Isla del Rey, Chafarinas

Island Largest island of Chafarinas archipelago off North Africa

Part of the Chafarinas archipelago, Isla del Rey is a Spanish-administered islet noted for protected seabird colonies and restricted access for conservation.

Main image

The largest of the three Spanish Chafarinas Islands, situated off the northeastern Moroccan coast in the Alboran Sea. It is a small, sparsely developed island with a permanent Spanish garrison and protected natural values.

Public access is restricted; the island is principally of interest for its seabird colonies and as a protected habitat rather than for conventional tourism. Observations of the islands are typically made from passing boats rather than through landings.

The Chafarinas Islands have been under Spanish control since the 19th century and have been used for military presence and later for conservation. Their status as Spanish territory makes them an exception along this stretch of North African coast.

Sits in the Alboran Sea off the northeastern Moroccan shoreline, administratively associated with Spain and separated from the Moroccan mainland by a short maritime distance.

  • Access restrictions: Access is tightly controlled and generally limited to Spanish military personnel and authorized scientific or conservation visits, so independent tourism is not available.
Isla del Rey, Chafarinas
35.1805, -2.4232
Access restricted (Spanish military territory); permission required

How to Get to Isla del Rey, Chafarinas #

Access is controlled by Spanish authorities; there is no public ferry. Scientific or official visits require permission from Spain’s Ministry of Defense and environmental agencies.

Tips for Visiting Isla del Rey, Chafarinas #

  • Isla del Rey (Chafarinas) is part of the Chafarinas Islands, which are a Spanish military and nature reserve-visits are tightly controlled; check with Spain's Ministry of Defense or environmental authorities.
  • Do not attempt to land without permission-enforcement is strict.
  • If access is granted, bring documentation and follow guidelines to protect breeding birds.

Best Time to Visit Isla del Rey, Chafarinas #

Access is heavily restricted year-round; when permitted, spring and autumn offer the best conditions for wildlife observation.

Spring breeding season
March-June · 14-22°C (57-72°F)
Bird colonies are active; visits, if allowed, are often regulated to protect nesting.
Autumn
September-November · 18-24°C (64-75°F)
Migratory movements and milder weather; fewer official visits.

Weather & Climate near Isla del Rey, Chafarinas #

Climate

Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 9°C to 30°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
42°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 55 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
9.9h daylight

February

February is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).

78 Very Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 18°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

39 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
10.8h daylight

March

March is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°
70%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

37 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).

78 Very Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 20°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
High
13.0h daylight

May

May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).

88 Excellent

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
15° 23°
67%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

32 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
13.9h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

96 Ideal

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
18° 26°
63%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
14.4h daylight

July

July is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.

96 Ideal

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
20° 29°
57%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
14.1h daylight

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

96 Ideal

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 30°
59%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.9
UV Index
Very High
13.3h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall.

92 Ideal

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
19° 28°
67%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.

90 Ideal

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
16° 24°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

24 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
11.2h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
13° 21°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
10.2h daylight

December

December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
9.7h daylight

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