Perim

Island

Perim (Mayyun) sits in the Bab-el-Mandeb at the Red Sea entrance; notable for its strategic position on major shipping routes and 19th-20th-century military activity. Only occasional visitors arrive by boat.

Perim SanaaSocotraShibamAdenPerim
In this guide

Perim essentials

Country: Yemen
Driest months: May-Jul
Pay in: Rial (﷼)
Language: Arabic
Emergency: 194

Perim at a Glance

About Perim

Perim (locally called Mayyun) is a small volcanic island in the Bab el-Mandeb strait at the southern approach to the Red Sea, administratively part of Yemen. The island occupies a key position on one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints.

Historically the island has hosted lighthouses, fortifications and intermittent foreign garrisons or stations due to its strategic value for shipping between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. It has limited permanent infrastructure and few civilian visitors.

Perim lies in the channel between the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa and is visible from passing shipping; it is governed from the Aden administrative area of Yemen.

  • Strategic location: Sits at the southern entrance to the Red Sea and has long been valued for its strategic maritime position controlling shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb strait.

Tips for Visiting Perim

  • Perim (Mayyun) is highly controlled and primarily of strategic/military importance - it is generally not open for casual tourism, so do not plan independent visits.
  • If there is a legitimate reason to approach the island, secure formal permission from Yemeni authorities or military administrators in advance and use an official vessel; unsanctioned landings are not advisable.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Perim

The best time to visit Perim is in the cooler, calmer months from late autumn through spring (November-April), when sea conditions are most favorable.

Calmer season
November-April · 20-30°C
Milder temperatures and calmer seas that make accessing the island and short boat trips more feasible.
Hot/windy season
May-October · 25-35°C
Hotter, windier months with rougher seas; maritime conditions can limit visits and supplies.

Weather & Climate near Perim

Climate

Tropical climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and hot winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 23°C to 37°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 105 Unhealthy (Sg)
Best Time to Visit
NovemberJanuaryFebruary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
43°
Warmest Month
18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 23° - 30° 27° 4 mm mostly sunny 72% 4.4 m/s 1.8 very high 11.4h
February Ideal 24° - 30° 27° 3 mm mostly sunny 71% 4.3 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.6h
March Ideal 25° - 31° 30° 5 mm mostly sunny 69% 4.0 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
April Excellent 26° - 33° 33° 3 mm mostly sunny 67% 4.3 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.3h
May Excellent 29° - 35° 36° 1 mm mostly sunny 59% 4.1 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.6h
June Excellent 30° - 37° 36° 0 mm some cloud 48% 3.7 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.7h
July Excellent 30° - 37° 37° 2 mm partly cloudy 49% 3.9 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.7h
August Excellent 30° - 37° 38° 5 mm some cloud 54% 3.6 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.4h
September Excellent 30° - 36° 38° 9 mm mostly sunny 57% 3.3 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.1h
October Excellent 27° - 34° 35° 3 mm mostly sunny 63% 3.8 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.7h
November Ideal 25° - 32° 31° 4 mm clear 69% 5.3 m/s 1.9 very high 11.4h
December Ideal 24° - 31° 29° 3 mm mostly sunny 71% 4.6 m/s 1.7 very high 11.3h