Hi, I’m Clara—one of the co-founders of Across South America—and if you’re here, you’re probably someone who doesn’t just want to visit Antarctica… you want to feel it. And I get that, because that’s exactly how I felt when I stood on the deck of an expedition ship, watching light stretch across an endless horizon of ice.
Let me tell you something most people don’t realize: Antarctica in December is vibrant, alive, and—surprisingly—welcoming. You’ll find long golden days, playful penguin chicks, and the soft crunch of sea ice beneath your boots. And the best part? We’ve designed this 17-day journey to not only include the magic of Antarctica, but also the soul of South America—starting in Ushuaia and ending with tango and wine in Buenos Aires.
This itinerary is a framework built around one of our favorite Oceanwide cruise departures, but like all our trips, it can be customized based on your timing, interests, and rhythm. Our travelers are thoughtful, curious, and well-traveled—and this journey reflects that.
So if you’ve ever wondered what it might feel like to begin your year surrounded by silence and glacier light, this might be your moment. Let’s take a look at how it all unfolds.
Navigate to where you want to go:
Why Travel to Antarctica in December?
December marks the start of the Antarctic high season—a window of milder temperatures, long days, and incredible wildlife activity. It’s the perfect time to witness the thriving life of the Antarctic Peninsula, as penguin chicks hatch and humpback whales begin to arrive.
With 20+ hours of daylight, this peak of the antarctic summer allows for maximum exploration and flexibility. Weather conditions are more favorable for shore landings, and the temperature rises slightly, making conditions more comfortable for outdoor activities..
Read more in our blog: Best time to visit Antarctica.
Why Spend New Year’s Eve in Antarctica?
Most people ring in the new year under fireworks or flashing lights. But imagine doing it under the midnight sun, with only the hush of wind and waves echoing through the ice sheet.
Celebrating New Year’s Eve on the White Continent is unlike anything else. It’s intimate, reflective, and deeply moving. Whether you’re toasting champagne on the deck of your expedition cruise, or silently watching chinstrap penguins settle in for the night, this moment becomes a powerful marker in your life journey.
As one traveler said, “It felt like the year ended—and began—with absolute clarity and wonder.”
Read More in the Blog: Best time to visit Antarctica
Your Antarctica + Argentina Itinerary: Day by Day
This 17-day journey takes you far beyond Antarctica. You’ll begin in Ushuaia—on the edge of the Earth—and end with culture and color in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. At Across South America, we curate travel experiences that invite you to slow down, connect deeply, and return home transformed. If you’ve ever wondered what it might feel like to celebrate New Year’s Eve among penguins and glaciers, this is the story you’ve been waiting to live.
DAY 1- Dec 26 Ushuaia: Gateway to the White Continent
Every great journey begins with a threshold—and this one begins at the edge of the Earth, In Ushuaia, Argentina, a small yet spirited town often called El Fin del Mundo—The End of the World. Nestled between the Andes and the Beagle Channel, this is South America’s southernmost city, where the winds carry stories from far-off ice and sea.
You’ll settle into the Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, perched within a private nature reserve. Spend a day hiking through Tierra del Fuego National Park, exploring the Beagle Channel, and enjoying the warm hospitality of the southernmost city in the world.
DAY 2– DEC 27 Your Antarctica Adventure Begins
Your Antarctic journey begins as you set sail from Ushuaia aboard Oceanwide Expeditions’ m/v Plancius, a medium-sized expedition vessel built for reaching some of the most remote corners of the world.
As the ship gently pulls away from shore, you’ll glide through the Beagle Channel, surrounded by rugged peaks and a hush of anticipation. This is where the transformation begins—not just in your location, but in your mindset. You’re leaving behind the known world and entering one where nature sets the rhythm and the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
From here on, the map fades. The journey becomes the destination
Day 4–5: DEC 28-30 Crossing the Drake Passage
The legendary Drake Passage is more than a rite of passage—it’s a time to breathe, reflect, and lean into the rhythm of the sea. You might spot wandering albatrosses gliding alongside the ship or even a fin whale surfacing in the spray. As you cross the Antarctic Convergence, you’ll enter the nutrient-rich waters of the Southern Ocean, where wildlife becomes more abundant and the anticipation builds.
Your Antarctica Route 👇
Day 6–12: Dec 31–Jan 6 Antarctic Peninsula Exploration: Basecamp in the White Continent
This is where your story deepens. For the next seven days, you’ll enter the dramatic wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula—a land of sculpted ice, mountain-backed glaciers, and astonishing wildlife. With each day shaped by weather and wildlife conditions, your itinerary remains flexible by design, ensuring the most immersive experience possible.
Some of the stunning areas you may explore include:
- Neumayer Channel & Wiencke Island: Launch into a world of alpine stillness with Zodiac rides, kayaking excursions, and scenic snowshoe hikes from protected waters.
- Port Lockroy: Visit a historic British research base-turned-museum and post office. Here, you’ll walk among gentoo penguins and gaze at blue-eyed shags nesting nearby.
- Pléneau & Petermann Islands: Navigate through ice floes as you search for leopard seals, Adélie penguins, and humpback whales.
- Neko Harbour: Stand on Antarctic mainland itself, surrounded by ice cliffs and the echoes of calving glaciers.
- Paradise Bay: A favorite camping site for those brave enough to sleep on the ice under the 24-hour daylight of the austral summer.
- Cuverville Island & Danco Island: Excellent places to spot chinstrap penguins, go mountaineering, or join the expert-led photography workshop.
Each landing site offers something singular—be it an emotional wildlife encounter, a silent kayak journey between floating ice, or a moment of pure awe atop a snow-covered peak.
“Camping on the ice was humbling. The silence was so complete, I could hear my heartbeat. I’ll carry that memory forever.” – Amanda R., 2022
New Year’s Eve on the Ice: Whether you celebrate with champagne under the 24-hour daylight or quietly journal beside the railings, this is a night you will never forget.
Day 13–14: JAN 6-9 Return Through the Drake
As you retrace your route northward, the sea and sky greet you like old friends. You’ll reflect on everything you’ve just witnessed while seabirds follow in your wake. It’s a time to download your photos, share stories over a drink, and hold close what the White Continent has awakened in you.
Day 15- Jan 9 Arrival in Ushuaia
You return to where you began—but you’re not the same. This land changes people. Now, with Antarctica under your skin and in your soul, you disembark knowing that this was more than a trip. It was a transformation.
Day 15-17 – Jan 9- 11 Buenos Aires: Culture, Cuisine & Tango
After flying back from Ushuaia, you’ll spend your final two nights at Casa Lucía, an elegant boutique hotel in the heart of Recoleta. Enjoy a guided city tour, street food tastings at San Telmo Market, and an unforgettable evening of tango music and dance.
“Ending our polar trip in Buenos Aires gave the perfect contrast. It was like waking up from a dream and falling into a love story.” – Daniel & Priya, 2024 travelers
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Where to Stay: Our Handpicked Hotels
Every journey deserves a beautiful beginning and a soulful ending. That’s why we’ve chosen these two stays—not just for their comfort, but for how they hold space for reflection, rest, and wonder.
Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa
Perched on a natural reserve high above Ushuaia, Arakur is more than a hotel—it’s a retreat. From your room, you’ll look out over the Beagle Channel and surrounding snow-dusted peaks, wrapped in the serenity of Tierra del Fuego. After a day of hiking through native lenga forests or exploring the coastlines of the National Park, unwind in the hotel’s geothermal pools or sip Malbec by the fireplace. Elegant yet unpretentious, Arakur is the perfect place to exhale before stepping into the unknown.
Casa Lucía, Buenos Aires
Back in the vibrant heart of Buenos Aires, Casa Lucía offers a final chapter of your journey that’s equal parts grace and discovery. This boutique hotel in Recoleta is surrounded by leafy boulevards, neoclassical facades, and some of the city’s best galleries and cafés. Inside, it’s all soft light, handcrafted details, and quiet luxury. It’s the kind of place where the city’s rhythm slows just enough for you to savor it. Whether you’re strolling to a nearby wine bar or simply resting in your sun-filled suite, Casa Lucía is a gentle landing after your time on the ice.
The Ideal Expedition Cruise: OceanWide Expeditions
For this journey, we’ve selected a Basecamp Adventure itinerary aboard Oceanwide Expeditions—a small ship outfitted for exploration. You’ll travel with expert polar guides and have access to landing sites, kayaking, mountaineering, and other active excursions.
The ship’s safety features, seasoned crew, and flexible route design allow for spontaneous moments, like spotting a pod of humpback whales or landing near a colony of fur seals. It’s luxury through immersion, not extravagance.
Read more in the blog: 2026 Antarctica — Best Luxury Expedition Cruises
Featured Podcast: Stories Across South America
Want to hear more from someone who’s actually been? Tune into our podcast, Stories Across South America, where I interviewed Maria del Pilar from Oceanwide Expeditions about what makes traveling to antarctica in December so special.
Listen to the full Episode Here 👇
What to Expect: Wildlife, Weather & Daylight
Wildlife
Get ready for some truly unforgettable encounters. December is baby season in Antarctica—you’ll likely see penguin chicks waddling after their parents and seal pups lounging on the ice. Keep your camera close, too—humpback whales and minke whales often make dramatic appearances this time of year, especially as you cruise through calm bays or kayak alongside icebergs.
Weather
It’s still Antarctica, so yes, it’s cold—but not as cold as you might think. In December, average temperatures range from -2°C to +5°C (28°F to 41°F), making it the warmest month of the year in the polar regions. With proper gear (and we’ll help you pack for that), you’ll be cozy enough to enjoy every outdoor moment.
Daylight
One of the most magical parts of traveling in Antarctica in December? The light. With nearly 24 hours of daylight, you’ll have all the time in the world to explore, take photos, journal on deck, or simply gaze at the endless horizon. The sun might dip a little, but it never truly disappears—just like the feeling this place leaves with you.
Why Book With Us: The Across South America Experience
We’re not just a travel agency—we’re traveler designers, storytellers, and South America lovers who design every journey as if it were our own. Across South America is a boutique, female-founded company built on the belief that travel should move you—not just geographically, but emotionally.
Every itinerary we craft is deeply personal and entirely custom, rooted in cultural sensitivity, thoughtful pacing, and local relationships we’ve nurtured over time. From the polar silence of Antarctica to the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, we design experiences that feel soulful, seamless, and just for you.
When you travel with us:
You have our full attention—from the very first conversation to the moment you return home.
You stay in places we’ve personally experienced and wholeheartedly recommend.
You travel with intention, curiosity, and ease—knowing we’ve thought of every detail.
“Clara and Maria didn’t just plan a trip; they helped us live a dream. Every day was intentional and unforgettable.” – Learn more from our travelers here.
Travel Antarctica on Your Terms
Antarctica in December is a doorway—to stillness, to wildness, and to the stories that live inside you waiting to be awakened. Whether you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve on the ice or dancing tango under the lights of Buenos Aires, this trip offers something rare: the feeling of truly being alive.
Let us help you begin. Get in touch to start planning your expedition, book a consultation call. We can’t wait to help you create your next unforgettable journey.
—Clara
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Your Antarctica Travel Questions, Answered
Is December a good time to travel to Antarctica?
Yes—December is one of the very best times to travel to Antarctica.
It marks the peak of the Antarctic summer, offering milder temperatures (averaging between -2°C and +5°C), long daylight hours (often up to 20+ hours of sun), and thriving wildlife activity. You’ll witness penguin chicks hatching, seal pups basking on sea ice, and increasing humpback whale sightings as they return to feed in the Southern Ocean.
December is also ideal for photography, thanks to the soft polar light and minimal weather disruptions. It’s a time when landing sites are more accessible, the pack ice has receded enough to navigate further south, and Basecamp activities like kayaking, snowshoeing, and even camping on the ice are at their best.
So if you’re looking for the perfect balance of accessibility, adventure, and awe, Antarctica in December delivers all of it—and then some.
What is the best month to go to Antarctica?
The best month to go to Antarctica is typically December, when the continent comes alive with 24-hour daylight, milder temperatures, and extraordinary wildlife activity. It’s the peak of the austral summer, making it ideal for exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, witnessing penguin chicks hatching, and enjoying activities like kayaking, snowshoeing, and even camping on the ice. January is also exceptional, especially for whale watching, but if you’re seeking the perfect blend of accessibility, vibrant wildlife, and long sunlit days, Antarctica in December is hard to beat.
What wildlife will I see in Antarctica in December?
In December, Antarctica bursts with life, offering some of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters of the year. You’re likely to see penguin chicks hatching in massive colonies of gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins, especially along the Antarctic Peninsula. On shorelines and ice floes, you’ll spot seal pups, including elephant seals, fur seals, and the sleek leopard seal, often lounging or hunting near the water’s edge. Out at sea, humpback whales begin to arrive in greater numbers, along with minke whales and orcas, drawn by rich feeding grounds. With nearly 24 hours of daylight, December gives you plenty of time to observe these animals in their natural, awe-inspiring rhythm.
How many hours of daylight does Antarctica get in December?
In December, Antarctica experiences up to 24 hours of daylight, especially the further south you go. This phenomenon, known as the midnight sun, occurs during the peak of the austral summer, allowing nearly continuous light across much of the continent. Along the Antarctic Peninsula, you can expect between 20 to 24 hours of daylight, creating long, golden hours perfect for exploration, photography, and wildlife viewing. This abundance of light is one of the reasons why Antarctica in December is such a magical—and practical—time to visit.
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Maria and Clara
