- The tourist season runs from about November to March, during the southern summer
- November brings pristine snow and courting penguins; December and January bring chicks and the longest days
- February and March are best for whales
- Early and late season departures are often cheaper
Antarctica is only open to visitors for a few months a year. Outside the southern summer, sea ice surrounds the continent and the days are dark and bitterly cold. Within the season, though, each month offers something different, from untouched snow in November to whales feeding in March.
This guide covers the Antarctic Peninsula, where almost all UK travellers go on expedition voyages from Ushuaia in Argentina. For the bigger picture, see our Antarctica guide.
Antarctica's season in brief
Expedition voyages run from roughly late October or November until March. Temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula in summer usually hover around freezing, often between about -5°C and +5°C, though wind chill can make it feel much colder. That's milder than many people expect, and much warmer than the interior of the continent.
| Month | Highlights | Daylight | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | Pristine snow, big icebergs, penguins courting and nest building | Long days | Often lower |
| December | Penguin eggs and early chicks, seal pups, nearly 24-hour daylight | Longest | Peak |
| January | Chicks hatching and growing, warmest month, most ice cleared | Very long | Peak |
| February | Chicks fledging, whales increasingly common | Long | High |
| March | Best whale watching, dramatic sunsets, fewer ships | Shortening | Often lower |
November: early season
The first voyages of the season see Antarctica at its most pristine. Snow covers the landscape, icebergs are large and dramatic, and penguins are busy building nests and courting. Sea ice can still limit where ships go, especially further south, and some landings may be harder.
Prices are often lower in November, which makes it a good choice if budget matters. Our Antarctica cruise cost guide explains how much you can save.
December and January: peak season
These are the most popular months. Daylight lasts almost around the clock, temperatures are at their mildest, and penguin colonies are full of activity, with eggs hatching and fluffy chicks appearing from around late December. Christmas and New Year voyages are especially popular and sell out early.
The downside is price and demand: book a year or more ahead for the best choice of cabins.
February: chicks and whales
By February, penguin chicks are growing fast and starting to moult, and colonies are lively (and smelly). Whales, especially humpbacks, become more common as they feed on krill. With less sea ice, ships can sometimes reach further south, and many Antarctic Circle crossings sail in late January and February.
March: the whale season
Late-season voyages are excellent for whale watching, with humpbacks and other species often seen in numbers. The light is softer, sunsets return and there are fewer ships around. Penguin colonies thin out as chicks fledge, and the weather can turn more unsettled. March departures are often cheaper than peak season.
if wildlife is your priority, think about what matters most. For penguin chicks choose late December to February; for whales choose February or March.
What about the Drake Passage?
The crossing between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula takes around two days each way and can be rough at any time of year. There's no reliably calm month. If you're worried about seasickness, take medication, choose a cabin low and central in the ship, or consider a fly-cruise from Punta Arenas, which flies over the Drake to King George Island.
Other routes and longer voyages
- Falklands and South Georgia: these longer voyages are usually best from November to February, when king penguin colonies on South Georgia are spectacular and seal pups are on the beaches.
- Antarctic Circle crossings: usually scheduled for mid to late season, when ice allows ships to sail further south.
For the main landing sites, including the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island, see our Antarctic Peninsula guide.
Antarctica or the Arctic?
If the timing doesn't work, the Arctic's season runs in the northern summer, from about May to September. Read our Svalbard vs Antarctica comparison, or browse Arctic expeditions and Antarctica expeditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to go to Antarctica?
There is no single best month. December and January offer the mildest weather and penguin chicks; November is pristine and often cheaper; February and March are best for whales.
How cold is Antarctica in summer?
On the Antarctic Peninsula, summer temperatures are typically around freezing, roughly -5°C to +5°C, but wind can make it feel much colder.
Can you visit Antarctica in winter?
Not on tourist voyages. Sea ice and darkness mean the expedition season runs only from about November to March.
When should I book an Antarctica trip?
For peak season and Christmas voyages, book 12-18 months ahead. Shoulder-season departures may have late availability and occasional discounts.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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