Popof Island
Island Aleutian island hosting Sand Point fishing community
Island in the Shumagin/Aleutian region that hosts the town of Sand Point; visitors arrive for commercial‑fishing culture, seafood, birdwatching and access to rugged Aleutian scenery.
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Popof Island is one of the Shumagin Islands in southwestern Alaska. The island hosts the community of Sand Point, which is the island’s primary settlement and service centre.
The Shumagin Islands, including Popof Island, have long been used for subsistence and commercial fishing; the modern community grew around those fisheries and related support services. The island has functioned as a regional fishing base through the 20th and 21st centuries.
Popof Island lies in the Gulf of Alaska as part of the Shumagin group, off the southern side of the Alaska Peninsula in Aleutians East Borough.
- Archipelago and administration: Popof Island is part of the Shumagin Islands group in the Gulf of Alaska and is administered within Aleutians East Borough, Alaska.
What to See #
- Sand Point (community): The city of Sand Point occupies the islands sheltered bay and serves as the island's main settlement, with a commercial fishing harbor and an airport.
How to Get to Popof Island #
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By air: Popof Island is served by Sand Point (Popof Island) Airport (SNP). You can reach the island on scheduled commercial flights from Anchorage or via regional air services that operate to Sand Point; from the airport it is a short walk (within about 1 km) or a few minutes by local vehicle into the Sand Point village and harbor.
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By boat: Popof Island is also accessible by private boat or charter from other Aleutian/Alaska coastal communities; there are no road connections to the Alaska road system.
Tips for Visiting Popof Island #
- Arrive via Sand Point, the island's main community-Sand Point has a small airport with scheduled regional flights and is the usual access point for visitors to Popof Island.
- Plan travel for summer months when weather is more reliable and transport services (flights and small-boat connections) operate more frequently, and for better opportunities to see seabirds and marine life.
- Use the Sand Point harbor area for informal wildlife and fishing-fleet views-many visitors focus on leaving immediately and miss the local maritime activity and seafood culture.
Best Time to Visit Popof Island #
Best in summer (June-August) when weather is mildest and access by boat or plane is most reliable.
Weather & Climate near Popof Island #
Popof Island's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 13°C. Moderate rainfall (799 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 100 mm of rain.
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November
November is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and breezy conditions.
