Shiashkotan Island
Volcanic Kuril island in Sakhalin Oblast, sparsely populated
Part of the Kuril chain in Sakhalin Oblast, Shiashkotan is a sparsely visited volcanic island with steep cliffs, thermal features and seabird colonies, reached mainly by scientific expeditions and remote cruises.
Shiashkotan at a Glance#
How to Get to Shiashkotan#
Shiashkotan lies in the central Kurils; access is by sea from Sakhalin or the southern Kuril chain. There are no regular ferry services; travel typically involves chartering a vessel from Kuril or Sakhalin ports and coordinating with regional authorities in Sakhalin Oblast for landing permits.
Tips for Visiting Shiashkotan#
- Access requires prior permits and good weather - check with local authorities in Sakhalin Oblast and consider hiring an experienced local skipper if approaching by sea.
- There are no facilities; bring all supplies and have an emergency plan. Satellite communication is recommended.
- If birding, bring a spotting scope: the Kuril islands are important for migrant seabirds during spring and autumn.
Best Time to Visit Shiashkotan#
The island is most accessible in the short northern summer; sea conditions and permits govern timing more than seasonal temperatures.
Weather & Climate near Shiashkotan#
Shiashkotan's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -9°C to 13°C. Abundant rainfall (1452 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -9°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -8°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (126 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 (112 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (133 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 (167 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (193 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
