Weather in Yuzhno-Kurilsk

To ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible, find out what the weather is like now in Yuzhno-Kurilsk. Below you will find fresh meteorological updates, clear charts, and forecasts for the near future.

The climate of Yuzhno-Kurilsk can be characterised as moderate maritime, subject to the strong influence of the surrounding waters. The proximity of the ocean significantly softens temperature fluctuations, so there are no severe continental frosts in winter or exhausting heat in summer. The weather is often changeable, with winds and high humidity characteristic of island territories.

The seasons replace each other with a noticeable temperature shift. The warmest month is August, when the air warms up to an average of +17°C, and pleasant warmth remains in September. Winter is mild but prolonged, with average temperatures from -1°C to -5°C. Spring arrives slowly: even in May and June, it can be quite cool here compared to the mainland.

One of the features of the local climate is the distribution of precipitation by the number of days. The winter period and late autumn are distinguished by frequent precipitation (up to 24 days with precipitation per month), while summer, especially July, is a more stable period with fewer inclement days. This makes the second half of summer and the beginning of autumn the most favourable time for planning a trip.

The climate in Yuzhno-Kurilsk has pronounced maritime features, thanks to which there are no extreme continental frosts or stifling heat. Winter passes quite mildly: the coldest month is February with an average temperature of about -5.3°C. Even during this period, the thermometer rarely drops below -7°C, which makes the cold season comparatively comfortable, provided one ignores the winds.

The summer season here is cool and arrives with some delay, with the peak of warmth occurring at the end of summer. August is considered the warmest month, when the air warms up to an average of +17.3°C. At this time, as well as in September, which pleases with figures around +16.6°C, the most pleasant weather for travel sets in, although tourists should not expect intense heat — the climate remains moderate and fresh.

An important feature of the local temperature regime is the surprising stability throughout the day. The difference between day and night figures is minimal and often amounts to just 1–2 degrees. For example, in August, the night temperature (+16.3°C) practically differs little from the daily maximum (+18.4°C). This absence of sharp changes creates a feeling of a steady climatic background, however, due to high humidity, warm clothing will be relevant even on summer evenings.

The climate in which Yuzhno-Kurilsk is located is characterised by high humidity and frequent weather changes throughout the year. The winter period here is quite snowy and overcast: December and January are distinguished by the highest number of days with precipitation (more than 20 days a month). Given the freezing temperatures, snow prevails at this time, forming a stable cover.

Summer brings relative calm and is considered the most comfortable time for a visit. June and July are the "driest" months, when the number of rainy days decreases to a minimum — on average about 8–9 days per month. However, even in the warmest month, August, tourists should be prepared for precipitation, which happens approximately 13 times a month.

In autumn, the weather becomes unstable again. October stands out with a slightly larger volume of precipitation compared to the summer months, and November already resembles winter in terms of weather character: the number of wet days rises sharply to 22, bringing cold rains and wet snow.

When setting off for Yuzhno-Kurilsk, it is worth remembering the changeable maritime climate characteristic of this region. The weather here dictates its own rules: high humidity and frequent winds require special attention to wardrobe selection. The main principle is layering. Even in the warmest months, July and August, when the temperature hovers around +15...+17°C, evenings can be cool, and fogs can be dense. Therefore, a windproof jacket or an anorak with a hood will become your best friend at any time of the year.

For a summer trip, stock up not only on light items but also on fleece jumpers and durable trousers for trekking. In winter and the shoulder season, when the thermometer drops below zero and the number of days with precipitation increases significantly (especially in December and January), be sure to take high-quality thermal underwear, a warm waterproof parka, and a hat. Shoes should be as comfortable as possible, broken in, and treated with water-repellent spray, as walks through the local beauty spots often take place on rough terrain.

Do not forget about important accessories. Due to strong gusts of wind, an umbrella here often turns out to be useless, so it will be much more practical to take a dense raincoat with you. Sunscreen and sunglasses will be useful even with variable cloudiness, as the sun can be quite active. We also recommend having a small backpack for day trips to always carry water and an additional warm layer of clothing in case of a sudden change in weather.