When to go to Antarctica - tips by Howard Hillman

When to go
Antarctica cruise

Seasons matter

You cannot go
on an Antarctica cruise
from April to October

When it's late spring, summer, and early fall in the Northern Hemisphere, it's winter in Antarctica.

Even if you wanted to go during that April to October period, your cruise ship could not reach Antarctica because the thick pack ice extends up to 600 kilometers (1,000 miles) beyond the continent.

Moreover, temperatures are bitterly cold, winds are fierce, storms flourish, and daylight hours are scarce.

The three
Antarctica Peninsula
cruise seasons

Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Early

Nov to mid-Dec

Peak

Mid-Dec to mid-Feb

Late

Mid-Feb to Mar

Early season -
November to mid-December

Advantages:

Landing areas are still pristine because they have not yet been trundled on by thousands of tourists.

Iceberg and icescape shapes are at their dramatic best.

Usually, cruise fares are lower and discounts are higher.

Cruises are less likely to be sold out and, therefore, will be less crowded.

Drawbacks:

Sea ice may not have sufficiently melted, making some landings inaccessible.

Weather is colder and seas are somewhat rougher.

There are fewer daylight hours for sightseeing.

You see less wildlife activity, from ship and on shore.

The above pluses and minuses are more pronounced in November.

Peak season -
Mid-December to mid-February

Advantages:

Long daylight hours (this peaks on December 22).

Seas tend to be calmer. Waves and winds subside at sea - and in the bays and channels.

Wildlife viewing is at its best, both onboard and on shore. This is the prime penguin egg-hatching season - and the fluffy chicks are adorable.

Drawbacks:

Prices are at their highest in all cabin categories.

Many cruises are fully booked six or more months in advance.

Late season -
Mid-February to March

Advantages:

Whale watching is at its delightful best.

Prices begin to fall - and last-minute bookings are easier to secure.

Some ships become less crowded onboard.

Ice continues to melt, allowing ships to sail to destinations farther south.

Drawbacks:

Some landings bear the messy, muddy impact of many previous cruisers.

The penguins begin their "disappearing act" (they leave their breeding grounds to go out to sea to feed).

Daylight hours become shorter and shorter.

Temperature gets appreciably colder.

The above pluses and minuses are more pronounced in March.

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