No matter what time of year you choose to visit, a trip to Antarctica is an unforgettable experience. It's a voyage into some of the most pristine and staggeringly beautiful locations on Earth, full of life, with many of the world's most iconic species calling the icy reaches of the south home.
However, depending on what time you year you plan your expedition cruise to Antarctica, your experience will differ slightly, with specific wildlife encounters more frequent at certain times of year or environmental changes, which offer further opportunities to explore or transform how the polar world around you will look and feel.
An expedition cruise to Antarctica in November takes advantage of the early part of the Antarctic season, and many trips during November also take in parts of the sub-Antarctic as they head south into the snow-laden, icy shores of the frozen continent. But what can you expect to see, hear and feel when visiting Antarctica in November?
Picture by Juan Berenstein
What wildlife can I expect to see in Antarctica in November?
Across the entire Antarctic cruise season, you can expect unforgettable wildlife encounters. Still, in November, you will have the opportunity to visit penguin colonies during the breeding season, where you will be treated to displays of courtship and nest-building. Penguin colonies are often very active and busy during November in Antarctica, with prospective parents preparing to rear their chicks, often feeding in the surrounding seas. Adelie, gentoo, chinstrap, king, and macaroni penguins are common sights, while Magellanic penguins can be spotted in the Falkland Islands and emperor penguins in the wild Weddell Sea on specific expedition cruise itineraries.
The same is true for many species of seabirds who flock to the shores of Antarctica to breed. From November, many species, such as the Antarctic petrel, southern skua, and the snow petrel, start to nest and breed, laying their eggs on exposed cliff faces, rocky ledges, and high on the slopes of Antarctic mountains.
Male seals also begin to establish territories throughout November, with female seals arriving in more significant numbers towards the end of November. Species such as Antarctic fur and southern elephant seals will display their dominance as they compete for the best spots on the beach or shoreline, and fighting among bulls is common at this time of year. Other seal species you may spot include Weddell seals, crabeater seals, and the fearsome leopard seal.
While the peak of the whale watching season in Antarctica is later in the season, you may also spot early arrivals in Antarctica in November. You may spot species such as the southern minke whale, the sei whale, and the southern right whale in November.
Picture by Martin Anstee
The pristine landscapes of November in Antarctica
A trip to Antarctica in November will find you visiting this spectacular region early in the season before most operators begin to take guests in larger numbers later in the season. This means many landing sites will be untouched, and the ice and snow will be thick and pristine.
As the temperatures slowly rise towards December and January, the seas will be full of icebergs, ranging from huge bergs to smaller bergy bits and brash ice. On shore, glaciers spill out from deeply carved valleys and mountainsides or flow over the tops of the peaks themselves.
November in Antarctica is a time to truly appreciate the natural beauty of the frozen continent. Bright days of sunlight provide optimal conditions for landscape photography, particularly those seeking out icebergs or the contrast between rock, snow, and ice. Days remain cold, so despite the bright sunshine and long days, ice floes and glaciers won't begin to break up and calve until warmer weather of the high season.
While nights are short in November in Antarctica, you will be treated to long sunsets, with dramatic colors providing fantastic backdrops for photography sessions. In short, visiting Antarctica in November is an excellent option for those wishing to experience its snowy, icy glory.
Picture by Sara Jenner
What to pack for an Antarctica cruise in November
Whether you visit Antarctica in November or any other month during the expedition cruise season, you'll need to dress for the weather.
Antarctica in November will be cold. It is not quite at the level of the winter season, but it will still hover below freezing for the majority of days, and nights can drop well below zero degrees Celsius. The best approach is to utilize layers. A warm base layer will provide good insulation against the Antarctic chill, while additional layers are useful against wind chill, which should not be underestimated.
During the day, the temperatures can rise. You can de-layer and re-layer, depending on your level of comfort, but having the option to do this is essential. Hat, gloves, and thermal underwear should be the first items in your suitcase!
Waterproof jackets and trousers are essential for your trip to Antarctica in November. When taking part in Zodiac excursions and shore landings, you will encounter water in some form, so having a waterproof layer can keep you warm, dry, and comfortable throughout the day.
Picture by unknown photographer
Weather in Antarctica in November
November in Antarctica is generally bright and sunny. However, weather changes should be expected during your expedition cruise. Expect cold temperatures and weather conditions ranging from bright, clear sunshine and balmy conditions to rain, drizzle, snow, wind, and fog. Whatever the weather, during your Antarctic expedition cruise in November, our team will be flexible, changing plans to maximize your time on shore and doing activities.
How to join an expedition cruise to Antarctica in November
Our Antarctic expedition cruise season starts in November, with the first trips of the season often departing as early as mid-October, arriving in Antarctica during the first week of November.
If you want to join an expedition cruise to Antarctica in November, check out our latest scheduled trips. With various itineraries, from Basecamp Antarctica trips to Discovery and Learning and the immensely popular Weddell Sea - In search of the Emperor penguin trips, there's something for everyone in Antarctica throughout November.
If you have further questions regarding your upcoming expedition cruise to Antarctica in November or require assistance booking an expedition cruise, you can contact our reservations team directly.
Main image by Sara Jenner
