When is the Best Time to Go to the Polar Regions?

Arctic

Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen has a short season from mid June to mid August; and there is 24 hour daylight in all three months. There may be more sea ice in the earlier months and some more flowers, but in reality with the capricious nature of the weather and wildlife there is not much to choose between them.

Antarctic

The Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
There are more definitive variations, yet is always spectacular throughout the summer months:

        Late Spring & early Summer - November

The start of the season and the most adventurous time to travel. You’ll encounter truly breathtaking, exquisitely sculpted icebergs emerging from their frozen hibernation. Many of these blue bergs house courting, nesting and brooding penguins. In the Falklands flowers are coming into bloom.



        High Summer – January & February

Close to the solstice you’ll experience almost perpetual daylight. These are the mildest months when the first Adelie and Gentoo penguin chicks are hatched. It’s also the time to encounter seal pups on South Georgia. As the water warms the whale sightings also improve.

        Late Summer - February & March

This is the time for some incredible encounters with whales, especially Minkes and Humpbacks. The receding ice allows for further exploration and penguin colonies are very active with adults feeding their chicks.

Extensions In South America

Why not add to your Antarctica experience with a visit to some of South America’s natural wonders? We offer two extensions that can be taken before or after your voyage.

Moreno Glacier
This is a moving glacier and therefore a very active one. It is possible to trek on the glacier as well as take a boat adjacent to its shimmering walls. Some would say the best reward is to be there early and to watch the seemingly endless calving down the glacier wall.

Note: We advise visiting Moreno Glacier before the icy wilderness of Antarctica.

Iguassu Falls
Many would claim that these are the finest waterfalls in the world. Always with a good head of water they cascade spectacularly over a set of cataracts at the confluence of Brazil and Argentina. There is wonderful birdlife in the rainforest and the accommodation provides fabulous access to this remarkable park.