Attu Island
Island Westernmost Aleutian island, World War II battle site
At the western end of the Aleutians, Attu Island is remote, windswept and historically notable for the 1942 battle and occupation. Birdwatchers visit for Aleutian seabirds; access is by charter or military transport only.
Attu Island is a remote island in the Near Islands group of the Aleutian chain, part of the U.S. state of Alaska. It is notable for its role in World War II and for being one of the westernmost Aleutian islands.
The island is visited mainly for its wartime sites, seabird colonies and extreme remoteness rather than built attractions. Shorelines and former military sites are the most commonly observed features by the small number of scientific or birdwatching parties that visit.
Attu was occupied by Japanese forces in 1942 and retaken by U.S. forces after the Battle of Attu in May 1943; military use continued in the 20th century with Coast Guard and navigation installations. After those facilities closed the island has had no permanent civilian population.
Geographically it lies at the far western end of the Aleutians, in the North Pacific Ocean, separated from the Alaskan mainland by several island groups and open ocean. The island’s landscape is typical Aleutian tundra with low relief, coastal cliffs and rocky beaches.
- Battle of Attu: Scene of a major World War II battle in May 1943 between Japanese and US forces; wreckage and remnants can still be found at some landing sites.
- Remote status and group: Part of the Near Islands subgroup of the Aleutian chain and currently uninhabited after military and Coast Guard facilities closed.
How to Get to Attu Island #
Access is extremely limited. There are no scheduled passenger services to Attu. Visits are typically arranged via military or chartered research vessels and occasional private expeditions from Adak or Dutch Harbor (Unalaska). Advance permits through U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and coordination with refuge managers are required.
Tips for Visiting Attu Island #
- Attu is inside the Aleutian Islands and largely inaccessible to casual tourists-arrange travel through charter flights or sanctioned expeditions from Adak or Dutch Harbor.
- Be prepared for extreme weather and limited facilities-attendees should bring self-sufficient gear and emergency communications.
- Respect WWII gravesites and historical artifacts-Attu is a solemn site of a major battle and many consider it a war grave.
- Check U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service restrictions: Attu Island is part of the Aleutian Islands National Wildlife Refuge and access is tightly controlled.
Best Time to Visit Attu Island #
Attu is only practically visited in summer months; outside of that season weather and sea conditions make travel nearly impossible.
Weather & Climate near Attu Island #
Attu Island's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -6°C to 11°C. Abundant rainfall (1001 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (135 mm) and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and breezy conditions.
