Antarctica / South Pole Tours in December 2025

What our customers ask about Antarctica / South Pole Tours in December 2025

• 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.