Anzhu Islands
Islands Arctic island group in the Laptev Sea
Part of the New Siberian archipelago in the Arctic, the Anzhu (Anjou) Islands feature polar tundra, pack ice and seabird colonies; they draw expedition cruises, polar researchers and specialists in Arctic wildlife.
The Anzhu Islands are a subgroup of the New Siberian Islands in the Arctic Ocean, within the Sakha Republic of the Russian Federation. They consist of high-latitude tundra islands and low-lying plains noted for permafrost, coastal cliffs and Arctic ecology.
The islands are largely uninhabited and notable for Pleistocene fossil deposits including mammoth remains recovered from exposed banks and permafrost sediments. There are limited seasonal scientific and logistical visits, but no significant permanent civilian settlements.
These Arctic islands have been visited by Russian and international polar expeditions over the 19th and 20th centuries and are used intermittently for research and military purposes. The islands form part of Russia’s Arctic archipelago and contribute to regional biodiversity and paleontological records.
Geographically the Anzhu group lies in the eastern sector of the New Siberian Islands, north of the Siberian mainland in the Laptev and East Siberian Sea region, and is administered as part of the Sakha Republic.
- Access: Part of the New Siberian Islands group in the far Arctic north, these islands are remote, largely uninhabited and accessible seasonally by icebreaker or aircraft.
What to See #
- Kotelny Island and Bunge Land: Kotelny Island is the largest and most prominent landmass within the Anzhu archipelago, composed of a cluster of islands and low-lying Bunge Land that connect in summer and form a single polar plain.
How to Get to Anzhu Islands #
The Anzhu Islands are in the high Arctic (New Siberian Islands, Sakha Republic) and have no regular road or scheduled passenger services. They are visited only by expedition ships/icebreakers during the Arctic summer or by special charter flights to seasonal tundra/ice airstrips.
Practical access requires joining an organized Arctic cruise or expedition (embarkation ports for such voyages are typically in northern Russian Arctic ports) or arranging charter logistics with specialist operators; there are no public buses, roads or scheduled commercial flights to the islands.
Tips for Visiting Anzhu Islands #
- Travel only in the brief Arctic summer (typically June-July) when sea ice is at its minimum and expedition ships operate to the Anzhu Islands; independent visits are not practical.
- Book a place on an organized Arctic expedition or research cruise from Russian Arctic ports - these trips handle permits, ice navigation and wildlife- and safety-briefings that solo travel cannot provide.
- Expect very limited facilities ashore and prioritize wildlife and landscape photography at shore landings; the islands are remote and visits focus on natural history rather than built attractions.
Best Time to Visit Anzhu Islands #
Accessible primarily during the short Arctic summer (July-August) when sea ice is at its minimum and expedition vessels can operate.
Weather & Climate near Anzhu Islands #
Anzhu Islands's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -35°C to 4°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is freezing with highs of -27°C and lows of -34°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coldest month with highs of -29°C and lows of -35°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of -27°C and lows of -34°C. The driest month with just 4 mm and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is freezing with highs of -19°C and lows of -27°C. The driest month with just 4 mm and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -13°C. Almost no rain and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is freezing with highs of -21°C and lows of -28°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of -26°C and lows of -32°C. Almost no rain.
