Sakhalin, also known as Karafuto in Japanese, is an island located off the eastern coast of Russia in the Sea of Okhotsk. It is the largest island in the Russian Federation and the 11th largest in the world. It is situated between the Tatar Strait and the Sea of Okhotsk, with the Kuril Islands to the north and the Japanese island of Hokkaido to the east. The island has a total area of 87,000 square kilometers and a population of over 500,000 people.
The island has a long history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleolithic period. It was first colonized by the Ainu people, who were later displaced by the Nivkh and the Oroks. The island was claimed by both Russia and Japan during the 19th century, and the two countries fought a brief war over the island in 1905. After the war, the island was divided by the Treaty of Portsmouth, with the northern half being ceded to Japan and the southern half to Russia.
During the Soviet period, the island was heavily militarized and became a strategic military base. In the post-Soviet period, the island has become a major oil and gas production center. The island is also home to a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, sables, and the endangered Amur leopard.
Today, Sakhalin is an important economic hub for the Russian Far East. It is an important center for oil and gas production and is also home to several large industrial complexes. The island is also becoming a popular tourist destination, offering a wide range of activities such as fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing.
Experience Sakhalin with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Sakhalin. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.
The climate in Sakhalin, Russia is generally cold and humid throughout the year. Summers are mild and short, with temperatures rarely exceeding 21°C (70°F). Winters are long and very cold, with temperatures dropping below −20°C (−4°F). Spring and autumn are usually mild, but temperatures can vary greatly during these seasons. Snowfall is common during winter and spring, while rainfall is more frequent during summer and autumn. Overall, Sakhalin has a cold and humid climate throughout the year with temperatures ranging from mild to very cold.
Our weather forecast for Sakhalin helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.
| Date | Icon | Temperature | Wind speed/gusts | Cloudiness/Visibility | Air humidity/pressure | Sunrise/Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar. 17th 2026 Mar. 17th 2026 | max: -2.2 °C min: -8.9 °C |
7.2 m/s 10.8 m/s |
87.4 % 2.5 m |
92.3 % 1,015 hPa |
07:38:40 19:35:40 |
|
| Mar. 18th 2026 Mar. 18th 2026 | max: -2.1 °C min: -10 °C |
6.5 m/s 9.7 m/s |
87.1 % 10.0 m |
89.9 % 1,015 hPa |
07:36:27 19:37:19 |
|
| Mar. 19th 2026 Mar. 19th 2026 | max: 0.1 °C min: -11.6 °C |
6.1 m/s 7.2 m/s |
49.9 % 15.2 m |
88.1 % 1,007 hPa |
07:34:14 19:38:58 |
|
| Mar. 20th 2026 Mar. 20th 2026 | max: -5.2 °C min: -9.7 °C |
21.2 m/s 34.6 m/s |
92.1 % 5.9 m |
87.3 % 997 hPa |
07:32:01 19:40:36 |
|
| Mar. 21st 2026 Mar. 21st 2026 | max: -3.7 °C min: -10.2 °C |
20.2 m/s 43.2 m/s |
97.9 % 0.6 m |
93.1 % 998 hPa |
07:29:47 19:42:14 |
|
| Mar. 22nd 2026 Mar. 22nd 2026 | max: -2.1 °C min: -9.5 °C |
5.8 m/s 8.6 m/s |
91.4 % 3.7 m |
94.1 % 1,014 hPa |
07:27:34 19:43:52 |
|
| Mar. 23rd 2026 Mar. 23rd 2026 | max: -1.5 °C min: -11.5 °C |
7.2 m/s 11.5 m/s |
79.7 % 10.0 m |
89.9 % 1,023 hPa |
07:25:20 19:45:30 |
|
| Mar. 24th 2026 Mar. 24th 2026 | max: -0.4 °C min: -9.9 °C |
6.5 m/s 5.0 m/s |
92.4 % 13.6 m |
91.5 % 1,024 hPa |
07:23:06 19:47:08 |
|
| Mar. 25th 2026 Mar. 25th 2026 | max: -1.7 °C min: -7.2 °C |
5.4 m/s 5.8 m/s |
92.3 % 2.3 m |
94.5 % 1,025 hPa |
07:20:53 19:48:46 |
|
| Mar. 26th 2026 Mar. 26th 2026 | max: -1.1 °C min: -8.7 °C |
5.0 m/s 5.8 m/s |
89.3 % 12.0 m |
91.4 % 1,026 hPa |
07:18:39 19:50:24 |
|
| Mar. 27th 2026 Mar. 27th 2026 | max: 1.0 °C min: -9.7 °C |
5.4 m/s 7.2 m/s |
26.3 % 20.7 m |
90.8 % 1,025 hPa |
07:16:26 19:52:01 |
|
| Mar. 28th 2026 Mar. 28th 2026 | max: 2.8 °C min: -6.5 °C |
6.8 m/s 10.4 m/s |
6.9 % 20.0 m |
86.1 % 1,020 hPa |
07:14:12 19:53:39 |
|
| Mar. 29th 2026 Mar. 29th 2026 | max: 5.6 °C min: -3.6 °C |
9.0 m/s 18.4 m/s |
10.9 % 23.0 m |
82.7 % 1,010 hPa |
07:11:59 19:55:16 |
|
| Mar. 30th 2026 Mar. 30th 2026 | max: 5.6 °C min: -2.9 °C |
12.2 m/s 32.8 m/s |
89.2 % 19.1 m |
79.9 % 1,004 hPa |
07:09:46 19:56:53 |
Would you like to travel to Sakhalin on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Sakhalin.
| Date | Ship | Passaengers (min - max) | Arrival | Departure | Details |
|---|
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