Classic Antarctica Adventure
Cross the Drake Passage and Explore Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands.
From 9500 per personMenu
When to visit Antarctica
Antarctica, the southernmost continent, offers a breathtakingly unique travel experience, but the best time to visit Antarctica is during the austral summer, which spans from mid-October through March. During this short window, Antarctica opens for exploration, while outside these months, it is not possible to travel due to harsh weather conditions. Weather, sea ice, wildlife activity, and daylight hours vary dramatically throughout the season, offering different experiences depending on when you visit.
Personal preferences vary of course, but some of our favourite months to visit Antarctica are the earlier months in the season from October through to December. During these months there is more snow cover meaning for more of a ‘polar experience’. Having said that, there are highlights to each month with the latter months of the season being preferable for whale watching!
Planning your trip to Antarctica well in advance is essential, as limited capacity on our carefully selected expedition ships can mean popular dates fill up quickly. Below is a breakdown of what each season offers, so you can decide when to visit Antarctica based on your preferences.
Talk to a Antarctica Destination Specialist
The best time to visit Antarctica
Young penguin chick are now fluffy and grey and becoming more independent, whilst beaches are busy with adult penguins rushing back and forth to the rookery with food for their demanding offspring. Young penguin chicks are now fluffy and grey and becoming more independent, whilst beaches are busy with adult penguins rushing back and forth to the rookery with food for their demanding offspring.
January is the best time to travel to Antarctica for relatively warm temperatures, calmer seas and an abundance of wildlife.
At 15C, much of the sea ice has receded and the melted snow reveals grey rocks so this is not the best time to see the spectacular ice formations. Instead, focus on photographing the hive of activity in the penguin rookeries and the baby seals sunbathing alongside their parents.
The penguin chicks become more independent, venturing into the sea. Penguins begin to moult as they prepare for the long winter ahead as the elephant seals come ashore to moult. The migrating whale pods are now all back in Antarctic waters, with sightings of numerous species including blue, sperm, orca, humpback, minke, and southern right.
February is an excellent time if you want to see the magnificent whales in Antarctic waters, and to witness endearing, fluffy penguin chicks ashore.
Late summer in Antarctica sees temperatures remaining relatively warm. The days start getting shorter, the sunrises and sunsets are excellent and the ice-free bays make shore excursions even more possible.
Marking the final month of the Antarctic season, the days start getting shorter as the continent moves towards being plunged into 24 hours of darkness. As the sun starts to drop, temperatures decrease and snow cover is at its minimum.
March is a good month to travel if you are seeking colour, not pristine white landscapes. The whales have arrived in great numbers.
Penguins are quite shabby this time of year as they are moulting in preparation for the long winter ahead. They start to move on and the striking icebergs have diminished in size. As the season winds down and the weather turns cooler, you can often find lower prices at this time of year.
It is not possible to travel to Antarctica at this time
It is not possible to travel to Antarctica at this time
It is not possible to travel to Antarctica at this time
It is not possible to travel to Antarctica at this time
It is not possible to travel to Antarctica at this time
It is not possible to travel to Antarctica at this time
Mid-October sees the start of the expedition season and with that the start of the penguins’ mating season. Watch the various penguin species engage in their courting rituals, from the diminutive macaroni penguin to vast colonies of king penguin and their attendant offspring, who at this time of year will still be garbed in their fluffy brown down feathers.
October is the best time to travel to Antarctica for photographing the pristine snow blanketing South Georgia’s mountains. You may need to push through some tough winter ice in order to make landfall, and depending on conditions, you may experience the elements at their most raw and unforgiving.
The dramatic landscapes are snow-capped and untouched; being early in the season, you will see fewer ships admiring this untouched wilderness in mid-October.
The weather is still unpredictable in November and the wildlife is much more active in the north where it is warmer, in the South Shetland Islands. Penguins and seals can often be found on icebergs at this time.
November is a great month for photographers; yet to move into 24-hour daylight, the lengthening days are concluded with fantastic evening light and beautiful rose-coloured sunsets, but weather is still unpredictable.
Landscapes are at their most pristine, still covered in sparkling snow while the sea ice is at its most impressive. It’s not just the landscape that is looking its best; penguins are busy courting, nest building and laying their eggs.
Chicks are starting to hatch in the penguin rookeries from early December in the Falkland Islands and late December on the peninsula. Whales begin returning to the nutrient-rich waters.
December is a great time to visit Antarctica to watch the hatching chicks, seal pups and enjoy warming temperatures with up to 24 hours of daylight, depending how far south you venture.
In South Georgia the beaches are lined with seal pups, requiring a degree of caution as you navigate around them during landings. You can watch Weddell, elephant, crabeater and leopard seal pups lounging out on the ice floes and the albatross have returned to lay their eggs.
Spring (October to Early December)
Spring in Antarctica marks the awakening of wildlife after the long winter. Minke, humpback, and southern right whales return alongside seabirds like albatross and petrels, while penguins begin their courtship and nest-building. The landscape is pristine and snow-covered, ideal for photographers seeking dramatic ice formations and vivid sunsets. This is one of our favorite times to travel to the white continent providing for the ideal polar backdrop.
Summer (Mid-December to Mid-February)
The austral summer is the most popular time to visit Antarctica, offering long daylight hours, calmer seas, and mild temperatures. This is prime time for witnessing penguin chicks and seal pups, as well as incredible whale activity along the peninsula and the best whale watching opportunities. It’s the best choice for travellers seeking optimal wildlife encounters and exploration conditions.
Autumn (Mid-February to Mid-March)
As the ice recedes, autumn allows deeper access into the continent. Penguin chicks begin to moult, and whale watching reaches its peak, with frequent sightings of orcas, humpbacks, and minkes. South Georgia teems with playful young fur seals, making this a rewarding season for those eager to explore Antarctica’s wilder, more remote side.
One element to bear in mind when choosing when to visit Antarctica is also where to go in Antarctica. Antarctica typically provides maybe three different choices. For the purists it means a single focus trip down to the Antarctic peninsula. For those looking for their fair share of wildlife then combine the islands of South Georgia and the Antarctic peninsular. Finally, for those wanting it all, also combine it with the Falkland Islands, an often overlooked pristine destination with beautiful beaches and surfing penguins!
Antarctica Safaris
Ross Sea Expedition
Follow in the wake of Shackleton and Scott and explore untouched, rugged and wild landscapes.
From 28500 per personWhat to do in Antartica
Camp with Emperor Penguins
At the beginning of the season in November and for a truly luxury experience, stay at Whichaway Camp and photograph the Akta Bay emperor penguins in spring as the chicks are just leaving their parent's feet for the first time and venturing out to explore. Explore the ice waves beneath the camp, delving into the series of ice tunnels that are as surreal as they are beautiful.
Whale Watching
There are eight species of whale found in Antarctic waters, the Orca, Blue, Minke, Fin, Humpback, Sei, Southern Right and Sperm. Whale sightings are at their peak at the end of the season; February and March.
Hiking
An adventurous hike along a winding cliff face shows you stunning views of the extraordinary waves of ice that have been created over millennia by constant pressure from the ocean. Our world-class mountain guides will lead you on this challenging hike, always ensuring your safety.
Antarctica Safari Highlights
Why Natural World Safaris for your Antarctica Safari?
Wildlife Specialists
Whether you’re surrounded by chinstrap penguins on a black sand beach or watching humpbacks lunge-feed just offshore, wildlife is at the heart of every Antarctic voyage we offer. We prioritise ships and itineraries that allow more time ashore and fewer guests, meaning more meaningful, respectful encounters with the wildlife of the White Continent.
Wealth of Experience
We’ve spent years building relationships with the best ships, guides and expedition teams operating in Antarctica. Our specialists have travelled on the vessels we recommend and know exactly when, where and how to travel for the best experience. From the classic Peninsula to the Ross Sea and beyond, we’ll guide you through the options to find the voyage that suits you best.
Small Ship Safari
Travelling on a smaller expedition vessel gives you far greater flexibility and access to remote sites. With fewer passengers, you’ll spend more time off the ship exploring by Zodiac, on foot or even kayaking through iceberg-strewn bays. This isn’t a cruise — it’s a true expedition, with the freedom to go where the wildlife leads.