Delarof Islands
Islands Remote Aleutian islands group with wildlife and seabirds
Part of the Aleutian chain, the Delarof Islands are remote, wind‑swept islets within the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, visited for seabird colonies, fishing and occasional charter cruises.
The Delarof Islands are a small subgroup of islands in the western Aleutian chain of Alaska, USA, consisting of several largely uninhabited islets and reefs. They are notable for their remote maritime environment and seabird and marine mammal habitat.
The islands received their name from Evstratii Delarov, an 18th-century figure associated with early Russian exploration in the North Pacific. Over time the islands have been used intermittently by sealers and researchers but do not have permanent settlements.
The Delarof Islands lie within the Aleutian archipelago in Alaska, forming part of the chain that stretches across the North Pacific; they are remote and reached by sea or specialized air-charter operations.
- Geography and ecology: Forms part of the Aleutian island chain in Alaska and consists of multiple small, mostly uninhabited islands used seasonally by seabirds and marine mammals.
- Name origin: Named for the 18th-century Russian navigator Evstratii Delarov, the group is administered as part of Alaska's Aleutians.
How to Get to Delarof Islands #
Access is by private boat or charter from larger Aleutian hubs (Adak, Unalaska) and requires careful weather planning and permits if visiting protected areas. There are no regular ferry services; expect long sea crossings and prepare for rough conditions.
Tips for Visiting Delarof Islands #
- Approach only with a properly equipped vessel; weather in the North Pacific can turn quickly.
- There are no services - plan for self-sufficiency and emergency communications.
- Respect U.S. Fish and Wildlife protections; many Aleutian islands are important bird and marine mammal habitats.
Best Time to Visit Delarof Islands #
Summer months provide the safest passage and best chances for wildlife sightings; travel is otherwise limited by unpredictable weather and rough seas.
Weather & Climate near Delarof Islands #
Delarof Islands's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 11°C. Abundant rainfall (1095 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and windy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and windy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (135 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and windy conditions.