Best travel time Antarctica for animals

Snow Hills Island • Antarctic Peninsula • Sub-Antarctic Island of South Georgia

Author Magazine.Travel June 19, 2022

written by Magazine.Travel Released: June 19, 2022Last update 24 April 2025 3,9K Readers

Best time to travel to Antarctica

When is the best time to see animals in Antarctica?

Anyone undertaking an expedition to the hard-to-reach colonies of emperor penguins, for example to Snow Hills Island, should choose early summer (October, November). Emperor penguins breed in winter, so by this time the chicks will have hatched and grown a bit.

A journey to the animal kingdom Antarctic Peninsula offers various highlights throughout the Antarctic summer (October to March). Which month is best for you depends on what you want to see. In the short article Travel time Antarctic Peninsula you will learn more about wildlife observation from early to late summer.

Also a visit to the sub-Antarctic island South Georgia is possible from October to March. Learn in Travel time South Georgia more about this lonely animal paradise of the subantarctic.

Best time to visit South Georgia

October to March

Emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri) with chicks in Antarctica.

An Adelie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) in Antarctic Sound balances on ice.

you still want more about the best time to travel to Antarctica Experienced? Inform you!
Or just enjoy with the Biodiversity of Antarctica Slideshow the Wildlife of the Seventh Continent.
Explore the lonely kingdom of the cold with the AGE™ Antarctic Travel Guide.

Antarctica • Antarctic Journey • Travel time Antarctica • Best time to visit Antarctica wildlife viewing

Best time to visit Antarctica: November to March

The ideal time for a trip to Antarctica is between November and March, when it is summer in the southern hemisphere. During these months, temperatures rise to an average of -2 to +8 degrees Celsius. There are also up to 24 hours of daylight, which creates ideal conditions for wildlife watching and expedition cruises.

Monthly Overview

November: The first expedition ships reach the Antarctic. The ice begins to melt and penguins start their breeding season.
December – January: High season! Long days, milder temperatures and the best chances to see whales and seals.
February – March: Perfect for whale watching, fewer tourists and spectacular sunsets.

Important tips for your trip

Book in time: Antarctica cruises fill up quickly – secure your place early.
Appropriate clothing: Waterproof, warm clothing is essential.
Consider sustainability: Choose providers who offer sustainable expeditions with environmental requirements.

Conclusion to the question: When is the bBest time to travel to Antarctica?

The best time to travel to Antarctica is during the southern hemisphere summer from November to March. If you want to see penguin colonies, travel in December or January. Whale fans prefer February or March. Plan your expedition well to experience the ultimate adventure!

Tip: Antarctica can only be reached by expedition ship – early booking recommended!

Copyrights and Copyright

Texts and photos are protected by copyright. The copyright of this article in words and images is entirely owned by AGE ™. All rights are reserved. Content for print / online media can be licensed on request.

Liability

If the content of this article does not match your personal experience, we assume no liability. The contents of the article have been carefully researched and are based on personal experience. However, if information is misleading or incorrect, we assume no liability. Furthermore, circumstances can change. AGE™ does not guarantee topicality or completeness.

Source reference for text research

Information on site by the expedition team from Poseidon Expeditions or on the Cruise ship Sea Spirit, as well as personal experiences on an expedition cruise from Ushuaia via the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and Falklands to Buenos Aires in March 2022.