Novosibirsk Reservoir

Monastery Large reservoir on the Ob River near Novosibirsk

The Novosibirsk Reservoir (‘Ob Sea’) is a large dam-created lake on the Ob River, used for hydroelectric power; locals and visitors use its shores for fishing, dacha recreation and waterside outings near Novosibirsk.

Main image

The Novosibirsk Reservoir is an artificial lake on the Ob River in Novosibirsk Oblast, Russia, formed during mid-20th century hydroelectric development. It is a major inland water body in Western Siberia and a prominent regional landmark.

Open water, shoreline beaches, and small ports are the main attractions for day visitors and locals. The reservoir supports boating, fishing, and seasonal recreation and is visible from roads and settlements that developed along its banks.

The reservoir was created when the Novosibirsk Hydroelectric Station dam impounded the Ob River in the 1950s, flooding river valleys to form the lake used for power generation, irrigation, and water management. Over time the shoreline and nearby infrastructure have been developed for both industry and leisure.

Geographically it lies along the Ob River corridor in Novosibirsk Oblast, with the city of Novosibirsk at the reservoir’s downstream end. The lake stretches upriver from the city and dominates the local landscape near the regional capital.

  • Local name: Commonly called the "Ob Sea" by locals and visitors.
  • Origin and use: Created in the 1950s as part of the Novosibirsk Hydroelectric Station, it is one of the largest artificial reservoirs in Western Siberia and used for recreation, fishing, and local water supply.
Novosibirsk Reservoir
Novosibirsk Reservoir (Ob Sea), Novosibirsk Oblast, Russia
54.7569, 82.8928
Public access generally daylight hours
Access to reservoirs and viewing points free; water-based activities regulated with permit fees for boating or fishing

How to Get to Novosibirsk Reservoir #

Access by regional roads from Novosibirsk city; expect drives of 30-60 minutes depending on the chosen shore. Public transport exists to certain towns along the reservoir, but a car offers the most flexibility.

Tips for Visiting Novosibirsk Reservoir #

  • Visit viewpoints at sunrise for calm water reflections and pale light on the reservoir's surface.
  • If planning boating or fishing, check local regulations and obtain permits - authorities regulate activities to protect water quality.
  • Combine a visit with nearby Novosibirsk attractions if passing through the region; the reservoir is large and remote in parts.

Best Time to Visit Novosibirsk Reservoir #

Summer months are most comfortable for visits; winter brings dramatic frozen vistas but limited access.

Summer
June-August · 15-25°C
Best for boating, fishing and picnics on the banks.
Spring/Autumn
April-May, September-October · 5-15°C
Cooler and quieter; shoreline excursions are pleasant.
Winter
November-March · -20-0°C
Frozen conditions; only experienced winter travellers should attempt ice activities.

Weather & Climate near Novosibirsk Reservoir #

Climate

Novosibirsk Reservoir's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -21°C to 25°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Air Quality: AQI 56 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JulyJuneAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
38°
Warmest Month
-49°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -12°C and lows of -21°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

-16°
Feels Like Freezing
-16°C
Temperature
-21° -12°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

24 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.7h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -20°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

-15°
Feels Like Freezing
-15°C
Temperature
-20° -10°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.5h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -14°C. The driest month with just 14 mm and partly cloudy skies.

47 Poor

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-14° -3°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

22 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
13.9h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

64 Good

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
15°
67%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
15.8h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

72 Very Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 22°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
16.9h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

77 Very Good

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
14° 25°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.3
UV Index
High
16.4h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 62 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 21°
67%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.0
UV Index
High
14.7h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

64 Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°
70%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
12.5h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.3h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-10° -3°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.3h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -17°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-13°
Feels Like Freezing
-13°C
Temperature
-17° -9°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.1h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Novosibirsk Reservoir