Best Time to Visit Antarctica 

The best time to visit Antarctica is debatable but it can also make or break your vacation, so we share our views after visiting this fascinating continent.

Full of intrigue, awe, and surprises, it is rare for an avid traveler not to want to plan a trip to Antarctica, with it featuring atop their travel list goals. However, much of the continent’s appeal lies in what you want to see and the timing of your visit.

The best time to visit Antarctica is during the austral summer months which are between November to March, as during this period the daylight is almost continuous and the weather relatively mild.

Outside these warmer months between October and March, cruise ships cannot sail to Antarctica because of the compacted sea ice and harsh weather conditions involving strong winds and blizzards, even during summer.

That said, Antarctica’s bucket list of things to do is so large, that you won’t be disappointed if you travel during any particular month or season.

This month-by-month travel advice will help you decide when to head to Antarctica to experience all that you have been dreaming about.

Best time to visit Antarctica

Late October to November 

While few tours in Antarctica commence in October, going in the early season has its benefits, especially if you wish to see massive swaths of ice before they break down later in the season.

November is the actual start of the Antarctic tourist season as it is the onset of summer and wildlife is most abundant.

Some species like gentoo and chinstrap penguins come on land to begin their nesting. This is therefore the best time to view the courtship rituals of adults in search of mates as well as the mating rituals of seals.

If you are a bird lover, this is also the right time to see some of the Antarctic seabirds like petrels, skuas, and albatross.

Throughout the Falkland Islands, spring flowers begin to bloom, while elephant seals reveal their displays of courtship in South Georgia.

November is also good for those wishing to travel inland on camping tours to spot emperor penguins.

For photographers, November is particularly good as the sun is low in the sky which results in incredible shots of sunrise and sunset that last for hours, especially when the conditions are clear.

Snow still covers most of the landscape in November offering stunning photographic opportunities for camera buffs.

November, therefore, is the perfect time for visiting Antarctica, especially for landscape photographers and those wishing to cruise on a budget, this being the shoulder season.

December 

December marks the beginning of the Antarctic summer season and is the perfect time to visit as not only are the days warm but there is ample sunlight allowing visitors maximum hours of wildlife spotting time.

The landscape is still sprinkled with fresh snow and you can enjoy surreal views of Antarctica at any time.

Since this is the time to spend the winter vacation, there is high demand and it is but natural for the prices to shoot up in December.

Daylight hours in early December are the longest, roughly around 20 hours, and offer superb opportunities to see penguin chicks hatching on the Falkland Islands and also along the Antarctic Peninsula during late December.

The beaches of South Georgia are full of seal pups and chances of seeing Humpback whales increase during December as they migrate from the tropics to these rich feeding grounds.

(For people who wish to avoid the Drake’s Passage, an airstrip on King George Island becomes operational from December onwards). This is one of the best attractions in Antarctica to explore.

January 

With temperatures rising to 10 degrees Celsius, the weather is warmest during January and the 22+ hours of daylight is ideal for watching penguin chicks in their fluffy plumage.

For those interested in the history of the White Continent, the seas around East Antarctica break up sufficiently to allow ships to access some of the most remote and rarely visited sites of Scott and Shackleton after crossing the Antarctic Circle.

January in Antarctica opens up a unique travel window for visitors to explore the Ross Sea and an opportunity to view the historic huts of Shackleton and Scott.

Since most of the channels at this time of the month are ice-free, almost all the popular sites along the peninsula are accessible, including the famous Lemaire Channel, a photographer’s dream and one of the most popular tourist destinations on the continent.

January also happens to be the best time for land excursions as the extended hours of sunlight make travel overland favorable. Orca and humpback whales are also seen frequently during this period.

February 

February too has excellent weather conditions and the temperature is still comfortable. This is primarily the whale watching month as Humpback and minke whales have sated their appetites and sail close to the ships in curiosity.

By mid-February, the majority of the whale pods have reached Antarctica from the tropics, offering visitors frequent sightings. Additionally, the Zodiac tours also come across whales as do those on kayak trips, often coming quite close to the boats.

The sea ice retreats to its maximum level in February and opens up almost every itinerary in Antarctica, including access to the Ross Sea, East Antarctica, and crossing the Circle.

While sea bird sightings increase during this period, adult penguins begin molting and chicks can be spotted learning to swim in the shallow waters.

Hungry penguin chicks can be seen chasing their parents for food and watching these antics is quite a hit with visitors, especially as their coats are still fluffy and give them an adorable look.

Since penguin parents are busy diving in the water searching for food for their chicks, this happens to be the right time to see predator leopard seals and orcas in action.

March 

March is almost the end of the cruise season in Antarctica, but without a doubt, the prime time to see whales. Having gorged themselves with krill over the months, these creatures approach ships and kayaks very close as they become curious towards visitors.

Fur seals are also frequently seen along the islands and the peninsula, while young fur seals can be seen frolicking in the water and providing excellent photo opportunities.

Since the sun shines low in the sky in March and creates wonderful colors, this is also a good time for camera buffs. Moreover, the penguin chicks are now quite old and show no fear when approaching visitors.

March is also the perfect time to see king penguins in South Georgia when thousands upon thousands of brightly colored species fill the large bay to the brim. March is also good for Macaroni penguins.

When looking at how much a trip to Antarctica costs, it is worth looking in March for cheaper rates. Cruise prices are quite low in March, but the downside is the cold and unpredictable weather, especially during the last two weeks of the month.

There are plenty of ideal times you can visit Antarctica, depending on what you want to experience. January is the most comfortable time for those who dread the cold but we love visiting in March; to see all the unique wildlife. No matter which best time to visit Antarctica you choose, you won’t be disappointed in this truly unique continent.

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