Harimkotan
Island Volcanic Kuril island in Russia's Sakhalin Oblast
Harimkotan is an uninhabited volcanic island in the Kuril chain; its steep volcanic slopes and seabird colonies interest volcanologists, birdwatchers and expedition cruises that call on remote northern Pacific islands.
Harimkotan is a volcanic island in the Kuril Islands chain administered as part of Sakhalin Oblast, Russia. The island is uninhabited and dominated by steep volcanic topography.
The island consists primarily of volcanic cones and rugged shoreline with limited landing sites, typical of many islands in the central Kurils. Vegetation is sparse compared with larger inhabited islands in the chain.
Harimkotan has volcanic origins and is part of the larger tectonic and volcanic system of the Kuril archipelago; it is not developed for tourism and has no permanent population.
Geographically the island lies in the northern Pacific as a member of the Kuril Islands, between the Kamchatka Peninsula and Hokkaido, and is administered from Sakhalin Oblast.
- Volcanic island: Uninhabited and volcanic in origin, it is part of the Kuril Island chain administered by Sakhalin Oblast.
How to Get to Harimkotan #
Harimkotan is in the Kuril chain, Sakhalin Oblast. There are no regular transport links; access is normally by private expedition vessel or research ship from ports in the Russian Far East. Landing requires permits from Russian authorities and careful planning due to variable sea conditions and restricted zones.
Tips for Visiting Harimkotan #
- Harimkotan is remote and typically reached only by charter or expedition vessel - confirm landing permits with Sakhalin regional authorities beforehand.
- Bring proper cold-weather gear even in summer; coastal fog and wind are common.
- Respect navigation and military restrictions-this island is in a sensitive part of the Kurils with occasional patrols.
Best Time to Visit Harimkotan #
Best visited in mid-summer by expedition vessel due to sea conditions and rough weather the rest of the year.
Weather & Climate near Harimkotan #
Harimkotan's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -11°C to 12°C. Abundant rainfall (1478 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -10°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -11°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (161 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (206 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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