Weather in Iturup

To ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible, familiarise yourself with the current weather situation on Iturup island. Here you will find the latest meteorological updates, charts, and detailed forecasts to assist in your planning.

The climate of Iturup island can be described as temperate maritime, strongly influenced by the surrounding cold waters. There is no scorching continental heat or extreme Siberian frost here; however, the weather is characterised by high humidity and variability. The ocean smooths out temperature fluctuations, making the climate mild but quite cool and windy throughout the year.

A characteristic feature of the local climate is the shifting of seasons. Summer arrives late and remains cool: the highest temperatures are observed in August and September, when the air warms up to an average of +15°C. Winter is mild here, but prolonged and snowy, with average temperatures ranging from -1°C to -6°C. Spring arrives slowly, and it can still be quite cool even in May.

Travellers should be prepared for frequent cloudiness and precipitation. Data shows that the number of "wet" days is high in any season, reaching a peak in the winter months (up to 27 days in December). Even in the driest summer months, rain and fog are not uncommon, so waterproof and windproof clothing will be an essential part of your luggage for comfortably exploring the island's natural beauty.

The temperature regime on Iturup island is determined by the maritime climate: there is no exhausting heat, and winters pass without extreme frosts. The coldest month of the year is February. During this period, average daytime values are around -4.2°C, while at night the air usually cools down to an average of -7.3°C.

Summer on the island can be described as fresh and moderate. The peak of warmth occurs in August, when the air warms up to an average of +17.1°C during the day. Notably, September is practically on par with the summer months: average daily highs in early autumn hold at +16.5°C, making this period one of the most favourable for travel.

A distinctive feature of the local climate is the small daily temperature amplitude. The difference between day and night readings often amounts to just 3–4 degrees. For example, even on the warmest August nights, the temperature averages around +13.8°C, which spares tourists from sharp changes after sunset.

The climate on Iturup island is distinguished by high humidity and regular precipitation, which is distributed unevenly throughout the year. The winter period is characterised by frequent inclement weather: in December and January, precipitation falls on 23–27 days per month. Given the sub-zero temperatures (averaging down to -6°C), snowfall prevails at this time, forming a stable cover.

Summer is considered the most favourable time to visit, as the number of inclement days decreases noticeably. The driest month is July, when only about 8 days with precipitation are recorded, and the air temperature warms up to +13...+15°C. June and August are also relatively comfortable, although rains still occur on average 10–12 times a month.

In autumn, the weather changes quickly, and by November the frequency of precipitation rises sharply again, reaching 24 days. During this transition period, rain often alternates with wet snow. Spring, on the other hand, shows a tendency towards improvement: from March to May, the number of wet days gradually decreases, giving way to clearer weather.

A trip to Iturup requires a careful approach to wardrobe selection, as the weather here has a distinct maritime character: high humidity and frequent winds are constant companions for tourists. Even in the warmest month, August, the average temperature holds around +15°C, so the principle of layering clothing is relevant year-round. Be sure to bring quality thermal underwear, a fleece jacket, and a windproof jacket or membrane shell to protect against the piercing winds from the Sea of Okhotsk and the Pacific Ocean.

Considering the large number of days with precipitation (especially in winter and the off-season, when the number of "wet" days exceeds 20 per month), pay special attention to footwear. Waterproof trekking boots with a reliable tread, suitable for walking on rough terrain, will be the ideal choice. An umbrella on the island often proves useless due to strong gusts of wind, so it is much more practical to pack a sturdy rain poncho that can be worn over your outerwear and backpack.

Despite the absence of intense heat, sunscreen and sunglasses will come in handy even in cloudy weather, especially if you plan to climb volcanoes or take long sea excursions. A hat, a scarf or buff, and light gloves will not be amiss even in summer, and in winter, when the temperature drops below freezing, you will need a full insulated set of clothing resistant to dampness and cold.