Shokalsky Island
Island Remote Arctic island in Yamalo-Nenets region
Arctic island in Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, characterized by tundra terrain and sea-ice for much of the year. Shokalsky Island is mainly of interest to polar researchers and specialized expedition cruises.
Shokalsky Island is an uninhabited Arctic island in Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Russia, located off the northern Siberian coast. It lies within the Arctic maritime environment and is characterized by tundra and permafrost.
There are no regular tourist facilities; the island is notable primarily for its remote Arctic environment, sea ice conditions and as part of northern Russian coastal geography. Visits are rare and typically conducted only for scientific or logistical purposes.
The island has been mapped and referenced in Russian geographic records; specific permanent settlement or continuous human use is not characteristic of the island. Its name is associated with Russian polar and hydrographic exploration traditions.
It sits in the Kara Sea / northern Siberian coastal zone within Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, in a high-latitude polar maritime setting dominated by pack ice for much of the year.
Tips for Visiting Shokalsky Island #
- Access is only practical as part of an Arctic expedition or by chartered helicopter from the mainland - plan through a licensed polar operator rather than trying independent travel.
- Aim for the high Arctic summer (mid‑July to August) when sea-ice retreat makes landings most feasible, and expect strict landing limits and short on‑shore times for environmental protection.
- Ensure you have a valid Russian visa and that your operator handles local permits and ice/sea‑safety briefings before departure; emergency evacuation options are extremely limited.
Best Time to Visit Shokalsky Island #
If you must go, the short Arctic summer (June-August) is the most practical time when sea ice is minimal and conditions are least severe.
Weather & Climate near Shokalsky Island #
Shokalsky Island's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -30°C to 8°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is freezing with highs of -22°C and lows of -30°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -22°C and lows of -30°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -18°C and lows of -26°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -22°C. The driest month with just 14 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -11°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with 36 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -10°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -20°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -18°C and lows of -26°C. Light rainfall.
