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Volcanic islands can be characterized by remarkable surface air temperature variability. The distribution of weather stations in these settings, however, is typically too sparse to reliably describe temperature patterns which can complicate regional-scale hydrologic analyses. Here, a simple method is presented to estimate near surface air temperatures for such a setting (Jeju Island, Republic of Korea). The method utilizes temperature lapse rates (TLR; the change in temperature with elevation) which are computed for T-min, T-ave, and T-max for two distinct hemispheres: the more arid northern flanks and the more humid southern flanks of the central orographic divide. Computed TLRs vary greatly with season and location relative to the orographic divide and, unlike in continental mountainous settings, are generally highest for T-min in winter. Cross-validation results indicate a good match between modeled and measured values particularly for high altitude stations that are characterized by highest precipitation rates. Because temporally changing TLRs perform better than the often applied theoretical constant environmental lapse rate of 6.5 A degrees C/km, monthly mean TLRs compiled from temperature data from Jeju Island are presented here as proxies for surface air temperature simulation efforts in similar settings for which only limited climatic data are available.