Groais Island

Island Remote island off Newfoundland's northern coast

Off northeastern Newfoundland, Groais Island lies among the Grey Islands; visitors on charter boats look for large seabird colonies, remote cliffs and traces of fishing-era settlements.

Main image

Groais Island is one of the Grey Islands located off the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The island is uninhabited and characterised by rocky coasts and cliffs.

The island is primarily notable for seabird colonies and its remote, undeveloped coastal terrain. There are no public facilities or services on the island, and visits require private boat access and careful planning.

Groais Island sits offshore from the Great Northern Peninsula in the North Atlantic and Labrador Sea region of Newfoundland and Labrador.

  • Location and wildlife: Part of the Grey Islands group off Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula and noted for rugged cliffs and seabird habitat.
  • Access: Uninhabited and without visitor facilities, access is by private boat and landing can be difficult in rough weather.
Groais Island
50.9448, -55.5970
Free

How to Get to Groais Island #

There are no scheduled public services. Access is by private boat or charter from communities on Newfoundland’s northern coast; local operators in towns such as Twillingate or smaller northern harbors may run seasonal trips. Landing conditions are highly dependent on weather and sea state.

Tips for Visiting Groais Island #

  • Landing can be rough; if planning a private boat trip, time the crossing for calm summer weather and check local charts for currents and shoals.
  • Respect seabird colonies - many landings are timed to avoid nesting season.
  • Bring binoculars and a tidal chart; wildlife is often best seen from a quietly anchored boat rather than from shore.

Best Time to Visit Groais Island #

Groais Island is best visited in the short North Atlantic summer when sea conditions make boat landings possible and seabird life is most active.

Summer
June-August · 5°C to 15°C
Calmest seas and the only realistic season for small-boat landings and observing breeding seabirds.
Late spring/early autumn
May, September · 0°C to 12°C
Fewer tourists and good bird activity; seas can be rougher and weather more changeable.

Weather & Climate near Groais Island #

Climate

Groais Island's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -15°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1211 mm/year), wettest in December, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
18°
Warmest Month
-15°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -15°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-15° -6°

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
6.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -6°C and lows of -15°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-15° -6°

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy

March

March is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -11°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-11° -2°

Weather

92 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy

April

April is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

80 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

May

May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

107 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

106 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

107 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

November

November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

110 mm
Rainfall
6.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy

December

December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (118 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-10° -3°

Weather

118 mm
Rainfall
6.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy

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