Bay to freeze over.

November, Penguin Colonies in The Falkland Islands

NOVEMBER

PENGUIN COLONIES

The first ships of the season reach Antarctica. Expect pristine snow and masses of wildlife. Penguin colonies in the Falklands flourish.

December, The Best Time to Visit Antarctica

DECEMBER

LONG DAYS AND PEAK NUMBERS OF WILDLIFE

Long days and peak numbers of wildlife make this an incredible time to explore Antarctica, including trips to the South Pole.

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Karen Chapman
Serena Winn-Darley
Venetia Stanley

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