About Henderson Island (Pitcairn Islands)
Henderson Island is an uninhabited raised coral limestone island in the South Pacific, administered as part of the Pitcairn Islands. It is notable for its high level of endemic flora and fauna and for being one of the least disturbed raised coral islands in the world.
The island’s low human impact has preserved numerous endemic plants and bird species; it has been the subject of scientific study and conservation attention. In recent decades it has also become known for the accumulation of marine plastic debris on its beaches.
Henderson was designated a World Heritage Site for its natural values and isolated ecosystems. The island lies about 200 km east of Pitcairn Island and has no permanent population.
- Conservation status: Part of the Pitcairn Islands overseas territory and listed for its near-pristine island ecosystems and endemic species.
- Access: Landing is difficult because of steep coastal cliffs and lack of developed harbour facilities; most visits are by scientific or conservation vessels.
Best Time to Visit Henderson Island (Pitcairn Islands)
Henderson Island is most accessible during the drier months (May-October), but visits are very limited and usually restricted to scientific or conservation expeditions.
Weather & Climate near Henderson Island (Pitcairn Islands)
Henderson Island (Pitcairn Islands)'s climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with hot summers (peaking in February) and warm winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from 18°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1426 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 23° - 28° | 25° | 80 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 23° - 28° | 26° | 128 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 23° - 28° | 26° | 88 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 22° - 27° | 24° | 106 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 21° - 25° | 23° | 108 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 19° - 24° | 22° | 146 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 18° - 23° | 21° | 144 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 18° - 23° | 21° | 117 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 18° - 23° | 21° | 117 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 19° - 24° | 22° | 120 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 21° - 26° | 23° | 124 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 22° - 27° | 24° | 148 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Henderson Island (Pitcairn Islands)
Henderson Island (Pitcairn Islands) has no airport and is accessible only by boat. Visitors reach it by sea from Pitcairn or on longer expedition cruises; landings are weather‑dependent and regulated by Pitcairn authorities. There are no scheduled commercial services to the island.
Tips for Visiting Henderson Island (Pitcairn Islands)
- Henderson Island is remote, largely uninhabited and a UNESCO site with strictly controlled access - visits are only possible on authorised scientific or expedition cruises approved by Pitcairn authorities.
- Landings are often brief and depend on calm conditions and reef safety; if offered a shore visit, be prepared for no facilities, close supervision, and strict conservation/biosecurity rules to protect the island's fragile ecosystems.