Antarctica is the coldest, driest and windiest continent on Earth. The average temperature of the interior is about -71 degrees Fahrenheit. The coast is warmer with average temperatures about 14 degrees F. Antarctica is technically a desert with less than 6.5 inches of average precipitation.
Layering is a key factor in staying comfortable. Weather in Antarctica can change quickly and often. Even in the short time it takes to travel by Zodiac from ship to shore, the temperature could change significantly or the wind could kick up. By dressing in layers, you’ll be well prepared for a wide range of temperatures and conditions, especially during shore landings. If you become too warm, you can remove a layer.Use this guide to learn what to pack for Antarctica: Clothing and Gear.
1. Parka
You will definitely need a warm, waterproof jacket for Antarctica, BUT, you might not need to pack this!
Many Antarctic cruise companies provide them so they know everyone is properly protected and you’re easy to spot on shore.
It’s important to check with your tour operator whether a parka is provided. If it is – great! If not, then you’ll need to bring something warm and windproof, ideally with a wind/waterproof outer shell and a warm down inner layer that’s removable for when the weather is mild.
If a parka is provided, it’s usually yours to keep. So if you think it’s the sort of thing you’ll want to wear again, make sure you leave enough space in your luggage to pack it for the journey home.
2.Waterproof and Windproof Jacket
A waterproof jacket is essential as it needs to keep you dry in case of rain or in case you get splashed during Zodiac excursions. Getting wet in cold temperatures is very uncomfortable, and it can quickly become unsafe in an emergency.
3. Waterproof Pants
Materials such as Gore-Tex® or other waterproof fabric help protect you from spray while riding in Zodiac landing craft and on shore when you want to sit or kneel on snow. Some insulation may be desirable. Ski and snowboard pants work great.
4. Waterproof Boots
Most Antarctic expedition companies also lend you boots, so do check before you pack your own. If they tell you to bring some, you’ll need good quality, insulated, waterproof ones that come up at least to mid-calf and ideally higher. You will almost certainly have to disembark the zodiac into the surf, and you don’t want to be walking around for hours with cold, wet feet!
5.Hat & Neck Warmer
We recommend wool or fleece hats. Make sure your hat covers your ears. A hat with a bill will keep salt spray off your sunglasses during Zodiac excursions. We prefer fleece neckwarmers to scarves, which loosen and can get wet. If you’re worried that wool will be itchy, look for wool blends like those used in SmartWool® products.
6.Backpack
Though not an article of clothing, we highly recommend bringing a small waterproof or highly water-resistant daypack. They’re great for carry extra clothes when going ashore (or storing clothes you shed when temperatures rise). If you plan on carrying camera gear, you may want to invest in a padded backpack specifically designed for photographers.
7. Sunglasses
You’ll need a decent pair of sunglasses, ideally polarising, to protect your eyes from the glare off all that snow and ice.
8.Sun protection
Although it sounds odd, getting sun burn in Antarctica is all too frequent. The latitude of the South Pole makes for a strong UV intensity, as does the snow refection! Therefore, you’ll want a sunscreen with a SPF factor of greater than 30. A good suncream option is P20.
9. Other Items You Might Need
Needless to say, once you’re down south you won’t be able to stop at the shops to buy anything that you’ve forgotten. So here are some other bits and pieces worth bringing along:
If you’re into photography, bring your camera, spare batteries and SD cards
Reusable water bottle – bottled water is so 1990s (and not in a good way); reduce single-use plastics by bringing a refillable canteen
Wet bags and waterproof cases for cameras and other devices – handy when hopping into (and out of) Zodiac boats and kayaks for shore excursions
Heavy-duty garbage bags – useful for separating soggy clothing from the rest of your luggage
Zip lock bags – good for stashing rubbish while out on shore excursions (because the karmic ramifications of littering in Antarctica are really harsh)
Binoculars – if you’re interested in knowing if that’s a big rock or an elephant seal in the distance, bring your own binoculars
Cash/credit card – if you’re lucky enough to make a landing at Port Lockroy, the post office and gift shop is just about the only spot to shop in Antarctica, so don’t forget some money or a credit card to send a postcard or buy a stuffed penguin. All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the station
Ear plugs – light sleepers should bring ear plugs to counteract snoring cabin mates and noises ships make when breaking through the high sea or ice.
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