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.

Main image
Main image

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.
Delarof Islands
Delarof Islands, western Aleutians, Alaska, USA
51.3869, -178.9631

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.

Summer
June-August · 5-15°C
The brief Alaskan summer offers the most stable weather windows and wildlife activity for sea travel among the islands.
Winter
November-March · -5-5°C
Stormy seas and heavy weather make winter travel dangerous and generally impractical.

Weather & Climate near Delarof Islands #

Climate

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.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
11°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and windy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

99 mm
Rainfall
10.6 m/s
Wind
Windy

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and windy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

97 mm
Rainfall
10.2 m/s
Wind
Windy

March

March is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
9.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy

April

April is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

71 mm
Rainfall
8.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy

May

May is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
8.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy

June

June is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
7.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy

July

July is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
6.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy

August

August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

88 mm
Rainfall
7.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

September

September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
8.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

October

October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

122 mm
Rainfall
9.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

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.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

135 mm
Rainfall
9.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy

December

December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and windy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

116 mm
Rainfall
10.2 m/s
Wind
Windy

Nearby Attractions to Delarof Islands