Antarctica Weather, climate and geography
Weather & climate
The main season for visiting Antarctica runs from November to March, during the austral summer, when temperatures are milder, sea ice retreats and long hours of daylight allow expedition ships to operate. Most tourism is concentrated around the Antarctic Peninsula, where summer temperatures near the coast are often near freezing or a few degrees above freezing.
Conditions and wildlife vary throughout the season. November and early December bring heavy snow and ice, with penguins nesting and laying eggs. December and January have the longest days and generally the mildest conditions, while penguin chicks become increasingly visible. February and March are particularly good months for whale sightings as feeding activity increases, although temperatures begin to fall and nights become longer towards the end of the season.
Weather in Antarctica is highly changeable at any time. Strong winds, snowfall, fog and sea ice can alter itineraries at short notice, and conditions vary considerably between the Antarctic Peninsula and the much colder continental interior.
Warm, layered clothing is essential. Wear thermal base layers beneath insulating layers such as fleece or wool, and a waterproof, windproof outer jacket and trousers. A warm hat, waterproof gloves and spare gloves are particularly useful, as are warm socks and waterproof boots suitable for wet landings.
Sunglasses with good UV protection and high-factor sunscreen are essential, as sunlight reflected from snow, ice and water can be intense. A neck gaiter or similar face covering is useful in strong winds. Many expedition operators provide waterproof boots and sometimes an expedition parka, so travellers should check what is supplied before buying or packing specialist clothing.
Geography
Antarctica surrounds the South Pole and is almost entirely contained within the Antarctic Circle. Covering about 14 million sq km (5.4 million sq miles), it is the fifth-largest continent. The Southern Ocean surrounds the continent, separating it from South America, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
About 98% of Antarctica is covered by ice, which contains most of the world's freshwater ice. The continent is divided geographically into East and West Antarctica by the Transantarctic Mountains. East Antarctica forms the larger, generally higher part of the continent, while West Antarctica includes the Antarctic Peninsula, which extends northwards towards South America.
The interior is dominated by a vast, high ice plateau, with an average elevation considerably greater than that of any other continent. Antarctica's highest point is Mount Vinson, at 4,892m (16,050ft), in the Ellsworth Mountains. Much of the land beneath the ice sheet lies below sea level, while enormous glaciers carry ice from the interior towards floating ice shelves around the coast.
Major ice shelves include the Ross and Filchner-Ronne ice shelves, while the coastline is deeply indented by seas including the Ross, Weddell, Amundsen and Bellingshausen. Numerous islands lie around the continent, particularly off the Antarctic Peninsula. In winter, sea ice expands across millions of square kilometres of the surrounding ocean before retreating substantially during the austral summer.
Do you have any Feedback about this page?
© 2026 Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission, click here for information on Columbus Content Solutions.
You know where