Things to Do in Antarctica in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Antarctica
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
- + Peak penguin chick season. Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstrap chicks hatch and waddle in creches. Photography gold. Snap away.
- + Solid sea-ice lets ships reach the rarely visited Ross Sea side and Snow Hill Emperor penguin colony. Go now.
- + Midnight sun removes all time pressure. You can zodiac-cruise at 2 am under blazing sunshine. No rush.
- + Whales are back in force. Humpback, Minke and the season's first Orca pods feast on krill swarms. Spectacular.
- + Icebergs are freshly carved and bluest of the year, before January summer algae tints them. Catch the color.
- − It's the most expensive window. Every berth sells out 12-18 months ahead
- − Katabatic winds can spike above 38 knots (70 km/h) and ground helicopter flights for days. Pack patience.
- − You share deck space with 200-500 other passengers. Solitude is almost impossible in December. Expect crowds.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
Only December-January ice conditions let strengthened ships reach Shackleton's and Scott's preserved huts, plus the world's largest Adelie penguin rookeries at Cape Adare. Days are 24-hour bright, so landings aren't rushed and you can photograph huts with alpenglow at 3 am. Shoot late.
Emperor chicks are fledging. Helicopter from the ship lands you within 1 km (0.6 mi) of 4,000 pairs. December's stable floes mean the colony is still tight, chicks squealing like rusty gates. Listen close.
Water is mirror-calm, brash ice at 0°C (32°F) but kayaks put you eye-level with curious leopard seals. Midnight sun means glassy reflections of bergs last all 'night'. No wind chop before afternoon katabatics kick in. Paddle early.
Researchers tag chicks. Passengers help weigh them with spring scales. December chicks are football-sized and vocal, great for kids or data-minded travelers. Volcanic black beach steams when cold air hits geothermal vents. Feel the heat.
December water is -1°C (30°F). Ships heat outdoor saunas to 90°C (194°F) so you can oscillate between extremes. Med staff monitor for after-drop. Once you dry off, midnight sun decks are warm enough for T-shirts. Brave the swing.
December Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Ship crews exchange live radio greetings with Antarctic bases on 21 Dec. Passengers often invited to listen in as McMurdo, Rothera and Concordia trade music requests and jokes. A quirky slice of station life. Tune in.
Last 2 weeks of December see most chicks on their feet. Photographers get grey-fluff balls against adults' orange throats. Guides limit group to 15 people at a time to avoid stressing birds. Respect the limit.
Packing Checklist
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Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
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Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
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