Prescott Island

Island

In Nunavut's Arctic Archipelago, Prescott Island is uninhabited and reachable only by expedition vessel; it attracts researchers and cruises studying Arctic geology and wildlife.

Prescott Island IqaluitCoral HarbourPrescott Island
In this guide

Prescott Island essentials

Country: Canada
Driest months: Dec-Feb
Pay in: Dollar ($)
Language: French, English

Prescott Island at a Glance

About Prescott Island

Prescott Island is an island in Nunavut, Canada, located within the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and administered as part of Nunavut.

The island is uninhabited and forms part of the remote Arctic island groupings that characterise northern Canadian geography.

It is visited only infrequently, primarily by scientific or logistical expeditions, and experiences Arctic climate conditions with sea-ice influence for much of the year.

The island sits among other small islands and channels of northern Nunavut and is reached by sea or air from larger Arctic communities and logistic bases.

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Prescott Island

The island is reachable only in the summer months by private expedition or research vessel; otherwise inaccessible.

Arctic summer
June-August · 0-8°C
Ice retreat and the brief window for sea access and wildlife observation.

Weather & Climate near Prescott Island

Climate

Prescott Island's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -38°C to 9°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
9°
Warmest Month
-38°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -37° - -30° -46° 4 mm - - 4.4 m/s - -
February - -38° - -31° -48° 3 mm - - 4.5 m/s - -
March - -36° - -29° -45° 8 mm - - 4.7 m/s - -
April - -28° - -20° -35° 11 mm - - 4.8 m/s - -
May - -15° - -8° -19° 11 mm - - 4.6 m/s - -
June - -3° - 2° -6° 12 mm - - 4.5 m/s - -
July - 2° - 9° 2° 17 mm - - 4.4 m/s - -
August - 0° - 6° -1° 27 mm - - 4.6 m/s - -
September - -6° - -2° -10° 25 mm - - 4.9 m/s - -
October - -18° - -12° -23° 10 mm - - 5.0 m/s - -
November - -29° - -22° -36° 8 mm - - 4.6 m/s - -
December - -34° - -27° -42° 5 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Prescott Island

There are no scheduled transport links. Access requires chartering a vessel from northern Canadian ports such as Resolute or Grise Fiord and is feasible only during the brief summer season when sea ice retreats.

Tips for Visiting Prescott Island

  • There are no visitor facilities - carry a satellite emergency beacon if planning landings.
  • Sea conditions in the Canadian Arctic can change quickly; only approach with an experienced local captain.
  • Respect wildlife and nesting seabird colonies; park regulations in Nunavut apply to remote landings.