Best Time to Visit Antarctica
Month-by-month climate guide for planning a trip to Antarctica.
Antarctica does not have a month that clearly fits our sunny profiles at a country-wide average. Its warmest and driest window is around January (-2.9°C / 26.8°F) and October (8 mm / 0.3 in rainfall) — usually the practical travel choice. The drier half of the year covers May–June and August–January, while the wetter half runs through February–April and July. Country-wide monthly temperatures range from -27°C / -16.6°F in August to -2.9°C / 26.8°F in January, and monthly rainfall from 8 mm / 0.3 in (October) to 20 mm / 0.8 in (March). Antarctica's climate is broadly polar or high-altitude. These are national area-weighted averages from long-term climate normals — regional variation within Antarctica can be substantial, especially for large or geographically diverse countries. Below, every month is classified against our five weather profiles so you can match your travel window to your preferred weather.
Recommended months
| Month | Temp | Rain | Feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -2.9°C26.8°F | 15 mm0.6″ | — |
| December | -4.5°C23.9°F | 15 mm0.6″ | — |
| February | -9.5°C14.9°F | 18 mm0.7″ | — |
No month in Antarctica fits our sunny profiles at a country-wide average. The three above are the driest-and-warmest fallback.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Antarctica?
Antarctica doesn't have a month that clearly matches our sunny profiles at a national average. The practical travel window centres on October (driest, ~8 mm / 0.3 in) and January (warmest, -2.9°C / 26.8°F). Regional variation within Antarctica can be significant — city and subdivision pages give a more localised view.
When is the rainy season in Antarctica?
The rainy season in Antarctica runs through February–April and July, when monthly rainfall exceeds the national annual median of about 15 mm / 0.6 in. The wettest single month is March, averaging 20 mm / 0.8 in.
What is the dry season in Antarctica?
The drier half of the year in Antarctica covers May–June and August–January, when monthly rainfall stays at or below the annual median of about 15 mm / 0.6 in. The driest single month is October with about 8 mm / 0.3 in.
What months should I avoid visiting Antarctica?
The least comfortable months for travel in Antarctica — based on our climate data — are February, March, April, June, July, August, September. These are Antarctica's wettest or coolest months. Rainfall peaks at 20 mm / 0.8 in in March, and temperatures bottom out at -27°C / -16.6°F in August.
Is there a shoulder season in Antarctica?
Shoulder-season months in Antarctica — moderate weather, lower rainfall than the wet season — include March, April, October. These are typically the quietest and cheapest months for travel, and often deliver decent weather without the peak-season crowd.