Snowshoe trek Antarctica min

Snowshoeing in the Antarctic Peninsula

Best time to visit Antarctica

Month-by-month guide of when to visit.

A month by month guide of when to visit Antarctica.

Antarctica, the frozen wilderness of unparalleled beauty, is a destination that beckons adventurous souls from around the globe.

As the southernmost continent on Earth, it offers an otherworldly experience like no other. While visiting this icy wonderland, timing is key to ensure you make the most of your journey and witness its captivating spectacles. So, when is the best time to visit Antarctica?

The Antarctic tourism season typically spans from November to March, coinciding with the Austral summer. Each month within this period offers unique advantages, and your choice may depend on your preferences and interests.

November marks the beginning of the season when the ice starts to melt, making it easier for vessels to navigate the waters. This time of the year presents an excellent opportunity to observe wildlife, as penguins begin to lay their eggs, and seals and seabirds are abundant. For photography enthusiasts, the pristine landscape with untouched snow and ice formations offers incredible shots.

In December, the Antarctic summer is in full swing. The days are long, with nearly 24 hours of daylight, allowing for extended exploration and activities. This month is particularly popular for travellers seeking to witness penguin chicks hatching, a heartwarming spectacle of new life in this frozen wilderness.

January and February are considered the peak of the tourist season. With relatively mild temperatures (by Antarctic standards), the wildlife is highly active. Visitors can enjoy thrilling experiences like kayaking, snowshoeing, and camping amidst breathtaking surroundings.

In March, the season starts to wind down as fewer vessels visit Antarctica. The days get slightly shorter, and it is slightly colder, but it is still a great time for seal and whale watching.

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January - February

Arguably the best time with warmer temperatures, long daylight, and active wildlife. However, it's the most expensive period. Enjoy migrating whales, seal pups on South Georgia's beaches, and seabird courtship.

Whale Tail Antarctica 2

March

March marks the end of the tourism season as autumn approaches, and the ice begins to re-form. This period offers a different perspective of Antarctica, as the lighting and colours change, making it a haven for photographers seeking a unique contrast.

Clouds over ocean Antarctic min

April - October

During the winter months, Antarctica experiences extreme temperatures and prolonged darkness, meaning it is largely inaccessible to tourists and adventurers. Only scientists and film crews remain, braving the harsh conditions to conduct research and document the icy continent's mysteries.

Sea Kayaks Antarctica 3 min

November

In early November there are with limited cruises operating, visitors can enjoy lower fares, pristine landscapes ideal for photography, and the chance to spot penguins and seals on icebergs. As November progresses the Antarctica open season begins and explorers may be treated to the sight of hatching penguin chicks.

Penguin with chicks Antarctica min

December

Enjoy the extended daylight, witnessing penguin chicks hatching and vibrant wildlife activity. Embrace once-in-a-lifetime experiences like kayaking and snowshoeing, immersing yourself in the magic of this frozen wonderland during Antarctica's version of summer.

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024

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