The best time to visit Antarctica is between late October and late March, which are the Southern Hemisphere summer months. Temperatures range between 4°C and 8°C. This is the only time when an expedition cruise there is possible. The Drake Passage — a two-day sea crossing to get to and from Antarctica — is calmer at this time.
There are some variations in what you might see within this window of exploring opportunity, with luck playing a large part in it, but it will be a trip of a lifetime.
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Month-by-month guide for travelling in Antarctica
Visiting Antarctica in December - January
High summer in Antarctica. Days are long, the temperatures are at their ‘warmest’ and the penguins, seals and seabirds are active everywhere. Christmas and New Year is a very busy time for Antarctica cruise travel, so if you wish to travel at this time please plan well in advance.
Visiting Antarctica in February - March
These are the best months to see whales such as humpback, sperm and orca. Fledgling penguin chicks can be seen and seabirds are still abundant.
Visiting Antarctica in April - September
Winter in Antarctica — stormy seas, freezing temperatures and no possible way to visit.
Visiting Antarctica in October
Some cruises start to operate in late October, and the advantage of being a guest on one of the first trips of the season is seeing the start of the courting and mating season of the penguins of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Down near the Antarctic Peninsula you will need to push your way past the winter sea ice.
Visiting Antarctica in November
This time of year sees the winter ice further break up into stunning icebergs and sculptures. Wildlife courtship rituals continue, including male seals establishing their breeding beaches, and wildflowers are in bloom in South Georgia and the Falklands.
Antarctica Climate Guide
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Georgia | 7°C 103mm | 8°C 147mm | 7°C 152mm | 4°C 162mm | 2°C 169mm | 1°C 151mm | 0°C 145mm | 1°C 145mm | 2°C 142mm | 4°C 111mm | 6°C 102mm | 6°C 92mm |
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Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring Antarctica
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![Adelie penguins, Antarctica]()
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![South Georgia]()
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Antarctic expedition cruises ![M/V Orlova, Antarctica]()
Antarctic expedition cruises
Antarctic expedition cruises
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Activity holidays in Antarctica ![Zodiac cruise, Fournier Bay, Antarctica]()
Activity holidays in Antarctica
Activity holidays in Antarctica
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