Cruises & Expeditions · Best Nov–Mar
Antarctica packing list for families
An Antarctica expedition is a ship trip with cold, wet landings and wildlife at every turn. Packing well means waterproof layers, eye protection, and a plan for the Drake Passage.
Photo by Derek Oyen on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Antarctica
- Expedition ships set their own minimum ages for kids, and some limit landings for younger children. Check those rules before you pick a sailing.
- Many ships provide an expedition parka and loan waterproof boots. Ask before you pack, so you can save that space for warm layers and waterproof pants.
- The Drake Passage can be rough, so bring motion sickness help for everyone and talk to your doctor before the trip. The calmer crossings feel like a bonus.
Best timeNov–Mar
PlugsType C, bring an adapter
MoneyUS dollars on most ships (Argentine peso in Ushuaia)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Antarctica
This time of year
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Carry-on18
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Foot rest sling for long flightsKristina's pickHooks over the tray table so your feet are up and your back thanks you after hour six. I never fly long-haul without mine.
Clothing9
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Shoes2
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
House slippers
Beach & pool2
Swimsuits2 per person
Mineral sunscreen
Adventure1
BinocularsFor whales and seabirds from the deck.
Safari1
Headlamp or small flashlight
Cold weather9
Thermal base layers2 sets per personKristina's pick
Waterproof shell jacket and pants
Wool socks5 pairs per person
Insulated waterproof boots with good grip
Warm hat, gloves, and neck gaiter
Hand and toe warmers
Waterproof pantsKristina's pickZodiac rides mean spray and wet landings.
Polarized sunglassesGlare off snow and ice is intense.
Liner glovesLets you take photos without freezing fingers.
Little ones12
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things17
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries19
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Motion sickness bandsHelpful on the Drake Passage.
Documents & tech17
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType C, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Nordic layers
Charcoal, oatmeal, forest, rust
For photos
- Rust or red pops against snow and black sand
- Matching knit hats for the whole crew
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Antarctica weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 37°F 3°C | Peak summer: near-constant daylight and the mildest temperatures. | Penguin chicks hatch and colonies are at their busiest. |
| February | 37°F 3°C | Peak summer: near-constant daylight and the mildest temperatures. | Peak whale sightings as humpbacks and minkes feed. |
| March | 35°F 2°C | Late season: cooler, darker evenings, and fewer ships. | Peak whale sightings as humpbacks and minkes feed. |
| April | 31°F -1°C | Polar winter: no tourist voyages, extreme cold, and long darkness. | |
| May | 28°F -2°C | Polar winter: no tourist voyages, extreme cold, and long darkness. | |
| June | 25°F -4°C | Polar winter: no tourist voyages, extreme cold, and long darkness. | |
| July | 24°F -4°C | Polar winter: no tourist voyages, extreme cold, and long darkness. | |
| August | 23°F -5°C | Polar winter: no tourist voyages, extreme cold, and long darkness. | |
| September | 26°F -3°C | Polar winter: no tourist voyages, extreme cold, and long darkness. | |
| October | 29°F -2°C | Polar winter: no tourist voyages, extreme cold, and long darkness. | |
| November | 33°F 1°C | Early season: deep snow, pristine ice, and cold, bright days. | Penguins court and build nests on fresh snow. |
| December | 36°F 2°C | Peak summer: near-constant daylight and the mildest temperatures. | Penguin chicks hatch and colonies are at their busiest. Midnight sun with long golden light. |
Questions families ask
Antarctica with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Antarctica with kids?
The best time is Nov–Mar. Peak summer: near-constant daylight and the mildest temperatures.
What's the weather like in Antarctica?
Typical daytime highs range from about 23°F (-5°C) in August to about 37°F (3°C) in January. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Antarctica?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Antarctica?
Type C, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Antarctica with kids?
Expedition ships set their own minimum ages for kids, and some limit landings for younger children. Check those rules before you pick a sailing.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.