As Antarctica is in the Southern Hemisphere, summer occurs from December to February and winter falls between June and August. The Antarctic is only accessible during the warmer months – generally between December and March – when the sea ice melts enough for expedition vessels to cruise through Antarctica's waters.Â
The warmest month in Antarctica is January. Coastal areas experience milder weather, with summer temperatures generally reaching a maximum of 5° to 15°C (41 to 59°F), with long periods of sunlight. Due to its polar position, it can stay light all day long. Around the time of the summer solstice, some areas record 24 hours of sunlight each day. So, if you're travelling in summer, perhaps pack an eye mask for sleeping.
On the west coast of the continent (the Pacific Ocean side), the temperature reaches above 0°C (32°F) for three to four months during summer and rarely falls below -10°C (-14°F) during winter. On the east coast of the Antarctic Peninsula (the Indian Ocean side), it's much colder, with average temperatures sitting at 0°C for a month at most and winter temperatures ranging from -5°C to -25°C (23 to -13°F). In winter, average temperatures are usually between -10°C and -30°C (14 to -20°F) near the coast, falling to below -60°C (-76°F) on the high interior plateau, with long periods of constant darkness. The coldest temperature ever recorded on earth was in Antarctica in 1983, with -89.2°C (-128.6°F) at Soviet Vostok Station in inland Princess Elizabeth Land. Severe low temperatures vary with latitude, elevation and distance from the ocean.
This weather plays a major role in any breathtaking experience in Antarctica. And don't fear – when you travel on an Intrepid Antarctic tour you'll be equipped with warm gear and have a heated vessel to keep cosy on during your adventure.Â
Why is Antarctica called a desert?
Usually, any place on earth that receives less than 250 mm of rainfall each year is classified as a desert, because without enough rainfall the land won't have enough vegetation cover to support human life. Antarctica receives, on average, around 160 mm of rainfall yearly, with coastal regions and the Antarctic Peninsula receiving more than the high interior. Most of Antarctica's precipitation falls as snow due to its low temperatures, but some rainfall is recorded along the coast, especially in summer. That's why Antarctica is recognised as a polar desert!
When is the best time to visit Antarctica?
Click here to read more Antarctica FAQs
Our tours in Antarctica
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8247
Capture the essence of the Antarctic Peninsula and its incredible islands aboard the...
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Follow the whales of Antarctica as they migrate south on this 11-day expedition cruise,...
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Take an adventure of a lifetime to the Antarctic and beyond. Cross the Antarctic Circle...
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11247
Take an adventure of a lifetime to the Antarctic and beyond. Cross the Antarctic Circle...
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12743
Explore South Georgia, the Antarctic Peninsula and the Falkland Islands with Intrepid...
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This 11-day Christmas expedition travels to Antarctica for the ultimate white Christmas...
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Embark on a 21-day Intrepid expedition including the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia...
Tailor-Made trips
Take two or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
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Take to Antarctica on an 12-day expedition on board the Ocean Endeavour via Puntas...
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12595
Take to Antarctica on an 11-day expedition on board the Ocean Endeavour via Puntas...
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23995
See a total solar eclipse as you tour for 14 days on an Antarctica expedition aboard...
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Sail through the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula,...
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Visit Antarctica, flying over the Drake Passage and cruising through the South Shetland...
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Visit the Falklands and South Georgia islands on a 23-day immersive polar expedition...
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10495
Uncover the sublime white beauty of Antarctica on this Southern Expedition. Travel...
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Visit Antarctica and travel through the Beagle Channel to the Falkland and South...
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Embark on an adventure of a lifetime while crossing the Antarctic Circle. Discover...
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19990
Nothing on earth can prepare you for Antarctica; you have to see it for yourself. See...
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30990
Embark on a cruise across the Antarctic Circle and visit the Falklands, South Shetland...
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12990
Sail through the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula,...
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9490
Experience the rare opportunity to explore both the eastern and western sides of the...
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8247
Join Intrepid and special guests from the World Wildlife Fund – Australia’s whale...
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10497
Join Intrepid and special guests from the World Wildlife Fund-Australia’s whale...
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Uncover the sublime white beauty of Antarctica on this Southern Expedition. Travel...
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Experience the rare opportunity to explore Cape Horn and the Diego Ramirez Islands on...
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Follow in the legendary footsteps of Shackleton and his crew with an epic 20-day...
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Experience the rare opportunity to explore Cape Horn, Diego Ramirez Islands, and three...
