What is the weather like in Antarctica during December?

December brings milder conditions to Antarctica with temperatures between 20°F to 40°F (-6°C to 4°C). The region experiences the Midnight Sun phenomenon creating nearly 24 hours of daylight. This makes December particularly good for exploring and photographing the landscape. Weather tends to be more predictable during this time with TourRadar travelers reporting comfortable conditions. One visitor to Paradise Bay commented "We had sunshine and no wind and boiled in our thermals."

What wildlife can I see in Antarctica during December?

December marks peak wildlife activity across the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Visitors can watch penguin chicks emerge at colonies of Gentoo Adelie and Chinstrap penguins particularly at Neko Harbour and Petermann Island. The waters come alive with leopard seals hunting near penguin colonies while humpback and minke whales return to feed. A TourRadar traveler noted that "the pristine environment in Antarctica needs to be seen and felt to be appreciated" with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities around Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel.

What are the best locations to visit in Antarctica during December?

December's melting sea ice opens up key Antarctic locations including the Gerlache Strait Paradise Bay and Lemaire Channel. The Antarctic Peninsula becomes fully accessible allowing visits to Port Lockroy's historic British research station and Neko Harbour's impressive glaciers. The South Shetland Islands especially King George Island provide excellent landing spots. TourRadar travelers highlight Paradise Bay and the Neumayer Channel for their "breathtaking landscapes with calving glaciers framed by alpine peaks."

How rough is the Drake Passage crossing in December?

The Drake Passage typically offers more stable sailing conditions during December though rough seas remain possible. Modern vessels like the Ocean Victory and Ocean Albatros use X-Bow technology to improve stability. Travelers seeking to avoid the crossing can choose fly-cruise options such as Exodus Adventure Travels' "Antarctic Express" which replaces the two-day ship crossing with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island. Recent travelers note that newer expedition ships provide "exceptional stability at sea."

What is the price range for Antarctic cruises in December?

Antarctic expeditions in December start at USD 9245 reaching up to USD 20995 per person. The 8-day "Antarctic Express" fly-cruise begins at USD 20995 while traditional 12-day voyages like Poseidon Expeditions' "Christmas in Antarctica" start from USD 10395. Adventure-focused basecamp cruises with included activities begin around USD 9245. TourRadar travelers often note the "impeccable procedures" and "good value" considering the all-inclusive nature of these expeditions.

Antarctica / South Pole Tours in December 2026

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10 best Antarctica / South Pole tour packages in December

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Ocean Cruise
Realm of Penguins & Icebergs
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 6+
Ship
M/V Sea Spirit
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Poseidon Expeditions
25% Off
From $15,095
US$11,321per person
Price based on Shared Room
8 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
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$Celebrating New Year\'s in Antarctica (Ocean Albatros) Tour$
$Celebrating New Year\'s in Antarctica (Ocean Albatros) - 6 destinations$
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Polar
Celebrating New Year's in Antarctica (Ocean Albatros)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Good ship, knowledgable guides, snow penguins. I am still en route home, but I am ready to go again."
Dennis, traveled in November
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula,South Shetland Islands+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Ocean Endeavour
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $13,995
US$11,196per person
Price based on Private Double Room
26 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Polar
Antarctic Peninsula: An Immersive Odyssey (Ocean Nova)
2.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Ocean Endeavour
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $11,695
US$9,356per person
Price based on Shared Room
15 Dec, 2026
5 spaces left
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Ocean Cruise
New Year in Antarctica
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, King George Island
Age Range
Ages 6+
Ship
M/V Sea Spirit
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Poseidon Expeditions
15% Off
From $27,795
US$23,626per person
Price based on Private Double Room
28 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
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Polar
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
4.3 (13 traveler reviews)
"Zodiac outings excellent. So much wildlife to see. Worth the extra days and money to cross into the polar circle."
Melissa, traveled in February
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
G Expedition
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
15% Off
From
US$13,099per person
Price based on Shared Room
21 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Antarctic Peninsula: The Classic Voyage (Ocean Victory)
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Ushuaia
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Ocean Endeavour
Regions
PatagoniaAntarctica / South PoleAndes MountainsTierra del Fuego National Park+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From
US$11,395per person
Price based on Shared Room
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
12 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Polar
THE GREAT ROUND WITH FALKLAND ISLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA, SOUTH ORKNEY ISLANDS AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Argentina Chile Antarctica
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ships
MV Hondius MV Ortelius MV Plancius+2 ships
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
15% Off
From
US$16,801per person
Price based on Shared Room
11 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
27 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Polar
Weddell Sea - Emperor Penguins On Snow Hill Island
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula,Deception Island+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
MV Ortelius
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
15% Off
From
US$17,155per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Polar
Antarctic Express: Fly South, Sail North via Buenos Aires, Operated by Quark
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Chile Antarctica Argentina
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
16% Off
From $17,617
US$14,860per person
Price based on Shared Room
11 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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Polar
Extended Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle (Ocean Albatros)
Duration
23 days
Destinations
Argentina Falkland Islands Chile Antarctica
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
16% Off
From
US$27,695per person
Price based on Shared Room
22 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Polar
Antarctica Classic
4.7 (34 traveler reviews)
"It is hard to put into words how absolutely amazing Antarctica is. G Adventures did a marvelous job of getting us there and providing a marvelous experience."
Kevin, traveled in March
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
G Expedition
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
16% Off
From
US$8,699per person
Price based on Shared Room
12 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Polar
Classic Antarctica - 11 days
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula,Deception Island,King George Island,Livingston Island,Paradise Harbor,Paulet Island,Melchior Islands,Cuverville Island,Neko Harbor,Pléneau Island,Petermann Island+10 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
16% Off
From
US$8,290per person
Price based on Private Double Room
19 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
29 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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Polar
Classic Antarctica - 10 days
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"Excellent service, great communication and friendly staff."
Inga, traveled in December
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands, Deception Island,King George Island,Livingston Island,Paradise Harbor,Paulet Island,Melchior Islands,Cuverville Island,Neko Harbor,Pléneau Island,Petermann Island,Antarctic Peninsula+10 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Ship
MV Ushuaia
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
16% Off
From
US$8,505per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
10 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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Polar
Antarctica Classic in Depth
4.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"Everything is exceptionally well-organized, and I truly appreciate their hard work in making this an unforgettable experience."
Naveen, traveled in November
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
G Expedition
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
16% Off
From
US$10,899per person
Price based on Shared Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Ocean Cruise
Christmas in Antarctica
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 6+
Ship
M/V Sea Spirit
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Poseidon Expeditions
25% Off
From $16,595
US$12,446per person
Price based on Private Double Room
18 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
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