What month best for Antarctic Nov Dec Jan?

[At sea days]

Planning our "bucket list" Antarctic cruise. Looks like the Explorer is the way to go...any help on what month would be appreciated. Knowing that weather any more is not predictable. Nov Dec Jan???

Thanks

[Jaffa]

Hi,

 

November is more pristine, wildlife will be less than in Dec, Jan.

However the last of the regular migration happens in November so you are more likely to see mass arrivals of penguin and seal as well as bird arrivals. As a result November is the month to experience the mass mating season.

 

December is the month of nesting, the migrations and mating are now finished and everyone is by now usually home. Weather is the best in December with the days much nicer than you would realise. Wildlife sightings are better than Nov and Jan usually but not always. December seems to be be the most stable of the 3 months.

 

January you will see more ice breaking up and much more movement of wildlife and ice. many believe January is the more dramatic of the season. It is also the month you will see births. So it is a good time to witness the wildlife with new young. The wildlife is also getting hungry again so feeding and teritorial issues are more pronounced in Jan and Feb.

 

The transit down and back is usually better in Dec as Nov and late Jan/early Feb are more unpredictable.

 

Each month is amazing in its own right.

What you want to see and experience will dictate the month you choose. I have been on all 3 months and all are very different.

This trip will change you forever, hold on to your hat as your heart and soul is about to be moved.

 

Hope this helps.....