Magellan Monument

Monument Monument commemorating Magellan's landing in Umatac

Coastal monument at Umatac commemorating Ferdinand Magellan’s landing and early European contact. Visitors view the historic marker, read interpretive panels and take in the shoreline setting.

Main image

The Magellan Monument in Umatac commemorates the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan during the Spanish expedition to the Pacific. The site marks the European landfall on Guam on March 6, 1521.

A shoreline monument and commemorative marker stand at the edge of Umatac Bay, forming a focal point for historical interpretation and local commemorations of early contact between Europeans and Chamorro people.

The marker memorializes the 1521 landing by the Magellan expedition, an event recorded in contemporary expedition accounts and significant in the European exploration of the Pacific.

The monument is on the southern coast of Guam at the village of Umatac, overlooking Umatac Bay.

  • Historic landing date: Marks the traditional landing site of Ferdinand Magellan on Guam on March 6, 1521.
Magellan Monument
Magellan Monument, Umatac Bay, Umatac, Guam
13.2991, 144.6625

How to Get to Magellan Monument #

Umatac is on Guam’s southwestern coast. The monument is reached by car from the island’s main roads; visitors typically drive from Hagåtña (about 45-60 minutes) or from nearby Tumon.

Tips for Visiting Magellan Monument #

  • Arrive at Umatac Bay at high tide for the best views across the water.
  • Respect local memorials and land-use signs; the site carries heavy historical memory.
  • Combine a visit with the Umatac village and the small park that overlooks the bay.

Best Time to Visit Magellan Monument #

Visit in the dry season for clearer views and calmer sea conditions.

Dry season
December-June · 24-31°C
Drier, sunnier weather; best for coastal views and outdoor visits.
Wet season
July-November · 25-31°C
Higher chance of showers and the occasional typhoon; check forecasts.

Weather & Climate near Magellan Monument #

Climate

Magellan Monument's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2359 mm/year), wettest in August.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 28°

Weather

126 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 23°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
25° 30°

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C. Significant rainfall (169 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
25° 30°

Weather

169 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (241 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

241 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (405 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

405 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (316 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

316 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (308 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

308 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (239 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

239 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 24°C. Significant rainfall (181 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
24° 29°

Weather

181 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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