When to go
The best time to visit Antarctica is
summer, from December to February, since it is the mildest (or rather, least cold) period of the year, and when the days are long. Along the northernmost coasts, in the Antarctic Peninsula, temperatures are around freezing or slightly below at night and above freezing during the day, while they are below freezing, even by several degrees, in the interior of the continent. In any case, snow on the ground will also be found on the coasts.
The peak of
tourists is recorded between Christmas and New Year's, and prices are also higher during this period.
In general, however,
cruises are organized from November to March. At the beginning of the period, in November and even more likely in October, it is often necessary to use icebreakers.
In summer, the
days are very long everywhere. At Esperanza Base, at 63 degrees south latitude, therefore in the northernmost area, the sun always goes below the horizon at night, however, there are the white nights, in which it doesn't get completely dark even at midnight, from November 2nd to February 9th. The longest day is December 21, the southern hemisphere's summer solstice.
At the South Pole, on the other hand, there are six months of darkness and six months of light. The sun never sets between the spring equinox and the autumn equinox, i.e. from September 22nd to March 21st. In addition, summer at the South Pole is very sunny, and from November to January the sky is almost always clear.
Sea ice extent is at its lowest in February, when nearly all sea ice melts, and at its highest in September, when large portions of the sea around Antarctica, including the Weddell Sea and the Ross Sea, are frozen.
February and March are the best months for
whale watching.
The closest cities from which expeditions to Antarctica depart are
Punta Arenas, Chile, and
Ushuaia, Argentina. However, there are also cruises that depart from
Hobart in Australia or Invercargill in New Zealand.
What to pack
Even if you travel in the summer, and even if you visit the Antarctic peninsula, which is located south of Argentina and Chile and is the mildest area, you need to be
equipped against the cold. It is better to dress
in layers, usually three, comfortable but warm, both for the low temperatures and for the wind, which you will experience if only on cruises and boat transfers, perhaps to spot whales. The innermost layer should be
thermal, while the outermost one should be
waterproof (even if it doesn't rain or snow, during expeditions in "zodiac" inflatables you get splashes and spray from the sea).
It is also necessary to bring ski
gloves, a woolen
hat (close-fitting so that it does not blow away with the wind, and which also covers the ears) and a neck gaiter (preferable to the scarf since it doesn't fly off). For safety, you can bring spare gloves and beanie, in case the former get lost.
When it's sunny, since, if outdoors, you are always either by the sea or in snowy areas, you need to wear
sunglasses that protect against ultraviolet rays, and sunscreen is very useful as well, along with lip balm.
Bring at least two pairs of
socks, one of which warmer and to be worn outdoors only.
Knee-high rubber
mud boots are preferable to hiking boots, but are usually provided by the company organizing the expedition.
In general, the companies that organize the expedition have medicines available for
nausea and seasickness, but it can be useful to bring your own, since you will probably need them sooner or later, especially in the Drake Strait, where the sea is often rough.
It may also be useful to bring:
Lightweight binoculars.
The water canteen is preferable to bottles of water. In general it is good to avoid disposable products, however, it is advisable to bring plastic bags to put the waste, which you will have to carry in your backpack.
Cold resistant camera with neck strap. Spare batteries and SD memory cards.
Book, e-book or podcast for long journeys (even by plane or at the airport). Pen and notebook.
Electrical adapter / converter.
Back to the climate of
Antarctica