The best time to visit Antarctica

With more than 20 hours of sunlight, this is a fabulous time to visit Antarctica, with temperatures rising as high as 15ºC. As the ice starts to recede, cruises can start their polar circle voyages to 66º south, accessing the Ross Sea and visiting Shackleton and Scott’s huts.

Penguin chicks and whale spotting are highlights at this time of year. Sea birds including petrels, albatrosses, and skuas are active, whilst both baleen and toothed whales arrive from tropical regions to feed. You might even encounter ice-floe-lounging crabeater, leopard and Weddell seals whilst kayaking along the Peninsula.

Arguably the best time to go to Antarctica, February sees substantial daylight hours and average temperatures of -6°C. The sea ice has melted enough to sail all the way to the Polar Circle, as the sun in December and January have weakened the pack ice significantly. This is a great month to spot whales, sea birds and fledgeling penguin chicks having their first swimming lessons. After having had their fill of krill, humpback whales start to show off a little more breaching, spy hopping and lobtailing.

Juvenile humpback whales become particularly inquisitive during this time, making for some unforgettable sightings. Penguin colonies begin to shrink, with chicks taking to the waters on independent food-seeking journeys. Predators like leopard seals and orcas patrol in search of these young, inexperienced chicks.

The end of the summer travel season for visiting Antarctica falls in March. An enormous number of marine mammals feed in the cold waters at this time, before migrating north to their breeding grounds. Towards the middle of the month, most wildlife starts departing for the open sea where they spend the polar winter.

Wilhelmina Bay is situated along the west coast of Graham Land between Reclus Peninsula and Cape Anna and is one of the best places to see groups of humpback whales in March. Whales are refuelled on krill making them more playful, increasing the chances of them putting on a spectacular display for visitors.

Closed Season

Closed Season

Closed Season

Closed Season

Closed Season

Closed Season

Late October marks the beginning of the Antarctic season and the first chance to embark on cruises as the ice starts to break up. Penguins, including Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap species, start to come ashore and pair up for mating. Southern elephant seals are in their breeding season (August to November), increasing the likelihood of spotting them on beaches alongside their charming pups.

This is the coldest and most pristine time to visit Antarctica. Conditions are most photogenic, with thick, fresh snow from the winter season and no human footprints. Seabirds such as petrels, albatrosses, and skuas begin their courtship and nesting displays.

Visiting Antarctica in November is perfectly suited to landscape and wildlife photographers. With the sun low in the sky and icebergs at their largest, the dramatic silhouettes of towering icebergs against the sea and sky are striking. Wildlife activity is also at its peak during this time. Female king penguins can be seen waddling with their new eggs carefully perched on their feet, while fur seals become more aggressive during their mating period.

This month marks the end of the elephant seal breeding season, providing a chance to observe these remarkable creatures before they retreat. For those seeking adventure, there is potential for expeditions to locate emperor penguins, including icebreaker voyages and inland camping trips.

December marks the height of the Antarctic travel season, with the summer sun providing over 20 hours of daylight, giving you ample time to immerse yourself in this extraordinary destination. The continent truly comes alive during this period, as whale species arrive to feed and penguin chicks begin hatching mid-month. Adult penguins can be seen coming ashore to care for their hungry young, while seal pups populate the beaches of South Georgia Island. The landing strip on King George Island opens, facilitating air-cruising.

This is also one of the most popular times to visit, with demand reflected in higher prices. If you’re considering travelling over Christmas or New Year, we recommend contacting us early, as many of our clients plan their journeys one to two years in advance to secure their preferred dates and experiences.