Londonderry Island

Island

A subpolar island in Chile's Magallanes Region within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Expedition cruises and boat voyages call for wildlife observation, fjord scenery and coastal exploration.

Londonderry Island SantiagoSan Pedro de AtacamaTorres del Paine National ParkValparaísoPucónPuerto VarasLondonderry Island
In this guide

Londonderry Island essentials

Country: Chile
Driest months: Aug-Oct
Pay in: Peso ($)
Emergency: 133

Londonderry Island at a Glance

About Londonderry Island

Londonderry Island is a coastal island in the Magallanes region of southern Chile, part of the Patagonian archipelago. The island lies within a complex of channels, sounds and smaller isles that characterize the far southern Chilean coast.

The island’s landscape is rugged and maritime, with sheltered channels, rocky shores and sparse settlement; it is representative of the remote islands of Tierra del Fuego and the Magellan Strait region. Access is by boat via coastal channels and it is not served by regular public transport.

Historically these islands have been used intermittently for small-scale fishing and maritime navigation rather than as locations for permanent towns. The island sits within the broad, sparsely populated coastal zone of Chilean Patagonia.

  • Remoteness: Located in the southern reaches of the Chilean archipelago, the island is remote and largely uninhabited, typical of the coastal islands of Magallanes and Chilean Patagonia.

Tips for Visiting Londonderry Island

  • Aim for the austral summer (December-March) when weather and sea conditions are most favorable for small-boat travel around the island.
  • Access is by boat only-book a dedicated expedition or join a wildlife/cruise operator out of Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas and confirm their specific landing plans; independent landings are uncommon.
  • If you're interested in birds and coastal scenery, ask your skipper for a slow circumnavigation-many best viewpoints are from the water rather than landing on the island itself.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Londonderry Island

Visit in the austral summer (December-February) for the mildest conditions and best chances of calmer seas and longer daylight.

Austral summer
December-February · 2-10°C
Cool but the mildest and most navigable season with longer daylight; expect frequent wind and rain even in summer.
Austral winter
May-August · -2-5°C
Cold, stormy and often inhospitable with short daylight hours and challenging sea conditions.
Shoulder seasons
September-November & March-April · 0-8°C
Variable weather with frequent wind and precipitation; boat access can be uncertain.

Weather & Climate near Londonderry Island

Climate

Londonderry Island's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -1°C to 11°C. Abundant rainfall (1299 mm/year), wettest in February, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Air Quality: AQI 49 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
11°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 5° - 11° 4° 115 mm - - 8.3 m/s - -
February - 5° - 11° 4° 127 mm - - 8.5 m/s - -
March - 4° - 10° 2° 127 mm - - 8.4 m/s - -
April - 2° - 8° 0° 121 mm - - 7.9 m/s - -
May - 1° - 6° -2° 108 mm - - 6.9 m/s - -
June - 0° - 4° -4° 113 mm - - 7.0 m/s - -
July - -1° - 4° -4° 102 mm - - 7.0 m/s - -
August - -1° - 4° -4° 93 mm - - 7.3 m/s - -
September - 0° - 6° -2° 92 mm - - 7.7 m/s - -
October - 2° - 8° 0° 88 mm - - 8.7 m/s - -
November - 3° - 9° 1° 100 mm - - 9.0 m/s - -
December - 4° - 10° 3° 113 mm - - 8.6 m/s - -