When is the best time to travel to Antarctica or the Arctic?

Antarctic Season: Late October to March

October to Early December – Pristine Landscapes and Sea Ice
Early in the season, Antarctica reveals itself at its most untouched: snow blankets everything from mountain peaks to the coast, and sea ice remains present in many areas—sometimes even blocking channels or landing sites.
Penguins begin arriving at their colonies to build nests, and other seabirds like cormorants start their courtship and egg-laying rituals.
It’s also a great time to spot seals resting on the sea ice. Although it’s possible to see whales, sightings are less frequent at this stage, as most are still migrating from warmer breeding grounds to feed in the Southern Ocean.


December to February – Peak of the Summer Season
During the height of the austral summer, days are long and some areas even experience 24 hours of daylight. Snow starts melting, revealing rocky landing sites.
In early December, penguins are still incubating their eggs. By late December or early January (depending on the snow buildup earlier in the season), penguin chicks hatch and grow rapidly.
This is also the time when whale sightings increase significantly. Sea ice continues to melt, opening up more channels and making navigation easier, although ice can always be unpredictable at any time of the season.

Mid-February to March – Whale Highlights and Penguin Farewells
As the season winds down, days begin to shorten, but some of the best whale-watching opportunities emerge as they feed in Antarctic waters.
Seals haul out onto beaches, adult penguins begin moulting, and chicks grow their juvenile feathers. Adélie penguins are the first to leave the colonies, followed by chinstraps, with gentoo penguins staying the longest.
A unique phenomenon of this time is the appearance of “red snow”, caused by algae that tint the surface of the snow. It’s a peaceful, photogenic, and wildlife-rich end to the season.

Arctic Season: June to September

June to Mid-July – The Realm of Ice
This is the best time to witness ice, snow, and Arctic wildlife along the sea ice edge. The ice hasn’t completely melted, which creates great chances to spot polar bears and walruses. Migratory birds also begin to arrive for breeding.

Mid-July to Mid-August – Peak Exploration Season
By now, sea ice has retreated enough to allow smoother navigation, especially around places like Spitsbergen. Tundra flowers bloom, the scenery is colorful, and wildlife is active both on land and at sea.

Mid-August to September – Golden Light and Northern Skies
Days begin to shorten, many bird species migrate south, and the weather becomes more variable. However, less sea ice allows access to more remote areas, and the angle of the sun creates stunning lighting for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset.
This is also a great time for northern lights (aurora borealis), especially in late August and September, as the skies begin to darken.

So, when is the best time?
There’s no single “best” moment — every period has its own magic. Whether it’s untouched icy landscapes and newborn penguin chicks in Antarctica, or polar bears and blooming tundra in the Arctic, each expedition is unique.
At The Polar Travel Company, we help you choose the trip and timing that best match your interests and goals.

How big are the ships that go to Antarctica? How many landings can I expect per day?

The number of landings or off-ship activities you can enjoy per day mainly depends on three factors: the polar operator’s expedition style (how they organise landings and activities), the size of the ship, and the international regulations that govern tourism in polar regions like Antarctica and the Arctic. And of course, weather conditions play a major role.
Since no more than 100 visitors are allowed ashore at the same time per landing site (in Antarctica, and in some parts of the Arctic, even fewer), landings are done in shifts.
In Antarctica, ships are divided into three categories. Ships with more than 500 passengers are in Category 3, with many restrictions — the most important being that they are not allowed to make landings.
Ships with 200 to 500 passengers are in Category 2 and still have some landing restrictions (there are places they cannot visit) and limitations on the amount of time visitors can spend on land, since landings are divided into several groups and are relatively brief. These ships do not usually manage two landings per day, at least not several days in a row.
Ships with fewer than 200 passengers fall into Category 1 and have fewer restrictions. Some vessels in this category aim to do two activities per day, which may include landings, Zodiac cruises, or ship-based cruising — plus optional adventure activities like kayaking, snowshoeing, or camping.
There are operators that, while one group is on land, take the other group on a Zodiac cruise, allowing everyone to spend more time off the ship enjoying these incredible places. Other operators simply alternate groups, with one group doing the activity while the other remains on the ship, reducing time spent ashore.
In ships with fewer than 100 passengers, logistics are much simpler, since everyone can participate in the activity at the same time, allowing more time off the ship.
In short, ship sizes can be divided like this:
Large ships (more than 500 passengers) – Category 3
Cannot do landings.
They offer panoramic cruises without going ashore.
They face strict operational restrictions in sensitive sites.
Mid-sized ships (200 to 500 passengers) – Category 2
Can land at certain sites, but with limitations.
Activities are divided into large groups, reducing time on land per person.
This is an intermediate experience, but less flexible than smaller ships.
Small ships (under 200 passengers) – Category 1
Have more freedom to land at a variety of sites.
Many operators aim to offer two activities per day: landings, Zodiac cruises, or adventures like kayaking, snowshoeing, camping, etc.
Some operators rotate groups to maximise time off the ship; others alternate time between land and ship.
This is the most popular choice, as the vast majority of ships carry between 100 and 200 passengers.
Ships with fewer than 100 passengers
Since there are fewer than 100 people, all guests can go ashore at once.
This allows for more extended time on land and a more immersive experience.
Ideal for those who want to spend as much time off the ship as possible.
At The Polar Travel Company, we work with a selection of operators who prioritise guest experience and environmental respect, so every day in the polar regions is unforgettable.

What makes a polar cruise cheaper or more expensive?

Antarctica and the Arctic are remote and complex destinations — for travellers (getting there is more expensive than to a conventional destination), and for operators (running a ship in these regions is logistically harder and more costly: fuel, crew, supplies, etc.).
Expedition prices can vary greatly: from USD 5,000 to over USD 50,000 per person. So what factors affect the final cost?
Here are the main ones:
Travel dates / season: Trips early or late in the season tend to be slightly cheaper than during the peak season.
Trip duration: Longer voyages imply higher operational costs.
Adventure activities: If activities like kayaking, camping, or mountaineering are included, it may raise the total price.
Type of ship: More luxurious ships with included amenities usually cost more.
Ship size: Smaller vessels divide costs among fewer guests, which increases the price per person.
Cabin category: The cabin class also impacts the cost of the trip.
Fly-cruises: These tend to cost 20% to 30% more than full ship-based expeditions, since they include the cost of charter flights.

Do I need to be in good physical shape to go on an Antarctica cruise?

While there are no specific physical requirements to travel to Antarctica (we always say you don’t need to be an athlete), it’s important to have a good general level of physical condition to fully enjoy the experience.
Walking on uneven terrain, getting in and out of Zodiacs during landings, or moving around the ship in rough seas can be a bit physically demanding.
Being in good overall health, having strength, and the ability to move freely are key factors to consider before booking an expedition.
That said, Antarctic and Arctic cruises are not particularly strenuous, except for some optional adventure activities that may require more effort. Travellers with an average (or above) fitness level are perfectly capable of enjoying a polar journey.

Is it very cold? What clothes should I bring?

Even though you’re travelling to polar regions, if you go during the summer season, you won’t be exposed to extreme cold at all times.
Clothing choices for cold weather are very personal and depend on your experience with cold environments. A common complaint is not the cold itself but the wind. The secret is to stay warm by dressing in layers.
It’s better to wear several light layers than one very thick layer. It’s also crucial that your outer layer is waterproof, both top and bottom.
Base layer, mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell — plus good boots, gloves, hat, and sunglasses.
Don’t forget personal care items and lots of sunscreen. The sun reflecting off the water can be intense, so it’s better to stay protected.
In Antarctica, temperatures between November and March generally range from 5°C to -5°C.
In the Arctic, it’s quite similar, although in some specific areas summer temperatures can be slightly warmer, averaging between 10°C and -5°C.