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Best Time to Visit Antarctica

Antarctica has just two seasons: summer and winter. The cruise season runs in the summer months (from late October to late March) when enough sea ice melts to allow access to expedition vessels. There is plenty of diversity in what you might see across this period, so the best time to visit will likely depend on the wildlife, activities and areas you hope to experience.

Being a passenger on one of the early trips is a fantastic opportunity to see Antarctica’s snowy landscapes at their most pristine. Come November, the pack ice really starts to break up, forming in the process some spectacular sculptural icebergs that are great for photography. Spring wildflowers bloom across South Georgia and the Falklands, penguins lay their eggs and male seals start to determine their breeding beaches.

The height of summer, December and January are the most popular and “warmest” months in Antarctica. The days are longer (up to 24 hours of daylight) and wildlife is plentiful, with spectacular sightings of fluffy penguin chicks, whales, seals and seabirds. As eastern Antarctica opens up, so do voyages into the Ross Sea where you can visit the remote huts used by Scott and Shackleton on their expeditions. The Christmas/New Year period is peak season for polar travel, so be sure to plan well in advance!

In February, humpback, sperm, southern right, minke and fin whales return to Antarctic waters, making it the prime time for whale watching. Fur seals are also in abundance, and penguin colonies are very active. Wandering albatross nesting sites in South Georgia, which close during the mid-season, are now open to visit.

Speak to our Antarctica specialists, who will be able to recommend the best time of year for your luxury, tailor-made journey to Antarctica.