The climate of Chisinau
Home to a population of roughly 700,000,
Chisinau is
Moldova's capital and largest city. Positioned near the geographic center of the country, the city experiences a humid continental climate, classified as Dfb according to the Köppen climate classification, characterized by no dry season and warm summer.
A year in Chisinau features a large temperature gradient. High temperatures range from a chilly 0.3°C (32.5°F) in
January to a peacefully warm 29.4°C (84.9°F) in
August. The city's low temperatures deliver a similar breadth, dropping to -5.3°C (22.5°F) in January and moderating to an agreeable 16.8°C (62.2°F) in
July. This substantial variation in temperature is typical of places with a continental climate.
Chisinau's humidity levels present a relatively narrow range, between an annual high of 87% in January and low of 50% in August. Rainfall varies somewhat, with drier conditions from January to
April ranging from 15mm (0.59") to 26mm (1.02"), and then picking up in
May with 40mm (1.57"), reaching a peak in
June with 58mm (2.28") before decreasing again.
Noteworthy is Chisinau's snowfall. The city confronts a significant amount of snowfall, from 91mm (3.58") in January, decreasing abruptly to the bare minimum in May and lasting through to
September, then gathering momentum again in
December with 60mm (2.36").
The best time to visit Chisinau
The best time to visit
Chisinau largely depends on individual preferences. However, for those fond of temperate conditions,
June offers an ideal blend of moderate temperatures between a high of 26.8°C (80.2°F) and a low 15.4°C (59.7°F), combined with a respectable rainfall of 58mm (2.28"). This month also delivers the highest level of daylight, with around 15.8 hours. Additionally, with a comfortable UV index of 6, ample sunshine for approximately 10.7 hours, and agreeable visibility of 10 km, June epitomizes the best of Chisinau weather for visitors.
The worst time to visit Chisinau
Those repulsed by cold temperatures would do well to avoid
Chisinau in
January. The city's maximum temperatures scarcely rise above freezing point, scaling to a modest 0.3°C (32.5°F), with minimum temperatures plunging to -5.3°C (22.5°F). Compounding the chilly scenario, January sees the peak of snowfall, tallying at about 91mm (3.58"). Reduced daylight hours of around 9 and quite clouded skies, with 62% cloud cover, intensify the dreary scene of January.
Spring weather in Chisinau
Spring commences sluggishly in
Chisinau, with
March featuring high temperatures of about 9.5°C (49.1°F) and lows hovering at 1.6°C (34.9°F).
April, however, heralds the arrival of milder conditions, as temperatures bolster to highs of 16.8°C (62.2°F) and lows of 6.5°C (43.7°F). Furthermore, spring witnesses relatively limited precipitation, peaking at 20mm (0.79") in April, accompanied by a tolerable level of humidity. The season also ushers in significant daylight hours, elevating from 11.9 hours in March to 13.6 in April.
Summer weather in Chisinau
Summer in
Chisinau unfolds under largely sunny conditions. Although precipitation climaxes in
June with 58mm (2.28"), the season is generally dry. Temperatures rise steadily from highs of 22.5°C (72.5°F) in
May to peak warmth of 29.4°C (84.9°F) in
August, with lows maintaining a comfortable range between 11.3°C (52.3°F) and 16.5°C (61.7°F). Moreover, extended daylight of up to 15.8 hours in June, and an abundance of sunshine, averaging around 11 hours in
July and August, galvanize the enjoyable summer sensations.
Autumn weather in Chisinau
Autumn ushers in a transition phase in
Chisinau’s climate, with the warm summer temperatures slowly giving way to the impending winter chill. High temperatures nudge downwards from 23.5°C (74.3°F) in
September to a brisker 9.3°C (48.7°F) by
November. Correspondingly, minimum temperatures slip from 12.1°C (53.8°F) in September to a colder 3.4°C (38.1°F) come November. Rainfall, which sees 14mm (0.55") in September, hovers between 17mm (0.67") in
October and November, accompanying a gentle rise in humidity.
Winter weather in Chisinau
As the winter advances in
Chisinau, the city becomes coated in snow, with the peak snowfall occurring in
January at 91mm (3.58"). Simultaneously, temperatures plummet to high of 0.3°C (32.5°F) and a low of -5.3°C (22.5°F) in January, marginally moderating in
February. Although the sun shines for about 4 hours daily, temperatures remain stubbornly low. Alongside these conditions, winter brings on the frosts and heightened humidity levels, peaking in
December and gradually subsiding through the season. The city experiences reduced daylight, reaching its nadir at approximately 8.6 hours in December.
Weather in January
Winter is in full swing in
Chisinau,
Moldova during
January. Frosty conditions regularly lead to snowfall, with 91mm (3.58") snow recorded, making the month one of the snowiest of the year. The brisk winds only intensify the chill.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Chisinau temperatures in
February remain within the winter norm, albeit higher compared to
January. February continues in the same chilling vein as January, nonetheless, there's a substantial decrease in snowfall, falling from 91mm (3.58") to 52mm (2.05").
Weather in February » Weather in March
March marks the arrival of spring, an appreciable improvement from the frosty conditions of
February. The weather transition is evident both in daytime temperatures and decreased snowfall. The almost disappearing 24mm (0.94") of snowfall in March shows a transition from winter to the blooming season.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The weather in
Chisinau,
Moldova, noticeably changes from the onset of
April onwards. The increase in warmth from
March is significant, leading to a drastic decrease in snowfall - barely reaching 2mm (0.08") all month. April's weather encourages more time spent outdoors compared to previous months, with longer, brighter days and blooming landscapes.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
Chisinau,
May is synonymous with a significant climb in temperatures, and the city begins to feel distinctly summery after the modest warmth of
April. Rainfall increases in May, recording a monthly average of 40mm (1.57"). The uptick in rainfall and the accompanying humidity does not hamper outdoor activities drastically.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June is the official start of summer in
Chisinau and is noticeably warmer compared to
May. A precipitous jump in rainfall of 58mm (2.28") shifts June to be the year's wettest month. Despite the increase, summer-related activities continue unhindered.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July, the weather remains pretty much unvaried from
June, with temperatures remaining warm. It is the warmest month of the year with the maximum temperature reaching up to 28.8°C (83.8°F). However, the thunderstorms bringing the odd shower offer a brief respite from the heat.
Weather in July »Weather in August
In
August,
Chisinau's summer heat continues unabated from
July. The month, however, distinguishes itself by being the driest of the year with a meager 10mm (0.39") of rainfall. As the rainfall diminishes, late summer festivals are enjoyed under clear skies, leading to joyful celebration.
Weather in August »Weather in September
After the scorching summer,
September brings the first signs of autumn to
Chisinau. A noticeable drop in temperatures from
August signals the end of summer, yet the weather remains enjoyable. Daylight hours steadily decrease throughout the month, a pattern visible since the height of summer.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
By the time
October comes around, autumn is fully established in
Chisinau. There's a consistent, significant drop in temperatures from
September. While the changing leaves add a touch of color to the city, the cooler temperatures require warmer clothing.
Weather in October »Weather in November
The city of
Chisinau in
November witnesses a further dip in temperature as winter starts showing signs of arrival. The transition from the mild autumn weather in
October to cooler November days is substantial. November marks the end of the autumn leaf fall, leaving the city streets filled with shades of yellow and brown.
Weather in November »Weather in December
In
Chisinau,
December means winter has emerged in full force after the cool
November. Snow begins to fall again, amounting to 60mm (2.36") over the month. The first snowfall of the season imbues the city with a festive atmosphere, beautifully complementing the holiday season.
Weather in December »