Bogoslof Island

Island Volcanic island in Bering Sea with frequent eruptions

A volcanic island in the Aleutians, Bogoslof is known for periodic eruptions and dense seabird colonies. Access is restricted; most visitors are researchers or passengers on expedition cruises.

Main image

Bogoslof Island is a small, volcanically active island in the Aleutian chain of Alaska formed by submarine eruptions. It is notable for frequent volcanic activity that periodically alters its shape and shoreline.

The island is uninhabited and lies within maritime and wildlife protection areas; its eruptions have produced lava domes and pumice deposits that change the island’s area and topography. There are no visitor facilities and access is limited because of geological hazards and protected status.

The volcano has been intermittently active in the 20th and 21st centuries, producing eruptive pulses that generate ash plumes and new landform features. Monitoring is carried out by geological agencies because eruptions can affect aviation and marine conditions.

Bogoslof sits in the Bering Sea as part of the Aleutian volcanic arc, west of mainland Alaska and east of other Aleutian islands, within a remote maritime environment.

  • Safety and access: Active volcanic island with frequent eruptive episodes; overflights and visits are restricted for safety and wildlife protection.
  • Volcanic activity: Island morphology changes after eruptions - maps and landing options can become outdated quickly following volcanic activity.
Bogoslof Island
53.9327, -168.0385

How to Get to Bogoslof Island #

Bogoslof is accessible only by air or sea charter with appropriate permits and is generally approached by research vessels or overflight; visitors should consult USGS and NOAA advisories for access and safety.

Tips for Visiting Bogoslof Island #

  • Approach with extreme caution and only via authorized vessels or aircraft; the island is remote and regularly subject to volcanic activity.
  • Check U.S. Geological Survey and NOAA notices for recent volcanic activity and airspace restrictions before planning any transit.
  • Bring sea- and weather-hardy clothing - Aleutian weather changes rapidly and conditions are unforgiving.

Best Time to Visit Bogoslof Island #

Summer offers the relatively safest observation windows, but weather is always a limiting factor.

Summer
June-August · 5-12°C
The calmest weather window; still cold and subject to fog but the most practical for observation.
Late spring/early autumn
May & September · 3-10°C
Possible windows for research charters, weather-dependent.

Weather & Climate near Bogoslof Island #

Climate

Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from 0°C to 13°C. Abundant rainfall (1288 mm/year), wettest in October.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
13°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

123 mm
Rainfall
7.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

February

February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

130 mm
Rainfall
6.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy

March

March is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
6.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy

April

April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

80 mm
Rainfall
6.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy

May

May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
13°

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

121 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy

October

October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (161 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

161 mm
Rainfall
7.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

November

November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (149 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

149 mm
Rainfall
7.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy

December

December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

143 mm
Rainfall
6.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy

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