When To Travel To The Polar Regions
Written by: cazenove+loyd
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 every season has its 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
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.
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
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
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 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
An exciting time for polar bear and walrus-spotting in Svalbard. Puffins and guillemots are nesting and flowers bloom across the tundra.
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
Expeditions to the North Pole
The optimum time to explore West Greenland and enter the Northwest Passage.
SEPTEMBER
NORTHERN LIGHTS
The northern lights in East Greenland are at their most radiant. The soft autumnal light is a photographer’s dream.
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
The first ships of the season reach Antarctica. Expect pristine snow and masses of wildlife. Penguin colonies in the Falklands flourish.
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.
