Main image

NASA image using data provided courtesy of the University of Maryland’s Global Land Cover Facility CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Qeshm Island

Island

Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz combines coastal mangroves, geological formations like the Valley of the Stars, and traditional fishing villages. Tourists come for boat tours, cave walks, local markets and diving off nearby reefs.

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In this guide

Qeshm Island essentials

Address: Qeshm Island, Hormozgan province, Iran
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About Qeshm Island

Qeshm Island is the largest island in Iran, situated in the Strait of Hormuz within Hormozgan province and covering roughly 1,491 square kilometres. The island contains distinctive geological formations, coastal ecosystems, and a designated geopark.

Key visitor highlights are the Hara mangrove forests, the Valley of the Stars geological formations, and coastal wetlands and tidal channels that support birdlife. The island is also known for local villages and traditional boat traffic, and many visitors use guided boat tours and day tours to reach natural sites. The geopark designation groups several of these geological and ecological attractions for conservation and sustainable tourism.

Qeshm’s landscapes were shaped by marine and wind erosion and include both rocky and sandy coasts, saline flats, and mangrove-lined inlets. Human settlement and fishing communities are concentrated near ports and sheltered bays.

The island lies off Iran’s southern coast, opposite the mainland port city of Bandar Abbas, and forms a strategic position in the Strait of Hormuz between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

  • Size and position: Iran’s largest island, covering roughly 1,491 square kilometres and located in the Strait of Hormuz opposite the port city of Bandar Abbas.
  • Environments: Features diverse coastal ecosystems including mangroves, salt flats, and unique geological formations that are best explored via guided local tours.

What to See#

  • Hara Forests: Extensive mangrove forests along tidal channels that form important nursery habitat for fish and birdlife and are protected across multiple coastal sectors.
  • Valley of the Stars: A set of wind- and water-eroded sandstone formations and narrow gullies on the island’s southern coast that are popular for guided visits.
  • Qeshm Geopark: A designated geopark that groups the island’s geological and ecological sites and supports tourism and conservation initiatives.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Qeshm Island

The cooler months (November-April) are far more pleasant for exploring Qeshm's geological and cultural sites.

Winter and spring
November-April · 18-28°C
Comfortable temperatures and the best time for outdoor exploration.
Summer
May-October · 30-42°C
Extremely hot and humid, not ideal for long outdoor activities.

Weather & Climate near Qeshm Island

Climate

Qeshm Island's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 13°C to 38°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 140 Unhealthy (Sg)
Best Time to Visit
NovemberAprilMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
41°
Warmest Month
13°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 13° - 23° 18° 35 mm mostly sunny 61% 3.4 m/s 0.9 moderate 10.6h
February Ideal 14° - 24° 19° 41 mm mostly sunny 64% 3.8 m/s 1.2 high 11.1h
March Ideal 17° - 27° 22° 25 mm mostly sunny 67% 3.9 m/s 1.6 very high 11.9h
April Ideal 20° - 31° 26° 6 mm mostly sunny 66% 3.8 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.7h
May Ideal 24° - 35° 32° 2 mm clear 65% 4.0 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.3h
June Excellent 27° - 37° 39° 1 mm clear 68% 4.0 m/s 2.5 extreme 13.6h
July Very Good 29° - 38° 43° 2 mm mostly sunny 67% 4.2 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.5h
August Excellent 29° - 37° 41° 2 mm mostly sunny 65% 4.2 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.9h
September Ideal 27° - 36° 38° 2 mm clear 64% 3.6 m/s 1.9 very high 12.2h
October Ideal 24° - 35° 32° 1 mm clear 60% 3.1 m/s 1.5 very high 11.4h
November Ideal 19° - 29° 24° 11 mm mostly sunny 56% 3.1 m/s 1.1 high 10.7h
December Ideal 15° - 25° 20° 38 mm mostly sunny 57% 3.2 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.4h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Qeshm Island

Most visitors arrive in Qeshm via Bandar Abbas, then by ferry (roughly 1-2 hours depending on vessel) to Qeshm port. Qeshm also has an airport (Qeshm International Airport, GSM) with domestic flights. On‑island transport is typically by taxi or hired car.

Tips for Visiting Qeshm Island

  • Use Bandar Abbas as the main transit hub for flights and ferries; daily ferries to Qeshm run from Bandar Abbas port.
  • Rent a car or hire a local driver-public transport on the island is limited and attractions are spread out.
  • Plan day trips to the Hara mangroves, the Valley of Stars (Valley of the Amazement) and the Portuguese Castle in Laft.