What's the Best Time to Travel to Antarctica

Posted on Friday, July 03, 2009

The best time to travel to Antarctica is November through March, when the ice has retreated, wildlife is abundant and the daylight hours are virtually endless. The wildlife of Antarctica has a lot to do during this short summer, penguins nest, chicks hatch and seals and whales make the most of abundant food stocks. Whether you visit at the beginning or end of the season there is always something to see.

Earlier in the season – November, December and January – is the time for bird watching. Penguins court and mate in the late spring/early summer and in December and January they are hatching eggs and feeding chicks. This is also when the ice is at its most spectacular. You’ll see massive icebergs and the ship may have to crash through plates of ice on the water’s surface.

Later in the season – February and March – is the best time for mammal-spotting with seals, orcas and humpback and minke whales in abundance. Penguin chicks are beginning to fledge and adult penguins are moulting.

Embarkation for most trips occurs in Ushuaia, the world’s most southern city. You can expect temperatures in summer (between December and February) to be around 5°C to 15°C degrees Celsius by day. (41 to 59 degrees F) You should have warm clothing available on arrival; the terminal is heated, but if there is a wind blowing you may need this clothing immediately as you step outside. (If you are arriving on the day of embarkation, your luggage will be taken directly from the airport to the ship even if you are not due to embark for some hours. We suggest you take out and carry warm/waterproof clothing in your day pack; fine conditions one moment can quickly become much colder the next.) At night temperatures can reach 0°C . Patagonia and the Falkland Islands are on almost the same latitude, so expect similar temperatures.

Be aware that windy conditions - ashore, out on deck, or going ashore on zodiacs - will greatly increase the wind-chill factor. A feature of the weather in the Antarctic can be the remarkably quick changes that occur. Even when it is still and sunny, you must be prepared for the possibility of much colder conditions.