Antarctica, the southernmost continent, offers a breathtakingly unique travel experience, but the best time to visit 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.
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 the best time to visit Antarctica based on your preferences.
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 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.
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.
Springtime in Antarctica brings a burst of life as the continent begins to awaken after the long winter. You will witness the return of minke, humpback, and southern right whales, along with albatross, petrels, and the blue-eyed shag. This is also penguin courting season, with many species busy building nests.
The landscapes are pristine and snow-covered, providing spectacular photo opportunities of dazzling ice formations and dramatic sunsets that paint the skies in pink and orange hues. The sea ice is at its most magnificent, and as it starts to break up, you will be treated to the sight of massive icebergs floating in the waters.
This time of year is ideal for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone looking to see Antarctica at its most untouched and pristine.
The austral summer is the peak travel season in Antarctica, offering the best overall weather and wildlife activity. During this time, temperatures are milder, and the seas are calmer, making for smoother expedition voyages. You can expect 18 to 20+ hours of daylight, providing ample time for exploration and wildlife sightings.
This is the best time to visit Antarctica if you want to witness penguin chicks hatching and chasing their parents, as well as spotting seal pups on the beaches of South Georgia. Additionally, this period is known for its abundance of whale activity, with both baleen and toothed whales swimming along the Antarctic Peninsula.
Due to the combination of milder conditions, an abundance of wildlife, and spectacular landscapes, the height of summer is often regarded as the best time to visit Antarctica for an all-around adventure.
As the season transitions into autumn, the sea ice recedes, allowing travellers to venture further south than at any other time of year. Penguin chicks begin to moult, losing their fluffy down feathers, and while many parents have already headed out to sea, the penguin colonies remain lively and active.
Autumn is also the peak season for whale watching, with sightings of orca, humpback, and minke whales becoming more frequent. In South Georgia, you'll find fur seals, particularly young ones, playing along the shores. The landscapes are still dramatic, though the temperatures begin to drop, creating an atmosphere that feels truly remote and wild.
For those keen on whale watching and exploring the farthest reaches of Antarctica, this is the ideal time to visit.
Antarctica safaris, offering intimate encounters with penguins, seals, and other unique species, are becoming increasingly popular. However, the rise in tourism to this fragile region poses critical questions about its environmental impact and the balance between tourism and conservation.
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You hear them before you see them. A loud and almost brash call that alone would be shrill enough to make you jump. As the Emperor penguins call out to each other it sounds almost like a welcoming song
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The remote region of Antarctica is a photographer's paradise. From stunning ice statues to peppy penguins.
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Encounters with the Ocean’s Giants
One of the most memorable experiences, catching eye-contact always brings a sense of understanding between the two species, creating a connection and memory that will last long after your encounter ends.
At the beginning of the season in November, 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.
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.
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.
