The best time to visit Antarctica is between November and March – these are the months when you can enjoy up to 24 hours of daylight, sea ice melts sufficiently to allow expedition cruises, temperatures are at their highest, and never drop below freezing, and wildlife is most active.
However, within this time span, each month offers unique attractions, including penguin chicks, seal pups, mating season, icescapes, and the possibility to cross the Antarctic Circle. Late-season Antarctica cruises are frequently less expensive, but many of the animals have already migrated to the open sea. This is the ideal time of year to go humpback whale watching.
Asked if the Drake passage is calmer at any time during the season, the answer is no. Throughout the Antarctica summer, the Drake Passage can be rough. Despite this, the Passage is more often than not tranquil.
Antarctica in November
November (late Austral spring/early Austral summer) is undoubtedly the most adventurous time of year to visit the Peninsula. Active travelers interested in skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing may still find availability, as well as kayaking, mountaineering, and camping. Temperatures tend to be colder and polar ice is still breaking up, restricting access to some areas. However, the cold temperatures also offer the best time to view the most impressive icescapes, pristine snow, and breathtaking scenery in its most undisturbed form.
Whales are typically not as plentiful as later in the season, though you can still commonly see them. Fur seals and penguins are quite active, and it is a great time to observe the penguins squabbling over pebbles for their nests. By the end of November, you'll see lots of nests with eggs!
November also sees the sky teeming with Albatrosses, Elephant seals courting on South Georgia Island, and spring wildflowers blooming on the Falkland Islands in Antarctica.
December to Early February in Antarctica
December and January are the months with the most sunlight (up to 20 hours a day), and daily temperatures are at their warmest. In January, temperatures at the Peninsula average 34 Fahrenheit. Penguins begin hatching around this time of year, and wildlife, particularly penguin chicks, is most abundant. Since they coincide with school breaks, these months are best for family cruises to Antarctica because of the long days and warm temperatures, as well as an increase in penguin egg hatching as the month goes on.
Mid-February and March
Late summer in Antarctica, February, and early March is the best time to see whales in Antarctica. However, you are likely to see fewer penguins as many will have already returned out to sea. By March, the chicks are quite large, and they start to fledge. Weather wise, temperatures are beginning to drop as the season starts to change. Daily highs average roughly 29 Fahrenheit on the Peninsula. There tend to be fewer vessels operating at this time, which means you won't have to compete with other cruise ships for landings. This time of year you are also likely to have better access to areas further south as polar ice melts. You will rarely walk on snow during this time; expect rocky and muddy landings.
Claire made sure she knew what my expectations and priorities were and offered options based on that. She also suggested a visit to a city i did not know about. She was pleasant friendly informative and helpful
Al Kirkley
6 days ago
Cheska is a great asset for your company she is very knowledgeable and pleasant to work with
Susan Johnson
1 week ago
Adventure Life set us up with great guides and locations, seamless transportation, and good advice. Will work with them again. Thanks
Scott Sepsy
1 week ago
Amazing trip and the best customer service
Liz
1 week ago
Hannah and Nur got the gist of what we wanted our trip to be. They got us in hotels that were located centrally to historic tours. Tours and excursions that were significant, enriching and enjoyable. We had drivers that were on time/reliable. We got from location to location with ease. I would never have been able to plan this myself. I would not have known enough to ask for what we needed. This was above and beyond what I expected. Well done!