No matter when you do it, an expedition cruise to Antarctica is one of the most extraordinary travel experiences on Earth. This wild, mysterious world remains icy, snowy, and frozen year-round, yet each month in the expedition cruise season offers distinct opportunities!
Throughout February, as summer draws to a close in Antarctica, wildlife activity is at its peak, sea ice has receded enough to allow deep exploration, and the landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddell Sea are even more accessible by ship, by kayak, and on foot!
Our Antarctica program in February includes a variety of itineraries, including Falkland Islands – South Georgia – Antarctica Peninsula trips, and Antarctica into the Polar Circle voyages. For a full overview of our February Antarctica cruises, check our dates and rates page.
Starting in late January, and running into February, we also offer adventurous itineraries that plunge into the depths of the Weddell Sea - our Remote Weddell Sea Explorer. This is an authentic expedition experience, going to locations rarely visited and breaking records at the farthest southerly extremes possible on an expedition cruise in this region.
Picture by Hana Spickova
The Oceanwide expedition cruise experience in February
On an expedition cruise in Antarctica with us, prepare for a journey of discovery. We ignore unnecessary luxuries, instead focusing on creating a comfortable, inviting onboard experience that delivers an authentic expedition feel.
Our three expedition vessels, m/v Hondius, m/v Ortelius, and m/v Plancius, operate in the Southern Ocean, the Antarctic Peninsula, and the Weddell Sea during February, taking guests into some of the world's most remote waters. These ice-strengthened ships are small and nimble, prioritizing operational flexibility and dynamic excursions and activities. You'll share your adventure with a smaller number of guests than with other operators, so your experience will be intimate, comfortable, and memorable.
Leading the way will be a team of expert expedition guides with a range of expertise and disciplines, including marine biologists, polar historians, and photographers. Our ships are manned by expert crews and staffed by dedicated and passionate hotel teams, providing an experience unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Picture by Alexander Romanovskiy
The expedition cruise experience in February
In February, expedition cruises are often able to push farther south into areas previously inaccessible due to sea ice. This means you may explore more remote regions such as the Weddell Sea, plunge beyond the polar circle and visit locations further south in the Antarctic Peninsula. Zodiac excursions, glacier hikes, visits to penguin colonies, and even kayaking and snorkeling among icebergs are everyday activities!
Our small vessel approach allows for more flexible itineraries and quicker landings, and the smaller guest numbers mean that everyone can be on shore at the same time. The long days and looser ice of February mean options for landings expand - ideal in a world where itinerary changes can occur due to weather or emerging wildlife encounters.
What wildlife can I see in February on an Antarctica expedition cruise?
February is one of the best months for wildlife enthusiasts to visit Antarctica. By February, penguin chicks that hatched in December and January will by now be growing rapidly. A variety of species can be encountered in the rookeries and colonies that thrive on the islands and shorelines of the Antarctic Peninsula, including Adélie, gentoo, chinstrap, and macaroni penguins. Leopard seals, drawn by the abundance of penguins, are more frequently spotted lounging on ice or hunting in the water.
Other species of seals can also be spotted among the ice or resting on the many floes. In addition to seals, whales are common in Antarctic waters in February. In fact, February marks the start of the peak whale-watching period in Antarctica.
Picture by Koen Jongerling
Species such as humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas are commonly seen feeding in large numbers in the nutrient-rich Southern Ocean and in the many archipelagos and island chains of the Antarctic Peninsula. With clearer waters and more daylight, chances of close-up encounters improve significantly, and photography opportunities are superb, both from Zodiacs, onshore, or from the deck.
What to expect in February on an Antarctica expedition cruise
In addition to vibrant wildlife, the landscapes of Antarctica are on full display in February. This world of glaciers, icebergs, and mountainous coastlines is bathed in beautiful light throughout the month, and the brief periods of dusk create dramatic photography opportunities. Light conditions are softer and more golden than earlier in the season, adding to the splendor of an already remarkable world.
For those interested in a quieter experience, February is considered the start of the tail end of the cruise season. Fewer ships are navigating Antarctic waters in February. This means fewer crowds at landing sites, more intimate wildlife encounters, and a greater sense of solitude — something truly special in such a pristine environment. Our small-size ships can go further than larger vessels, meaning our February itineraries feel even more solitary. You'll feel like you've got the whole of Antarctica all to yourself.
Picture by Koen Jongerling
What is the weather like in Antarctica in February?
Although Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth, February is part of its short summer season, meaning it's relatively milder — by Antarctic standards. The coastal areas where we operate usually see daytime temperatures ranging from -2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F). However, wind chill can be a factor, and conditions are very changeable.
Throughout February, you can expect around 18–20 hours of daylight, giving you plenty of time for exploration, wildlife spotting, and photography. Weather can be changeable in Antarctica during February. You should expect a mix of sunshine, overcast skies, light snow, and occasional wind. Conditions can change rapidly - all part of the adventure!
What should I pack for an expedition cruise to Antarctica in February?
Although it's warmer than at other times of the year, the climate in Antarctica remains harsh, windy, and unpredictable in February, making it essential to pack proper gear for both comfort and safety.
Layers are essential to any comfortable trip to Antarctica. When the weather is warmer, you can remove layers easily before re-layering when conditions turn. A warm base layer, such as thermal underwear or insulated midlayers, is essential.
Picture by Koen Jongerling
You should also wear waterproof outer layers, including a strong jacket and trousers, especially when participating in activities on land or in a kayak or Zodiac. Windproof clothing can help you stay warm and dry in even the most frigid of February conditions and can mitigate wind chill. Be sure to pack gloves and a hat to keep your extremities warm, and insulated socks are useful both while hiking and for staying warm when on deck. Good boots and waterproof gloves are also essential.
Don't underestimate the power of the sun in the polar regions. Be sure to bring sunscreen and lip balm, as the dry environment can quickly dry lips. Sunglasses can prevent snow blindness, especially in bright conditions, so these should be considered essential.
Lastly, remember to pack your camera and a pair of binoculars! Wildlife encounters can occur at any distance, and on an expedition cruise, the goal is to avoid disturbing wildlife. So, viewing from a distance may sometimes be the best course of action.
Picture by Ross Wheeler
Visit Antarctica in February on an expedition cruise
An expedition cruise to Antarctica in February offers the ultimate blend of adventure, wildlife, and dramatic natural beauty. With fewer crowds, thriving wildlife, favorable weather, and access to more remote areas, it might just be the ideal time to explore the White Continent.
If you're dreaming of whale watching, like March, February in Antarctica offers superb chances to encounter the giants of the seas. So, if you're a wildlife lover eager to see penguins and seals, a photographer chasing perfect polar light, or an intrepid explorer looking to reach the ends of the Earth, February delivers.
Book your trip today and start your own polar adventure!
Main image by Koen Jongerling
