Traveling to Antarctica means preparing for cold, but perhaps not as much as you’d expect. Cruises run during the southern-hemisphere summer (roughly November to March), when temperatures near the Peninsula often hover around freezing rather than far below it. What you pack depends partly on your specific voyage, and since cabins are compact, it pays to pack light and leave room to relax.
It’s easy to forget Antarctica isn’t your only stop. Your cruise begins and ends in a gateway city — usually Ushuaia, and sometimes Buenos Aires, Montevideo, or Punta Arenas — which can be warm. Pack a few lighter clothes so you’re comfortable exploring town at either end of the trip.
The layering system: The key to staying warm is layers, not bulk. Most expedition operators supply a polar-grade parka to keep, and many also lend waterproof boots for landings — check what your voyage includes before buying. Around that, pack thermal base layers, a warm fleece or mid-layer, and above all waterproof outer layers: waterproof trousers and gloves are essential for wet Zodiac landings and trekking through snow. Onboard you’ll be warm, but excursions on land and water get cold even in summer.
Don’t let the cold fool you into leaving sun protection behind — the sun is intense and reflects fiercely off the snow and water. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, and good sunglasses to protect your eyes and keep a clear view of the wildlife.
Here are the essentials worth having in your bag for Antarctica.
Dreaming of the white continent? Our specialists arrange tailor-made Antarctica cruises and expeditions and can advise exactly what your voyage provides and what to pack.
