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Kharg Island

Island

An island in Iran's Bushehr province, Kharg Island functions as a major oil export terminal; occasional visitors encounter industrial port facilities alongside local coastal settlements and limited beaches.

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In this guide

Kharg Island essentials

Address: Kharg Island (Khārq), Bushehr Province, Iran
Hours: Access restricted (island hosts major oil facilities) - permission required for visitors

About Kharg Island

Kharg Island is an island in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Bushehr province, Iran, that serves as a major oil-export terminal for the country. It is strategically important to Iran’s petroleum export infrastructure.

The island is dominated by port installations, storage tanks and loading berths that handle large crude carriers; there is limited civilian settlement and infrastructure associated with the oil industry. Public access is restricted in many areas for safety and security reasons.

Development of the island as an oil-export facility took place in the 20th century as Iran expanded its petroleum industry. The island’s role has been industrial rather than recreational and it has been subject to security and operational controls.

Kharg Island sits in the Persian Gulf off the Bushehr coast and is administered by Bushehr province. It lies offshore from Iran’s southern mainland and is linked mainly by maritime transport.

  • Access: Primarily an industrial oil-export terminal with restricted access, not a general tourist destination.
  • Function: Contains extensive petroleum facilities and marine terminals that handle crude exports for Iran’s energy sector.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Kharg Island

Best visited late autumn through early spring (November-March) to avoid the intense heat and humidity of summer.

Best (mild season)
November - March · 15 - 25°C
Milder temperatures and cooler sea breezes make outdoor visits and boat trips more comfortable than in summer; humidity can still be noticeable.
Shoulder
April - May, October · 20 - 30°C
Warm but generally pleasant conditions and lower tourist activity than peak summer; good for short excursions.
Hot season
June - September · 30 - 40°C
Very hot and humid with high sea temperatures; outdoor activities are often uncomfortable during daytime hours.

Weather & Climate near Kharg Island

Climate

Kharg Island's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with very hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 39°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 164 Unhealthy
Best Time to Visit
OctoberMayApril
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
42°
Warmest Month
8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 8° - 16° 12° 61 mm some cloud 65% 3.6 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.4h
February Very Good 9° - 18° 14° 34 mm some cloud 68% 4.2 m/s 1.0 high 11.0h
March Excellent 12° - 22° 17° 28 mm some cloud 67% 4.1 m/s 1.5 high 11.9h
April Ideal 17° - 28° 22° 8 mm partly cloudy 64% 3.9 m/s 1.9 very high 12.8h
May Ideal 21° - 33° 28° 1 mm mostly sunny 57% 4.2 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.5h
June Ideal 25° - 37° 34° 0 mm clear 56% 4.3 m/s 2.7 extreme 13.9h
July Excellent 27° - 39° 40° 0 mm clear 62% 4.0 m/s 2.5 extreme 13.7h
August Excellent 27° - 39° 41° 1 mm clear 64% 3.8 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.1h
September Ideal 24° - 36° 33° 0 mm clear 60% 3.4 m/s 2.0 very high 12.2h
October Ideal 19° - 31° 25° 6 mm clear 57% 3.1 m/s 1.4 high 11.3h
November Ideal 14° - 25° 20° 32 mm mostly sunny 58% 3.1 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.6h
December Very Good 10° - 19° 15° 69 mm some cloud 64% 3.6 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.2h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Kharg Island

Kharg Island is an offshore oil-terminal island in Bushehr Province and is not served by regular tourist transport. Access is by boat or helicopter from the Iranian mainland and is controlled - entry is generally restricted to personnel with authorization from the oil companies or government agencies. There are no public ferries for general visitors; if you need to visit, arrange transport and permissions through the responsible authorities or host organization.

Tips for Visiting Kharg Island

  • Kharg (Kharg) Island is a strategic oil-export terminal with tightly restricted access-do not plan an independent visit; arrange entry well in advance through Iranian authorities or an approved local operator and expect ID checks and limited movement on the island.
  • Photography and roaming are often limited because of industrial and security installations; assume zones are off-limits, follow on-site instructions, and confirm any permitted photo areas before you go.