5 Reasons We Love Antarctica in November and December!
Arguably the early Antarctic summer is the very best time to visit, with great weather, amazing pristine scenery, active wildlife and lower prices!
1) Warm, Sunny Weather
From November onwards is when the daylight hours really lengthen and temperatures begin to rise. Summer is finally here! Days are seemingly filled with endless daylight (20+ hours). Calmer winds bring calmer seas (and calmer Drake passage crossings). In Antarctica itself, it starts to reach above freezing point in the day and a little colder at night – while in South Georgia it is usually around 5 degrees but still can snow sometimes.
2) Breathtaking Landscapes
It is still early enough in the summer to feature a pristine, snowy and icy landscape – and you will still be amongst the first visitors. There may even be some sea ice in the water which only adds to the incredible scenery. Ice is solid enough in places to set foot on and explore, yet is also opening up, allowing ships deeper south, to cross the circle and discover sites previously inaccessible. All around, you hear crackling sounds and deafening booms that alert you to calving icebergs. You can also experience some beautiful icy sunsets in the very late hours around midnight.
3) Abundant Wildlife
This time is full of life – Penguin rookeries are teeming with life: penguin chicks start to hatch as the adults hunt for food – so there’s plenty to see if you visit Antarctica or South Georgia in November or December. Humpback and Minke whales begin arriving back in the region to feed. Newborn seal pups start to play and Elephant seals engage in mating rituals
4) Cool Adventure Options
December boasts the most available adventure options. In addition to kayaking and stand-up-paddling, you can:
- Camp under the austral skies
- Ski Trek on fresh summer snow
- Mountain Trek your way to an epic lookout point
5) Great Prices!
Traditionally, November and December has been a period where the prices are cheaper than the ‘high’ summer season, partly because so many people prefer to take holidays in January and February. However since arguably the early Antarctic summer is just as beautiful a time to visit, the lower prices make for an even more rewarding experience!
Following are some voyages with special offers this November and December:
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