Geography

The Isle of Man occupies a central position, not only in the Irish Sea, but also in the British Isles. The Island is some 33 miles (52 kilometers) long from north to south and 13 miles (22 kilometers) wide from east to west at the widest point. The coastline, which is over 100 miles (160 kilometers) long, encompasses an area of 227 square miles (572 sq.kilometers).

Despite its comparatively small size, the Island contains a wide variety of scenery. A range of hills stretches obliquely across the Island, the highest of which is Snaefell at 2,036 feet (621 metres). Between these hills lie well defined valleys, which provide endless changes of scenery. Around the Island's flat northern plain are long sandy beaches that contrast markedly with the rocky cliffs and sheltered bays around the rest of the coastline. Over two-thirds of the land mass is cultivated, principally the fertile northern and southern plains. It is said that the Isle of Man is like the whole of Britain in miniature and yet, with a population density of just 316 people per square mile (125 per sq.kilometers), there is room to breathe and grow.

The capital town is Douglas, the seat of the Manx Government, and main centre of population. Other major settlements are Onchan, Ramsey, Peel, Port Erin, Castletown and Port St Mary.

Climate

Due to the influence of the surrounding Irish Sea, the Island's climate is temperate and lacking in extremes. In winter, snowfall and frost are infrequent. Even when snow does occur, it rarely lies on the ground for more than a day or two. February is normally the coldest month, with an average daily temperature of 4.9 C (41 F).

The prevailing wind direction for most of the Island is from the southwest, although the rugged topography means that local effects of shelter and exposure are very variable.

In summer, April, May and June are the driest months whilst May, June and July are the sunniest. July and August are the warmest months, with an average daily maximum temperature around 17.6 C (63 F). The highest temperature recorded at the Island's weather centre at Ronaldsway is 28.9 C (84F). Thunderstorms are rare.

Although geographically small, there is climatic variation around the Island. Sea fog affects the south and east coast at times, especially in spring, but is less frequent on the west coast. Rainfall and the frequency of hill fog both increase with altitude. The highest point of the Island (Snaefell at 2,036 ft) receives some two and a quarter times more rainfall than Ronaldsway on the southeast coast, where the annual average is 34 inches (863 mm).

In this category:

• Footpaths
• Glens
• Islands
• Nature Reserves
• Towns
• Villages