The climate of Nizhny Novgorod
A city located in western
Russia,
Nizhny Novgorod experiences a humid continental climate in accordance with the Köppen climate classification, specifically a Dfb climate. This particular classification signifies the nonexistence of a dry season and the occurrence of a warm summer. Situated in the middle of a large landmass and far from the moderating effects of the ocean, the climate of Nizhny Novgorod is characterized by stark seasonal contrasts: hot summers and long, cold winters.
Throughout the year, the temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod fluctuate widely. In the colder months, from
December to
February, the city experiences temperatures descending to as low as -12.7°C (9.1°F) in
January while in the warmer months, temperatures can climb to 24.4°C (75.9°F) in
July. Humidity levels stay relatively uniform, varying between 68% in
May to 96% in January. Rainfall is well distributed over the year with the wettest month being July with 52mm (2.05") of rain and the driest month being December with only 19mm (0.75") of rain.
There is also a noteworthy amount of snowfall in Nizhny Novgorod, especially during the winter months. Snowfall is abundant from December reaching its peak in January with 182mm (7.17"), diminishing steadily thereafter until May when snowfall is absent. Sunshine hours follow a cyclic pattern, from a minimum of 1.4 hours in January, they maximize to 10.1 hours in July and
August, before starting to decrease once again. The wind speed varies relatively little during the year, ranging from 10.7km/h (6.6mph) in July to 13.9km/h (8.6mph) in December.
The best time to visit Nizhny Novgorod
For those seeking warm temperatures and long days, the optimal time to visit
Nizhny Novgorod would be during the summer months. Between
June and
August, the city witnesses the highest temperatures, with a monthly average ranging from 21.8°C (71.2°F) to 24.4°C (75.9°F), and the longest days with average daylight hours exceeding 15 hours. Moreover, the amount of rainfall is somewhat higher during these months, averaging from 43mm (1.69") to 52mm (2.05"), adding a refreshing touch to the warm summer days.
The worst time to visit Nizhny Novgorod
Tourists may want to avoid visiting
Nizhny Novgorod during the colder months, from
December to
February, when the temperature drops significantly. In these winter months, the average daily temperatures can plummet to below freezing, from -7.8°C (18°F) to -4.2°C (24.4°F). Notably, in conjunction with these low temperatures, the city sees a substantial amount of snowfall, averaging from 167mm (6.57") in December to a peak of 182mm (7.17") in
January.
Spring weather in Nizhny Novgorod
During the period from
March to
May, spring in
Nizhny Novgorod offers a break from the extreme cold, although temperatures remain relatively low. The temperature starts to increase from -0.8°C (30.6°F) in March, reaching 18.8°C (65.8°F) by May. Relative humidity, too, starts to decrease at this time of the year, starting from 93% in March and decreasing to 68% by May. Rainfall begins to increase, reaching 42mm (1.65") in May, signaling the impending arrival of the wetter summer months.
Summer weather in Nizhny Novgorod
In the months from
June to
August,
Nizhny Novgorod experiences its warmest and wettest season. The temperature peaks at 24.4°C (75.9°F) in
July while the rainfall is highest in July at 52mm (2.05"). Surprisingly, relative humidity starts to increase again in the summer, reaching 71% in June and July. This is also the time of year with the highest number of daylight hours, averaging from 16.4 in
May to 17.6 in June.
Autumn weather in Nizhny Novgorod
The fall season in
Nizhny Novgorod, from
September to
November, is characterized by cooling temperatures and cloudy days. The temperature starts to decrease from 15.8°C (60.4°F) in September to 0.5°C (32.9°F) in November. Rainfall averages are also on the lower side, ranging from 40mm (1.57") in
October to 19mm (0.75") in November. Relative humidity, however, starts to increase, reaching 87% by November, making the air feel cooler than the actual temperatures.
Winter weather in Nizhny Novgorod
Winter in
Nizhny Novgorod, from
December through
February, is dominated by extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and short days. Throughout these months, the average temperature remains below freezing, falling to -12.7°C (9.1°F) in
January. In addition, during these months, the city experiences the most snowfall, with 182mm (7.17") in January and 167mm (6.57") in December. Daylight hours are also at their shortest, ranging from 7 hours in December to 9.6 hours in February.
Weather in January
January marks the height of winter in
Nizhny Novgorod with temperatures plummeting to the year's low. The mercury averages from -12.7°C (9.1°F) to -7.8°C (18°F) making it the coldest month. The city is enveloped by clouds about 87% of the time, decreasing visibility to 6km (3.7mi).
Weather in January » Weather in February
Slight improvements are discernible as
February arrives in
Nizhny Novgorod. Marginally warmer than
January, but the chill persists with temperatures ranging from -10.8°C (12.6°F) to -5.6°C (21.9°F). Snow continues to cover the city with significant accumulation throughout the month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Spring commences in
March, bringing perceptible modifications to
Nizhny Novgorod's weather conditions. Even though the cold is not as severe, temperatures fluctuating from -6.7°C (19.9°F) to -0.8°C (30.6°F) still necessitates warm clothing.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is a time of noticeable transition in
Nizhny Novgorod. The city breathes a sigh of relief from the winter as average temperatures in April range from 0.8°C (33.4°F) to 8.2°C (46.8°F), the notable shift toward warmer weather.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As
May arrives in
Nizhny Novgorod, the weather becomes quite warm. Temperatures get a boost heading to summer with averages varying from 8.8°C (47.8°F) to 18.8°C (65.8°F). The month witnesses an upsurge in the number of daylight hours, perfect for sightseeing.
Weather in May »Weather in June
In
June,
Nizhny Novgorod fully embraces the summer season. Being one of the hottest months, temperatures hover between 11.5°C (52.7°F) and 21.8°C (71.2°F). Green spaces flourish, and the city radiates with increased daylight. Sudden rain showers can occur, adding character to the weather.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak of summer in
Nizhny Novgorod, recording the highest temperatures of the year from 14°C (57.2°F) to 24.4°C (75.9°F). Pleasantly warm days complement the extended daylight, creating an inviting atmosphere for travelers.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August carries forward the warmth in
Nizhny Novgorod, though temperatures slightly revert between 13.1°C (55.6°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). A modest reduction in daylight hours barely impacts the exploration time. Although slightly less rainy than previous months, the weather remains unpredictable.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The gateway to autumn,
September sees a clear departure from the summer heat in
Nizhny Novgorod. Transitional weather with temperatures sliding from 15.8°C (60.4°F) to 8.4°C (47.1°F) bring a mixed bag of sunny and rainy days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October drags
Nizhny Novgorod into the embrace of autumn. Falling temperatures between 6.9°C (44.4°F) and 2.3°C (36.1°F) mark a definitive chill in the air. Warm clothing becomes a staple as daylight hours continue to recede.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings a significant drop in temperatures, averaging from -3°C (26.6°F) to 0.5°C (32.9°F), ushering in the early signs of winter in
Nizhny Novgorod. Frequent snowfall and diminishing daylight hours confine outdoor activities.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December announces the full arrival of winter in
Nizhny Novgorod. Icy conditions prevail with temperature averages swinging between -4.2°C (24.4°F) and -7.9°C (17.8°F). The days become shorter, restricting the daylight hours to 7.
Weather in December »