Katyn-Tau Mountain

Caucasus mountain peak on the Russia–Georgia border

A high peak in the central Caucasus, Katyn‑Tau attracts climbers for technical routes, glaciated terrain and alpine views within the Greater Caucasus.

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Address
43.0299, 43.03598
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How to Get to Katyn-Tau#

Katyn‑Tau is accessible from the Greater Caucasus range; common staging points include Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) in Georgia and mountain towns in Russia’s North Ossetia-Alania. Road access varies by route; climbers typically travel by road to a local village then continue on foot or with pack horses. Hiring local guides from established alpine clubs is strongly advised.

Tips for Visiting Katyn-Tau#

  • Acclimatize before attempting steep routes; Katyn‑Tau approaches include technical sections that require crampons and ropes in winter conditions.
  • Consult regional mountaineering clubs in Vladikavkaz or Tbilisi for up-to-date route conditions and permit requirements.
  • Respect local Ossetian customs when camping in villages - ask before pitching near homesteads.

Best Time to Visit Katyn-Tau#

Best visited in summer for climbing and trekking; spring and autumn are possible with appropriate alpine experience.

Summer climbing season (June-September)
June-September · 5-20°C (41-68°F)
Best window for technical climbs and trekking; snow persists at higher elevations early and late in the season.
Late spring (May-June)
May-June · -5-10°C (23-50°F)
Lower slopes thaw; avalanche risk remains on exposed faces.
Early autumn (September-October)
September-October · -2-12°C (28-54°F)
Clearing weather and good visibility, but nights can be cold and storms return more quickly.

Weather & Climate near Katyn-Tau#

Climate

Katyn-Tau's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with freezing summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -22°C to 3°C. Abundant rainfall (1145 mm/year), wettest in May.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
24°
Warmest Month
-32°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -15°C and lows of -21°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

29 Poor

Comfort

-18°
Feels Like Freezing
-18°C
Temperature
-21° – -15°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
7.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.2h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -16°C and lows of -22°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

31 Poor

Comfort

-19°
Feels Like Freezing
-19°C
Temperature
-22° – -16°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

71 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.3h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -14°C and lows of -21°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

29 Poor

Comfort

-18°
Feels Like Freezing
-18°C
Temperature
-21° – -14°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

84 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -14°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

27 Poor

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-14° – -9°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
13.3h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (130 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

25 Poor

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-10° – -5°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

130 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
High
14.5h daylight

June

June is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (130 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

33 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-7° – -1°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

130 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
15.2h daylight

July

July is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

0°
Feels Like Freezing
0°C
Temperature
-4° – 3°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
14.9h daylight

August

August is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

0°
Feels Like Freezing
0°C
Temperature
-3° – 3°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

105 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
13.8h daylight

September

September is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-6° – -1°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

84 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
12.4h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -10°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

33 Poor

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-10° – -6°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

80 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.9h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -11°C and lows of -15°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

31 Poor

Comfort

-13°
Feels Like Freezing
-13°C
Temperature
-15° – -11°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.5h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -14°C and lows of -19°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

31 Poor

Comfort

-17°
Feels Like Freezing
-17°C
Temperature
-19° – -14°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
7.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
8.8h daylight

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