Ushkan Islands
Islands Islands in Lake Baikal home to nerpa seals
The Ushkan Islands lie in Lake Baikal and are noted for rocky shores, lichened cliffs and Baikal seal (nerpa) sightings. Boat trips bring photographers and naturalists to the archipelago’s coastal rock formations.
The Ushkan Islands are a small group of rocky islands in Lake Baikal off the coast of the Republic of Buryatia, Russia. They are notable for steep shores, rocky outcrops and a significant population of Baikal seals.
The islands attract visitors primarily for wildlife observation and geology, with boat trips from nearby lakeshore settlements offering the usual access. There are limited landing opportunities and conservation measures apply to protect wildlife and fragile habitats.
The islands have been used historically for seasonal fishing and as seal haul-out sites and now fall under regional conservation and visitor-use regulations. Human infrastructure on the islands is minimal and visitor activity is managed to reduce disturbance.
They lie in the southern part of Lake Baikal, within the waters of Buryatia, and are reached by boat from settlements along the lake shore.
- Baikal seals: The islands are an important haul-out and breeding area for the endemic Baikal seal; shore-based observation or boat trips are the primary ways to see seals and island geology.
Best Time to Visit Ushkan Islands #
Visit the Ushkan Islands in summer (June-August) when the islands are ice‑free and boat access is possible.
Weather & Climate near Ushkan Islands #
Ushkan Islands's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -22°C to 17°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is freezing with highs of -14°C and lows of -20°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coldest month with highs of -15°C and lows of -22°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -16°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -7°C. Almost no rain and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 63 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -10°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
