Roi-NamurAbout Roi-Namur
Roi-Namur is a pair of small coral islets at the northern tip of Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The two islets are often treated together and have been used for military, scientific, and communication purposes.
The combined landform hosts remnants of wartime infrastructure and later Cold War-era installations; beaches and reef areas surround the islets and define much of their shoreline. The islets are low-lying and composed largely of reef-derived sediments and coral.
Roi and Namur were the objective of a U.S. amphibious assault in February 1944 during World War II; both were occupied and later used for airfield and military support by U.S. forces. In the postwar period the islands have hosted radar, tracking, and other facilities related to regional defense and space tracking programs.
Located at the northern end of Kwajalein Atoll in the central Pacific, the islets sit within the larger ring of the atoll lagoon and are reachable by boat or military transport from other islands in the atoll.
- Geography: comprises two low coral islets joined by a causeway and is located at the northern end of Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
- History: scene of a major World War II battle in February 1944 when U.S. forces captured the islands from Japanese garrisons.
Nearby Attractions to Roi-Namur
Best Time to Visit Roi-Namur
Best accessed in the dry season for predictable weather; many visitors will be on official business due to restricted access.
Weather & Climate near Roi-Namur
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 25°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2395 mm/year), wettest in September.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 25° - 30° | 27° | 109 mm | - | - | 6.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 25° - 30° | 27° | 84 mm | - | - | 6.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 25° - 30° | 28° | 89 mm | - | - | 6.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 25° - 30° | 28° | 182 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 25° - 31° | 28° | 212 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 25° - 31° | 28° | 208 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 25° - 30° | 28° | 243 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 25° - 31° | 28° | 255 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 25° - 31° | 28° | 293 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 25° - 31° | 28° | 292 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 25° - 31° | 28° | 250 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 25° - 30° | 27° | 178 mm | - | - | 6.6 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Roi-Namur
Access to Roi-Namur is via Kwajalein Atoll air transport and is tightly controlled; most visitors arrive on US government or contractor flights to Bucholz Army Airfield (Kelly Field) with onward local transport to the islands. Civilian access is restricted and requires prior clearance.
Tips for Visiting Roi-Namur
- Access is restricted and generally limited to military or civil-servant transport; obtain clearances well in advance.
- Respect posted restrictions - Roi-Namur remains sensitive because of Cold War and continued defense infrastructure.
- Bring anti-mosquito measures in the warmer months; island vegetation can harbour pests.