What is the best time of year to go to Antarctica?

The best time to visit Antarctica is during the summer period from November to March. Wildlife is most active during these months and the days are at their longest. The most popular period to visit during the summer is from December to February when temperatures are regularly above zero.



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The Antarctic travel season coincides with the austral summer beginning in October and running through March. The best time to visit Antarctica is from mid-December through mid-February. The best month to take an Antarctic cruise is January. Of course, there is much more to it than that.

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The average Antarctica cruise cost is about $8,000 per person. The least expensive trips to Antarctica start at under $5,000. Luxury voyages can exceed $15,000 per person.

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The most common expeditions last approximately nine to ten days, including five full days of exploration in Antarctica. Rather than fly from South America, these voyages embrace the power and the beauty of the Drake Passage (and its rich and abundant bird life), sailing from Ushuaia.

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No commercial flights operate to Antarctica, therefore, you'll have to book with a private charter operator. Fly-ins are the only way for tourists to reach the vast sole of Antarctica and a great option for adventurers looking to do some serious hiking, camping, skiing or climbing in a pristine landscape.

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There are myriad reasons to visit Antarctica. First, the epic landscapes: vast stretches of pack ice, hulking icebergs, mirror-like bays and colossal mountains and glaciers. Second, the wildlife. You will see hundreds of penguins: Gentoo, Chinstrap and, if you're lucky, some penguin chicks too.

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Can I get to Antarctica by myself? No. Although Antarctica is open to tourists, you can only travel there by specialist ships and planes – and they need a polar expedition permit to operate there to prove that they're fully prepared and have the expertise on-board needed for the extreme conditions.

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There are no hotels in Antarctica. All tourist accommodation is aboard expedition ships. Some tour operators include a one-night pre-tour stay in a hotel in Argentina, Chile, New Zealand or Tasmania.

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The Drake Passage can experience up to 15m swells and winds reaching Beaufort scale 10 (hurricanes are scale 12) at its peak. Most Antarctica cruise ships have stabilizers to reduce these rough sea conditions, but it is needless to say these will not stop the effects of Drake Passage sea sickness.

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Upon boarding a cruise ship or plane to Antarctica, you will need to present a valid passport. Because of the Antarctica Treaty, no visa is required.

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Get to Antarctica by Ship. The most common and most affordable way to get to Antarctica is to book an Antarctica cruise. Over 90% of all visitors travel to Antarctica aboard a small ship. Learn more about the cost to go to Antarctica.

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1. Visit in the summer! It goes without saying that Antarctica is not a warm place – it contains 90% of the earth's ice. However, in the summer, you'll catch much milder weather, with temperatures around 0oC (32oF), although it may feel colder with wind chill.

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Most normal consumer cameras will not work. If you keep your iPhone in a pocket in your parka designed to keep electronics warm, and only take it out for a few seconds to take a picture you will be OK. But keeping it out in the cold will not.

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