Kupreanof IslandAbout Kupreanof Island
Kupreanof Island is an island in southeastern Alaska and part of the Alexander Archipelago. The island is largely forested and cut by fjords, inlets and tidal waterways typical of the coastal temperate rainforest.
Small communities and settlements are present on and near the island; historically and today the local economy includes fishing, timber-related activities and subsistence use. The island’s terrain includes low mountains, lakes and wetlands.
The island has been used and inhabited by Indigenous peoples and later by settlers involved in regional maritime industries. Modern access is typically by boat or floatplane and services are limited outside the small settlements.
Kupreanof Island lies in southeast Alaska among many other islands of the Alexander Archipelago, close to towns such as Petersburg which is located on a nearby island across a narrow channel.
- Environment: The island is part of the Alexander Archipelago and is characterised by dense temperate rainforest, many lakes and complex tidal channels.
Best Time to Visit Kupreanof Island
Kupreanof Island is one of the larger islands in Southeast Alaska's Alexander Archipelago, largely forested and sparsely populated, with small communities and abundant wildlife.
Weather & Climate near Kupreanof Island
Kupreanof Island's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 16°C. Heavy rainfall (3570 mm/year), wettest in October.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -4° - 1° | -6° | 353 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -3° - 2° | -4° | 280 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -2° - 3° | -3° | 259 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 1° - 7° | 2° | 221 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 5° - 12° | 6° | 199 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 8° - 15° | 11° | 164 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 10° - 16° | 13° | 166 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 10° - 16° | 13° | 238 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 7° - 13° | 10° | 385 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 4° - 9° | 4° | 544 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -1° - 3° | -2° | 393 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -3° - 1° | -5° | 368 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Kupreanof Island
Access is by scheduled or chartered ferry via the Alaska Marine Highway, private boat or floatplane from Petersburg or other nearby towns. Arrange transport in advance; services are seasonal and subject to weather.
Tips for Visiting Kupreanof Island
- Access is by floatplane from Petersburg or by small boat - coordinate with local authorities and commercial operators.
- Bring insect repellent - coastal Alaska in summer is mosquito country in sheltered areas.
- Plan logistics carefully: services on Kupreanof are limited; the nearby town of Kupreanof and Petersburg supply most amenities.