Alhucemas IslandsAlhucemas Islands at a Glance
About Alhucemas Islands
The Alhucemas Islands are a small cluster of islets and rocky outcrops in the Mediterranean off the northern coast of Morocco near the city of Al Hoceima. Administratively they are Spanish possessions and are among several Spanish-held places along the Moroccan littoral.
The islands are small and largely uninhabited; they have been used for military and navigational purposes and do not support significant civilian settlement. Their strategic position close to the Moroccan shore has resulted in a long-standing diplomatic dispute over sovereignty.
The group lies close to the mainland coast of northern Morocco and is reached only by small naval or authorized vessels; there are no public transport links for tourists from mainland Spain.
- Sovereignty and location: A small group of islets and rocks off the northern Moroccan coast near the city of Al Hoceima, administered by Spain but subject to diplomatic dispute with Morocco.
Best Time to Visit Alhucemas Islands
Best visited in late spring through early autumn; verify political and maritime permissions first.
Weather & Climate near Alhucemas Islands
Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 29°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 8° - 17° | 12° | 46 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 3.2 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.9h |
| February | Very Good | 9° - 17° | 13° | 37 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.8h |
| March | Very Good | 11° - 19° | 15° | 43 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.5 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.8h |
| April | Excellent | 12° - 21° | 16° | 38 mm | some cloud | 68% | 3.9 m/s | 1.5 high | 13.0h |
| May | Ideal | 14° - 23° | 19° | 26 mm | some cloud | 63% | 3.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.9h |
| June | Ideal | 17° - 26° | 22° | 7 mm | mostly sunny | 55% | 3.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 14.4h |
| July | Ideal | 20° - 29° | 24° | 0 mm | mostly sunny | 46% | 3.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 14.1h |
| August | Ideal | 20° - 29° | 25° | 1 mm | mostly sunny | 50% | 3.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.3h |
| September | Ideal | 19° - 27° | 23° | 7 mm | some cloud | 62% | 3.3 m/s | 1.4 high | 12.3h |
| October | Ideal | 15° - 23° | 19° | 13 mm | some cloud | 67% | 3.2 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.2h |
| November | Excellent | 12° - 20° | 16° | 17 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 3.3 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.2h |
| December | Very Good | 9° - 18° | 14° | 34 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.4 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.7h |
How to Get to Alhucemas Islands
Access requires a private boat from northern Morocco or from nearby Spanish coastal ports. Because of political sensitivities around jurisdiction, visitors should check permissions with maritime authorities and use experienced local skippers.
Tips for Visiting Alhucemas Islands
- Access is restricted and politically sensitive - check maritime jurisdiction and permissions before planning visits.
- Approach with a knowledgeable local operator when exploring the Moroccan/Spanish Alboran coastline; currents can be strong.
- There are no tourist facilities on the islands - treat any landing as a brief, respectful visit and leave no trace.