The climate of Minsk
Sitting in the heart of
Belarus,
Minsk experiences a Dfb Köppen climate classification. This translates to a humid continental climate, marked by no dry season and warm summers. The geography of the city is a significant contributor to these weather conditions.
Year-round, the weather in Minsk demonstrates substantial variation, reflecting the diversity of a continental climate.
January typically witnesses the lowest temperatures of the year, with lows plunging to -7.8°C (18°F) and highs barely breaking the freezing point at -3.8°C (25.2°F). Come
July, temperatures see a dramatic flip, with the mercury hitting a median high of 23.5°C (74.3°F), and lows resting comfortably at 13.3°C (55.9°F).
For humidity, the relative index remains relatively high throughout the year, averaging around 94% in January and
February, and falling to a low of 71% in
August. Minsk receives a significant amount of rainfall evenly distributed across the year, with
May,
June, and July relative peak months, seeing 47mm (1.85") each.
Unique to Minsk is its snowfall patterns, with significant accumulation happening from
December to February, reaching a peak monthly average of 132mm (5.2") in January. With snowfall giving way to rain, May to August see no trace of it. Sunshine hours also show stark extremes from a mere 1.3 hours per day in December and January, to a daily average of 11.3 hours in July.
The best time to visit Minsk
Considering the city's robust list of cultural offerings and outdoor attractions, the best time to visit
Minsk would arguably be between
May and
August. During this period, the city sees warm temperatures ranging from highs of 18.2°C (64.8°F) to 23.5°C (74.3°F), and lows from 7.9°C (46.2°F) to 13.3°C (55.9°F) allowing comfortable exploration. This window also offers the longest daylight hours, providing ample time to enjoy the outdoor activities, with daylight stretching from 16 to 17 hours in May to
July.
In addition to long, sun-filled days, summer months also offer the highest UV index, hitting a peak of 5 from
June to August. During this time, while rainfall is at its highest, it does not hamper overall visibility, which remains high at 9km (5.6mi).
The worst time to visit Minsk
The months from
December through
February could arguably pose challenging conditions for visitors, due to the cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. Temperatures sit in an icy range from lows at -4.3°C (24.3°F), hitting rock bottom at -7.8°C (18°F) in
January, to highs between -3.8°C (25.2°F) and -1°C (30.2°F). Snowfall in these months accrues from 35mm (1.38") in December, peaking at 132mm (5.2") in January.
Daylight hours are decidedly short during this period, with the shortest day in December providing only 7.5 hours of daylight. With sunshine hours also at their lowest, standing at 1.3 hours per day, these months are marked by a predominantly overcast sky.
Spring weather in Minsk
From
March to
May,
Minsk undergoes a weather transition from winter chills to temperate conditions. The temperatures fluctuate from a low of -2.8°C (27°F) in March to a pleasant high of 18.2°C (64.8°F) in May. Similarly, snowfall takes a downward trajectory, from 52mm (2.05") in March to non-existent by May.
Simultaneously, rainfall figures witness an upswing, with May seeing the annual peak of 47mm (1.85") of precipitation spread over 16.6 days. Daylight hours follow suit, increasing from 11.9 hours in March to 16 hours in May.
Summer weather in Minsk
June through
August ushers in the summer months in
Minsk. The city sees its highest temperatures during this period, peaking at 23.5°C (74.3°F) in
July with lows maintaining a balmy 11.5°C (52.7°F) to 13.3°C (55.9°F) range. Rainfall is the highest during this period with 47mm (1.85") to 48mm (1.89"). However, despite the showers, relative humidity hits an annual low of 71%.
Daylight hours are at the maximum, while sunshine hours embrace an annual high of 11.2 to 11.3 hours per day. The UV index also comes to a peak at 5, suggesting a need for sun protection during these months.
Autumn weather in Minsk
September to
November denote the autumn season in
Minsk. The temperature gradually falls over these months, from a high of 16.9°C (62.4°F) in September to a chillier 3.8°C (38.8°F) by November. Simultaneously, evening temperatures also fall from 8.6°C (47.5°F) to 0.2°C (32.4°F).
Rainfall figures decrease from a September level of 20mm (0.79") to 23mm (0.91") in November. The start of November also signals the return of snowfall after its summer absence, creeping in with 9mm (0.35") recorded during the month.
Winter weather in Minsk
Winter in
Minsk runs from
December through
February, bringing along frigid conditions. Average high temperatures stay within the freezing zone, from -3.8°C (25.2°F) in December to -1°C (30.2°F) in February. December sees an average low temperature of -4.3°C (24.3°F), with this figure dipping further to -7.8°C (18°F) in
January.
Considerable snowfall characterizes the season, with December witnessing 107mm (4.21"), reaching a peak of 132mm (5.2") in January. Adding to the wintry feel, the shortest daylight of the year is seen at this time, with December drawing the curtain at 7.5 daylight hours. Sunshine hours are at their lowest, averaging just 1.3 hours per day in December and January.
Weather in January
Among the cold winter months,
Minsk witnesses its most frigid days with
January temperatures plunging to a chilling average low of -7.8°C (18°F) and peaking at an icy -3.8°C (25.2°F). January’s weather can be primarily characterized by its heavy snowfall and limited daylight.
Weather in January »Weather in February
With the arrival of
February,
Minsk sees a slight, albeit relieving lift in cold conditions as compared to
January. Temperatures stay slightly more pleasant, vacillating between average highs of -1.8°C (28.8°F) and lows of -6.3°C (20.7°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Minsk signals the onset of spring bringing warmer temperatures, increasing daylight hours, and diminishing snowfall compared to
February. The month's climate leans toward dampness, notably demonstrated by an increase in rainfall and thawing of accumulated snow.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April’s weather shows a notable change, with temperatures ranging from an average low of 2.5°C (36.5°F) to a high of 11.6°C (52.9°F), marking the acceleration into spring. April in
Minsk is characterized by increased rainfall frequency coupled with verdant surroundings.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Minsk experiences a further seasonal progression, with higher temperatures and the highest amount of rainfall, at 47mm (1.85"), compared to preceding months. With an ambiance shifting towards summery warmth, the city witnesses a proliferation of lush greenery and blossoming flora.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Minsk welcomes the summer season unfolding warmer days with temperatures ascending to an average high of 21.8°C (71.2°F), a marked rise from
May. The summer solstice in June extends daylight to its highest, facilitating outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the warmest month in
Minsk, with temperature readings peaking at an average high of 23.5°C (74.3°F). Under the summer sun's radiance, the city basks in plenty of light and warmth. Despite the presence of summer showers, the extended hours of daylight and abundant sunshine ensure the city stays vibrant and lively.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The weather in
August experiences a marginal drop in temperature compared with
July, but the summer spirit remains intact. With temperatures fluctuating from 12.8°C (55°F) to 23.2°C (73.8°F), the weather remains comfortable and inviting for tourists.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Minsk indicates the onset of autumn, replacing the summer fervor with milder conditions. Shifting from warm to cooler temperatures, the atmospheric mood changes, setting the stage for the next season. As the month progresses, the city begins to witness varying shades of gold, orange, and red dyeing the foliage.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October weather in
Minsk signifies a further descent into autumn, with temperatures retracting from higher
September levels. The average rainfall sees a slight increase, creating a pattern of sunny spells punctuated by light showers.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Minsk prepares the urban landscape for the impending winters with temperatures hitting a new low, averaging between 0.2°C (32.4°F) to 3.8°C (38.8°F). As the city starts to blanket under the early snowfall, showers continue to drizzle intermittently.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Minsk embraces full-fledged winter, with temperatures dropping further from
November readings to freezing levels. To complement the chilling temperatures, snowfall adorns the cityscape in a crystalline white layer.
Weather in December »