Roi-Namur
Island Island in Kwajalein Atoll, Cold War missile site
Two islets on the northern edge of Kwajalein Atoll, Roi and Namur contain World War II relics and coral reefs; visitors on dive and expedition trips come for wreck dives, snorkeling and wartime sites.
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Roi-Namur is a pair of small coral islets at the northern tip of Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The two islets are often treated together and have been used for military, scientific, and communication purposes.
The combined landform hosts remnants of wartime infrastructure and later Cold War-era installations; beaches and reef areas surround the islets and define much of their shoreline. The islets are low-lying and composed largely of reef-derived sediments and coral.
Roi and Namur were the objective of a U.S. amphibious assault in February 1944 during World War II; both were occupied and later used for airfield and military support by U.S. forces. In the postwar period the islands have hosted radar, tracking, and other facilities related to regional defense and space tracking programs.
Located at the northern end of Kwajalein Atoll in the central Pacific, the islets sit within the larger ring of the atoll lagoon and are reachable by boat or military transport from other islands in the atoll.
- Geography: comprises two low coral islets joined by a causeway and is located at the northern end of Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
- History: scene of a major World War II battle in February 1944 when U.S. forces captured the islands from Japanese garrisons.
How to Get to Roi-Namur #
Access to Roi-Namur is via Kwajalein Atoll air transport and is tightly controlled; most visitors arrive on US government or contractor flights to Bucholz Army Airfield (Kelly Field) with onward local transport to the islands. Civilian access is restricted and requires prior clearance.
Tips for Visiting Roi-Namur #
- Access is restricted and generally limited to military or civil-servant transport; obtain clearances well in advance.
- Respect posted restrictions - Roi-Namur remains sensitive because of Cold War and continued defense infrastructure.
- Bring anti-mosquito measures in the warmer months; island vegetation can harbour pests.
Best Time to Visit Roi-Namur #
Best accessed in the dry season for predictable weather; many visitors will be on official business due to restricted access.
Weather & Climate near Roi-Namur #
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 25°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2395 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C. Significant rainfall (182 mm).
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May
May is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 25°C. Heavy rain (212 mm).
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June
June is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 25°C. Heavy rain (208 mm).
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C. Heavy rain (243 mm).
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 25°C. Heavy rain (255 mm).
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September
September is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (293 mm).
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October
October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C. Heavy rain (292 mm).
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November
November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C. Heavy rain (250 mm).
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C. Significant rainfall (178 mm) and breezy conditions.
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