The Peak
Volcano Island's volcanic summit and highest point
Above Tristan da Cunha, The Peak is the island’s volcanic summit; hardy visitors hike to viewpoints that survey the settlement and seabird colonies. Travel requires booking infrequent boat passages and local guides.
The Peak is the central volcanic summit of Tristan da Cunha island, commonly known as Queen Marys Peak, and is the highest point of the island group and the wider British overseas territory.
The peak is volcanic in origin. A notable eruption in 1961 caused widespread disruption and led to the temporary evacuation of the island’s population, after which residents returned and rebuilt the settlement.
Rising from the center of Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic, the peak dominates the small inhabited island and is thousands of kilometers from mainland Africa and South America, making it one of the most remote inhabited peaks in the world.
- Elevation and status: Summit reaches 2,062 meters and is the highest point of the Tristan da Cunha group and the entire British overseas territory.
- 1961 eruption and evacuation: The volcano's 1961 eruption forced the temporary evacuation of Tristan da Cunha's islanders to the United Kingdom, an important event in the island's modern history.
How to Get to The Peak #
Tristan da Cunha is reached by sea only-typically via passage on a visiting supply ship or dedicated expedition vessel from Cape Town. Travel must be arranged well in advance with the island authorities; there are no airports.
Tips for Visiting The Peak #
- Arrange passage with the Tristan da Cunha Island Council well in advance-visitor berths on supply ships are limited and tourist infrastructure is minimal.
- Bring durable outdoor gear; weather on the Peak can change rapidly and climbs are strenuous.
- Hire a local guide-climbing Queen Mary's Peak is often done with islanders who know the safest routes and weather windows.
Best Time to Visit The Peak #
Best attempted in the southern hemisphere summer (December-March) when weather is mildest and sea access is more reliable.
Weather & Climate near The Peak #
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in September). Temperatures range from 2°C to 14°C. Heavy rainfall (2394 mm/year), wettest in October, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (183 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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February
February is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (211 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (204 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (200 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (194 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (200 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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September
September is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (215 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (230 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (207 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (209 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
