Île du Port

Island Island in Kerguelen Archipelago, subantarctic environment

Main image
Île du Port
-49.1874, 69.6037

How to Get to Île du Port #

There are no regular transport services. Access is via long-range scientific or expedition vessels operating in the sub-Antarctic - voyages that require advance permits from French authorities and are weather-dependent.

Tips for Visiting Île du Port #

  • Arrange travel via an approved polar or scientific expedition if intending to land - permits and long logistics are usually required.
  • Bring binoculars and a telephoto lens: much of the wildlife observation is best done from the safety of a ship's deck.
  • Expect unpredictable seas and plan for multi-day transit; there are no facilities on the island.

Best Time to Visit Île du Port #

Visits are possible only during the austral summer (roughly November to March) via organised scientific or expedition vessels; the island is otherwise inaccessible.

Antarctic summer
Dec-Feb · -2-4°C
Sea ice at minimum and the only realistic time for ship-based visits; long daylight.
Shoulder season (early/late summer)
Nov, Mar · -5-3°C
Variable sea-ice conditions and fewer expedition sailings.

Weather & Climate near Île du Port #

Climate

Île du Port's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from -1°C to 10°C. Moderate rainfall (776 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

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

January

January is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
9.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

February

February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
8.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy

March

March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
8.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy

April

April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°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 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

68 mm
Rainfall
9.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

June

June is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and windy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
10.2 m/s
Wind
Windy

July

July is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. The wettest month with 79 mm of rain and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

79 mm
Rainfall
9.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy

August

August is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and windy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

68 mm
Rainfall
10.1 m/s
Wind
Windy

September

September is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

68 mm
Rainfall
9.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy

October

October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
9.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy

November

November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
8.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy

December

December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
8.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy

Nearby Attractions to Île du Port