Raikoke
Island Small volcanic island in Kuril chain, active volcano
A remote volcanic island in the Kurils (Sakhalin Oblast), Raikoke is notable for its active volcano; expedition boats visit the surrounding seas for seabird colonies and offshore wildlife when conditions allow.
Raikoke is a small volcanic island and active stratovolcano in the Kuril island chain, administered as part of Russia’s Sakhalin Oblast. The island is roughly circular and dominated by a steep volcanic cone that rises directly from the sea.
The volcano has produced periodic eruptions over historical time, most recently a powerful eruption in June 2019 that injected ash and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. The island is uninhabited and visited only for scientific observation when conditions permit.
Geographically Raikoke lies in the Kuril Islands in the northwest Pacific, forming part of the volcanic arc between the Kamchatka Peninsula and Hokkaido.
- Recent activity: The volcano produced a major eruption in June 2019 that generated an ash and gas plume reaching the upper atmosphere and was widely observed by satellite imagery.
How to Get to Raikoke #
Raikoke is a remote, uninhabited volcanic island in the Kuril Islands (Russia) and has no regular ferry or air service. Access is only by private vessel, research ship or expedition cruise from the Russian Far East (for example from Sakhalin or the Kuril islands), and voyages are subject to weather, regulatory restrictions and permits.
Tips for Visiting Raikoke #
- Raikoke is a remote volcanic island in the Kuril chain and is reached only on specialized expedition cruises-plan travel for July-August when sea and weather conditions are most favorable.
- Because the Kurils are in a Russian border zone, organize permits and entry formalities through an experienced operator; independent landings are generally not possible.
- Join a wildlife-focused voyage: visitors who make the trip report notable seabird colonies, marine mammals and dramatic volcanic scenery-expect long boat transfers and potentially rough seas, so book with operators who specialize in polar/remote expeditions.
Best Time to Visit Raikoke #
If visiting this remote Kuril Island, the brief summer months offer the most reliable access and milder conditions.
Weather & Climate near Raikoke #
Raikoke's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -7°C to 12°C. Abundant rainfall (1416 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (75 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 (110 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (166 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (187 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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