This guide, is written on my years of firsthand knowledge exploring Antarctica and gives a month-by-month breakdown of the best time to visit Antarctica, with wildlife activity and seasonal changes to help you plan your trip to the white continent.
After a long and cold winter, Antarctica comes to life in the summer months for the short Antarctic cruise season. The first expedition ships arrive in late October and early November with a pristine polar wilderness. By December, the abundant wildlife in Antarctica is in full swing, with penguins hatching and seals pupping on the remote beaches. At peak times in summer, January and February, the days are long, the newborn wildlife is in the water for the first time, and longer expeditions to the Antarctic Circle are possible. In March, the whales are most active as the sea ice returns.
Every month in Antarctica is different, and many guests return to visit at other times of the year.
Visiting Antarctica in October has its charm. However, October is the late spring season, and some factors, such as weather and sea ice, can impact the experience. There are very few cruises to Antarctica this early in the season, but if you do visit in October, here are some of the possibilities:
October is the start of the Antarctic travel season. The landscapes are still snow and ice-covered and look unspoilt. The scenery is stunning, with towering icebergs, glaciers, and vast white wilderness.
Wildlife starts to become more active in October as the breeding season approaches. Penguins, seals and sea birds are preparing to nest, and you may see them establishing their territories and building nests.
The soft light of late spring in Antarctica can create great photography opportunities. The unspoilt ice formations, wildlife activity and unique light can produce amazing images.
October is the shoulder season, with fewer tourists than the peak months of the austral summer (November to March). This can be a more intimate and quieter experience, as there are fewer expedition ships in the area.
October has its advantages, but there are also some considerations. The weather can be colder, and the pack ice can limit access to some areas. Wildlife activity is in its early stages, and you may not see the peak of breeding season behaviour. If you want warmer temperatures and more wildlife sightings, visiting later in the Australian summer may be better.
November is the start of the mating season for penguins. A highlight of wildlife encounters is seeing the courtship, nesting, and egg-laying of various penguin species, Adélie, Gentoo, and chinstrap penguins.
Weddell and crabeater seals give birth to their pups in November. This is the time to see seal colonies with newborn pups and witness their early interactions and behaviour.
November is an excellent time to watch whales in Antarctica. Humpback whales, minke whales and orcas are some species you can see. This is when these giants return to feed in the Antarctic waters.
Antarctica is not known for its flora but some hardy mosses and lichens have a brief growth period during the austral summer. In November, you may see these tiny plants start to emerge and add some colour to the landscape.
November sees the return of migratory seabirds to Antarctica for the breeding season. This time you can see skuas, petrels and sheathbills.
The landscapes are still unspoilt, with vast ice formations and snow-covered terrain. The soft light of late spring can create unique photography opportunities.
December is the start of the Antarctic travel season, and there are generally fewer tourists than the peak months of December to February. This can be a more intimate and less crowded experience.
November has its advantages, but remember that conditions can be colder than later in the season. Access to some areas may still be limited by sea ice, and wildlife activity is in its early stages.
December is the peak of the austral summer and has many highlights. Here are some of them.
In December, many penguin chicks hatch, and adult penguins actively care for and feed their young. Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins, among others, are very cute and photogenic.
December is the time to see seal pups, especially Weddell and Crabeater seals. You can see seal colonies with playful pups and various seal species basking on ice floes.
December is an excellent time to watch whales in Antarctica. Humpback, minke, orcas, and other whale species are feeding and breaching in the waters around the continent.
December is good for birdwatching as migratory seabirds, skuas, petrels, and sheathbills actively nest and breed.
Antarctica has long days in December due to the midnight sun. This means more time for wildlife viewing, photography and exploring without the darkness.
While Antarctica is still cold, December is one of the warmer months of the austral summer. Warmer temperatures make outdoor activities more comfortable for visitors.
Book in advance, as December is a busy time for Antarctic expeditions, and cruise availability is limited.
January is often the peak of the austral summer and has many highlights.
January is the peak season of wildlife in Antarctica. Baby penguins are growing, colonies are busy, and adults feed and care for them. Weddell and crabeater seals, in particular, can be seen in all life cycle stages.
In January, many fluffy penguin chicks are in the late stages of their development, making it a great time to see cute and active colonies. Some penguin species are also moulting this month.
January is an excellent time to watch whales in Antarctica. Humpbacks, minkes, orcas, and other whale species are in the nutrient-rich waters. It’s a beautiful opportunity to see them feeding and breaching and, if lucky, on a Zodiac ride up close.
Seal colonies are jostling with life. Leopard seals, with their menacing jaws, are often on ice floes during Zodiac cruises.
January is still the time for migratory seabirds in Antarctica. Skuas, petrels, and other bird species are nesting and breeding, so it’s an excellent time for birdwatching.
The austral summer peaks in January, which means long days and midnight sun. There is more time for outdoor activities, wildlife viewing, and photography without darkness under the summer sun.
January offers the best Antarctica weather and is the peak season for cruises with long daylight hours.
February continues the austral summer and is a great time to experience Antarctica’s wildlife and landscapes. Trips further south to the Antarctic Circle and the Weddell sea take place. Here are the highlights:
February is still the peak wildlife month in Antarctica. Penguin colonies are active with chicks, and you can see them in all stages of development. Seals, Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals are still present.
February is a great time to watch whales in Antarctica. Humpbacks, minkes, orcas, and other whale species are in the waters, and it’s a good time to see them feeding.
Many penguin chicks are still in colonies, so you can observe their behaviour and interactions. Some penguin species moult in February, which is another exciting part of their life cycle.
Seal colonies are still active with pups, and you can see them playing and interacting with adults. Depending on the species, you may still see Weddell and crabeater seals with their pups.
The midnight sun continues in February, so there is more daylight for outdoor activities, wildlife viewing and photography.
February is one of the warmest months in Antarctica; outdoor activities are more comfortable. But remember, in Antarctica, “warm” is still cold compared to other destinations.
In February, the ice formations and glaciers are still stunning. Calving icebergs, towering glacier fronts, and pristine ice-covered landscapes are breathtaking.
February is the end of the breeding season for many species. Some wildlife, such as chinstrap penguins, will start to disperse from their colonies, but this can also be a great time to observe their behaviour during this transition period.
Book in advance as February is a peak month for Antarctica cruises.
March is the end of the Austral summer, and while wildlife activity will start to slow down there are still some highlights:
March is a transition period, but penguin chicks may still be seen in all stages of development. Seeing their growth and interactions with adult penguins is a bonus.
Seal colonies, especially Weddell and crabeater seals, may still have pups. This is the last stage of seal pupping, and you can see their behaviour.
March is a great time for whale watching, as many species, including fins, humpbacks, minkes, and orcas, are most active now.
In March, migratory seabirds are still present. Some species will start to head north, but others will still be breeding and nesting, which is good news for birdwatchers.
As the sea ice breaks in March, the seasonal change reveals the landscapes and makes Antarctica more accessible for tourism. Icebergs, glaciers, and the unique scenery are great for photography.
March is the end of the Antarctic summer, so the days are shorter. This can be great for sunset photography, capturing the landscape in soft light.
March is the end of Antarctica’s tourist season, and there are generally fewer people than from December to February. This can be a quieter and more personal experience.
Note that March is the start of autumn in Antarctica, and temperatures will drop. Also, sea ice will form, and some areas will be closed. While wildlife activity will not be at its peak, the quiet atmosphere and the light can make March a special and peaceful experience.
Visiting Antarctica between April and September is difficult due to the winter. Antarctica is extremely cold, with long nights and extensive sea ice, making it almost impossible for most people to travel. There are no expedition cruises to Antarctica during these winter months.
Several reasons:
Antarctica can be very cold in winter, often below freezing. Add strong winds, and the wind chill can be brutal for long periods.
Antarctica is in the middle of the polar night from April to September. The sun is below the horizon, and it’s dark for several months. No sunlight means limited visibility and difficulty in outdoor activities.
Sea ice coverage increases in winter, making maritime travel difficult and blocking access to many areas along the Antarctic coast.
Most wildlife in Antarctica is adapted to the harsh conditions but is less active in winter. Many species, such as penguins, seals, and migratory birds, migrate north or spend the winter in the sea.
Inhospitable conditions and limited infrastructure and support services make winter travel to Antarctica logistically challenging and dangerous. Few research stations are open during this period, and visitor access is restricted.
While visiting Antarctica in winter is not for tourists, it’s essential for science. Researchers at the various research stations in Antarctica continue to work during the winter to understand the region’s climate, geology, and biology.
If you want to experience Antarctica, the austral summer months (November to March) are the best time for exploration, wildlife, and a more comfortable travel experience.
The best time to see wildlife in Antarctica is between November and March during the summer, which is the same as the expedition cruising season. Due to the extreme cold in winter, most of the wildlife leaves Antarctica except a few species like Emperor and Adelie Penguins, which can’t leave due to the harsh climate.
The best month for wildlife watching in Antarctica depends on your preference and what breeding cycles you want to see.
The best time to see penguins in Antarctica is between November and March. During this period, the temperatures are milder, and the sea ice has melted, making it easier to access the penguin colonies.
November and December are the best times for penguin watching. During this period, you can see penguins nesting and breeding and chicks hatching. Adélie, Chinstrap, and Gentoo penguins build their nests and lay eggs during this time.
January and February are also good times for penguin watching. The chicks are more visible, and the penguin colonies are busy. Penguins are feeding their chicks, and you can see interactions between adults and the young.
The best time to see whales in Antarctica is during the summer, which is from November to March. The weather is more favourable for travel, and the sea ice has melted enough to access different parts of the region.
The timing within this period can affect the type of whales you will see. November and December are the best times to see feeding and courtship behaviour, newborn seal pups and penguin chicks. January, February, and Early March are the peak times for whale watching, with increased whale activity around the Antarctic Peninsula.
During this time, you can see various whale species, including humpback, fin, minke, orcas, and occasionally blue whales. Remember that wildlife sightings can vary, and there are no guarantees, but the summer is the best time to see whales in Antarctica.
Antarctica has various seal species, including Weddell seals, crabeater seals, leopard seals, fur seals, Ross seals, and Southern elephant seals. Seals are seen in Antarctica between November and March and are most active during breeding, pupping and other behaviours.
November and December are the best times to see mother seals giving birth to their pups, see the newborns on the beach, and swim for the first time.
January and February are the best times to watch seals in Antarctica. Seals are still pupping during this period, and leopard seals, with their fierce-looking jaws, are often found on ice flows.
The best time to visit Antarctica for photography is between November and March. However, the best month depends on your interest (wildlife or landscape) and the images you want to capture.
The early season is the best time to visit Antarctica if you are a landscape photographer looking to capture the pristine white wilderness as it emerges from winter. Most of the landscape is covered by snow, and it’s an excellent time to capture ice formations and get the best chance of sea ice.
The best time to visit Antarctica for wildlife photography is during the peak summer when the wildlife is most active on the Antarctic Peninsula. Penguin rookeries are fully alive, and elephant seals are on the beach. Longer days mean more time to explore, and temperatures are warm.
As the sun starts to drop in the sky, the spectacular sunsets at end of the season make it suitable for landscape photographers. It’s also the best time to see whales in Antarctica. Other wildlife, like penguins and seals, are still active. Towards the end of March, snow and sea ice start to return, and there are plenty of photography opportunities.
The best time to visit Antarctica for an expedition cruise is between November and March. This is the best time for wildlife viewing, the mildest temperatures, and the best access with the most favourable weather and sea ice conditions. Different types of cruises to Antarctica take place throughout the summer. Search our Antarctica Cruises here.
Fly-and-cruise expeditions to Antarctica take place during the summer between the end of November and early March. This is the best time for charter planes to land on King George Island. However, flying to Antarctica to join an expedition is only possible in November and after early March.
Expedition cruises that go further south along the Antarctic peninsula to cross the polar circle take place at the end of the season, February and March when the sea ice is at its southernmost and the region is more accessible to ships.
One reason to visit Antarctica now is that whales are most active and frequent. Species like humpbacks, minkes, and fin whales are often seen on polar circle cruises.
Between November and March, expedition cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula, stopping en route at the South Georgia Island and Falkland Islands, take place.
In November, King Penguins return to their rookeries in South Georgia to start incubating their eggs. At St Andrews Bay, over 400,000 pairs of King Penguins nest in one of the largest rookeries on Earth. The beaches are full of elephant seal pups, and the vast bird life returns. Wildlife is most active in January and February, but sizeable male fur seals can often take over the beaches and prevent shore landings. February and March are best for seeing baby fur seals, macaroni penguins and King Penguin chicks on the beach.
Only a few cruise ships visit the Ross Sea each year. Due to its more southern and extreme location than the Antarctic Peninsula, cruises to the Ross Sea only occur in January and February, when it’s the Antarctic summer, there are hours of daylight, and the conditions are at their mildest. Outside of these two months, visiting the Ross Sea is impossible due to the amount of sea ice and extreme temperatures.
Due to the thick sea ice, the Weddell Sea is known for, cruises to the Weddell Sea occur later in the season. The best time to cruise to the Weddell Sea is in late February and March when the sea ice is at its lowest, and you can visit the most remote and rarely seen places. It’s also possible to visit the Weddell Sea earlier in the season in November on a luxury icebreaker cruise, which is a truly unique experience to see the unexplored.
Due to the extreme climate at the South Pole, flights to Antarctica have a short season and only take place during the summer. December and January are the best months to visit the South Pole, and flying to the South Pole outside of these months is impossible.
The best time to visit Antarctica for kayaking is during the summer, between the end of November and February. This period has more favourable conditions for kayaking, with milder temperatures, less sea ice, and longer daylight hours.
During these months, the sea ice is at its minimum, so there’s more open water for kayaking. The warmer temperatures make it more comfortable, and the longer daylight hours give more time to explore. Remember that weather and ice conditions vary yearly, so choosing an expedition company with experienced guides who can adapt to the conditions is essential.
If you would like to kayak as part of your expedition cruise, we can advise you on the best cruise options for kayaking in Antarctica.
Camping in Antarctica is only possible during the peak summer months, November to February when it’s warm enough for outdoor activities.
During these months, nature lovers can experience the thrill of spending a night in the Antarctic wilderness as part of their expedition cruise.
If you would like to camp as part of your expedition cruise, we can advise you on the best cruise options in Antarctica.
We are the Antarctica cruise experts at North Pole Cruises with many years of collective experience in the polar regions. We can help you choose the best time to visit Antarctica according to your travel dates and what you want to see and do.
Please contact us to plan your Antarctic adventure.
Find out more about our Antarctica cruises.
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