When is the best time to go on a cruise to Antarctica

Planning a cruise to Antarctica but don’t know when to go? Depending on which season you decide to make your voyage will change what you see when you finally get to the majestic southern seas that make up the waters of Antarctica. With views of stunningly huge icebergs and colonies of tens of thousand penguins all year round, Antarctica isn’t a place that comes to mind when we think of the seasons, but depending on the wildlife you want to see, the time of year plays a huge part in planning your trip.

Winter in the northern hemisphere means summer in Antarctica. Starting in the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, seal pups begin to be born in December and January. Common seal species found in the Antarctic include the Weddell seal, the Crabeater seal, and the Leopard seal. Penguin chicks also begin to hatch around this time, including chicks of the iconic Rockhopper and Emperor penguin. On top of this, spring is an excellent time for whale spotting as sightings begin to increase during this season as well.

Spring in Antarctica

Spring is the season of new life, however in the southern hemisphere winter is on the horizon. February and March are by far the best and most popular months for whale sightings, so if you want whale watching to be a big part of your trip, then consider going in spring for the chance to see a wide selection of whale species, including orcas, sperm whales, blue whales and humpback whales. As well as plenty of aquatic sightings, this is a good season to see the penguin chicks as they begin to fledge in preparation for winter’s extreme cold, when temperatures can fall to an average of -25’C – another thing to bear in mind before you book.

No matter when you decide to go, Antarctica’s unforgettable scenery and remarkable wildlife will be sure to give you memories that will last a lifetime.

If you’re planning a trip to Antarctica and would like guidance on when to go, give us on 0800 678 5236. Or fill in a brief online enquiry form here and we’ll get back to you.

Remember, all our staff are frequent visitors to the Antarctic regions and well qualified to answer your questions, whatever your requirements.