Weather in South Georgia

South Georgia can only be visited during the austral summer, from October to March, when expedition cruise ships operate in Antarctic waters. Early in the season, October and November, brings dramatic light, snow-dusted landscapes, and the spectacle of penguin courtship and egg-laying. The beaches are less crowded with wildlife at this point, but the scenery is extraordinary and the sense of discovery is heightened.

December and January represent peak season, when wildlife activity is at its most intense — penguin chicks are hatching, elephant seal pups are nursing, and the island is carpeted with tussock grass in shades of gold. February and March see penguin chicks forming massive creches, fur seal activity intensifying, and the gradual return of wandering albatross chicks to their nests. Whale sightings increase toward the end of the season as Antarctic waters warm slightly. Weather at any time of year is highly changeable, with storms, fog, and strong winds possible on any given day.