Main image

T. Keith, U.S. Geological Survey CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Bogoslof Island

Island

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.

Bogoslof Island Juneau, AlaskaAnchorage, AlaskaFairbanks, AlaskaSitka, AlaskaUtqiagvik, AlaskaNome, AlaskaKetchikan, AlaskaKodiakBogoslof Island
In this guide

Bogoslof Island essentials

About Bogoslof Island

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  • Volcanic activity: Island morphology changes after eruptions - maps and landing options can become outdated quickly following volcanic activity.
When to Go

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.

Air Quality: AQI 13 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
13°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 1° - 5° -2° 123 mm - - 7.0 m/s - -
February - -1° - 4° -4° 130 mm - - 6.9 m/s - -
March - -1° - 4° -4° 101 mm - - 6.4 m/s - -
April - 0° - 5° -2° 80 mm - - 6.3 m/s - -
May - 2° - 7° 0° 94 mm - - 5.8 m/s - -
June - 5° - 9° 3° 62 mm - - 5.4 m/s - -
July - 7° - 12° 7° 55 mm - - 5.1 m/s - -
August - 8° - 13° 11° 69 mm - - 5.1 m/s - -
September - 7° - 12° 6° 121 mm - - 6.2 m/s - -
October - 4° - 9° 2° 161 mm - - 7.0 m/s - -
November - 2° - 7° 5° 149 mm - - 7.3 m/s - -
December - 1° - 6° -1° 143 mm - - 6.8 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

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.