Kotelny IslandKotelny Island at a Glance
About Kotelny Island
Kotelny Island is a major island in the Anzhu subgroup of the New Siberian Islands off the Arctic coast of northeastern Siberia. The island complex combines higher tundra plateaus with extensive low-lying plains and is part of a remote Arctic environment.
The landscape includes large flat areas such as Bunge Land, stony coasts and permafrost-dominated terrain; the group also contains Faddeyevsky Island and several smaller islets. There is no permanent civilian population; the island is used seasonally for scientific research and has hosted Russian military logistics in recent years.
The islands were charted and explored during Russian Arctic expeditions of the 18th and 19th centuries and have long been noted for their remoteness and harsh climate. Over the 20th and 21st centuries they have been intermittently used for scientific stations and strategic purposes.
Kotelny lies north of the Siberian mainland in the Arctic Ocean, within the Laptev and East Siberian maritime region, and is administered as part of Krasnoyarsk Krai in the Russian Federation.
- Arctic environment: Part of the Anzhu subgroup of the New Siberian Islands in the Russian Arctic and characterised by permafrost, tundra vegetation and seasonal sea ice.
- Strategic use: Has seen renewed Russian military and logistical activity in the 2010s, including restoration of air and port facilities for Arctic operations.
What to See#
- Bunge Land: A very low-lying gravel and sand expanse that links Kotelny Island with neighbouring landmasses and is seasonally inundated and wind-blown; it is notable for its flat, barren character.
- Faddeyevsky Island: A large island that forms part of the Kotelny complex and lies adjacent to the main island mass with typical Arctic tundra terrain.
- Kotelny proper: The main highland area of the island group with tundra plateaus, coastal cliffs and the principal locations used for scientific and temporary military outposts.
Best Time to Visit Kotelny Island
Visits are limited to brief Arctic summer windows and require specialist logistics; otherwise the island is inaccessible most of the year.
Weather & Climate near Kotelny Island
Kotelny Island's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -34°C to 5°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -33° - -27° | -40° | 6 mm | - | 99% | 2.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 0.0h |
| February | Poor | -34° - -28° | -40° | 6 mm | partly cloudy | 99% | 2.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 3.4h |
| March | Poor | -33° - -25° | -38° | 6 mm | overcast | 98% | 3.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 11.1h |
| April | Poor | -26° - -18° | -31° | 7 mm | partly cloudy | 96% | 4.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 18.1h |
| May | Poor | -12° - -6° | -17° | 8 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.9 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 24.0h |
| June | Poor | -2° - 1° | -6° | 17 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 24.0h |
| July | Poor | 1° - 5° | -1° | 29 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.6 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 24.0h |
| August | Poor | 0° - 3° | -3° | 23 mm | overcast | 93% | 4.5 m/s | 0.4 low | 21.3h |
| September | Poor | -3° - -1° | -7° | 20 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 13.5h |
| October | Poor | -15° - -10° | -19° | 13 mm | overcast | 97% | 3.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.8h |
| November | Poor | -27° - -21° | -32° | 6 mm | partly cloudy | 98% | 2.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 0.0h |
| December | - | -32° - -26° | -37° | 6 mm | - | 99% | 2.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 0.0h |
How to Get to Kotelny Island
Access is by ice-strengthened ship or specialized expedition aircraft from northern Siberian bases. Travel is arranged through polar tour operators and scientific institutions; independent travel is not feasible.
Tips for Visiting Kotelny Island
- This is polar wilderness - only experienced Arctic expeditions visit; arrange travel with specialist polar operators.
- Prepare for polar bears, extreme cold and long daylight in summer; travel insurance and permits are essential.