Best Time to Visit Antarctica

January is the most popular time to cruise to Antarctica, and for good reason. This is the heart of summer, with temperatures getting up to 10°C, and the peak of ice melt making everything accessible by Zodiac, giving you more angles from which to admire this frozen world. There will also be plenty of wildlife out and about in the water and on the floating ice, basking in the warmth of the sun.

The month for wildlife viewing, February brings whales. Migrating pods arrive to feast to the rich waters, particularly orcas, humpbacks, blue and minke. The ice melts of January will, hopefully, give you the opportunity to get out on the water for a closer look at these beautiful creatures. Penguin chicks, in all their fluffy glory, are emerging from the nest to explore the world and learning to swim as their parents watch on.

Considered late in the season, March begins to show signs of the approaching autumn, with temperatures starting to drop below freezing once more and the days getting shorter. You may see some snow fall and the ice starting to encroach on the water once more. This month tends to be much quieter, so you can expect clearer views and the whale watching continues to be spectacular. Penguin colonies, particularly king and macaroni, are busy (and noisy!) and a joy to observe.

November is the start of Antarctica's travel season, and it's when the icebergs are at their most epic – before the sun has had the chance to melt them, they will be jagged and sculpture-like. This month is also mating season for seabirds, penguins and seals, giving you an up-close glimpse of courting rituals and, in the case of elephant seals, intense battles over mating rights.

Exploring the Antarctic peninsula in December brings with it the midnight sun, or endless daylight. 24 hours of light brings with it warmer temperatures and more time to admire the magical landscapes. The warmth makes beaches and landing points more easily accessible by small boat, giving visitors the chance to see nesting birdlife.