The climate of Arkhangelsk
Arkhangelsk,
Russia, characterized by a Subarctic climate, belongs to the Köppen climate classification - Dfc. This type represents severe winters and cool summers with no discernible dry season. The geographical location of Arkhangelsk in the Northern Hemisphere contributes to this climate leading to the formation of thick ice mantles enveloping the region during winter and cool temperatures even in the middle of summer.
The weather variability in Arkhangelsk differs to a considerable extent across the year. High temperatures in this city range from a chilling -9.2°C (15.4°F) in the colder months to a modest peak of 21.8°C (71.2°F) in the warmest month. On the lower end of the spectrum, temperatures drop to -16.5°C (2.3°F) in the coldest month and ascend to a comfortable 11.3°C (52.3°F) in the hottest month.
Relative humidity lies on the higher side throughout the year, ranging from 68% in dryer months to a peak of 89%. Rainfall measurements alternate between 29mm (1.14") to a maximum of 73mm (2.87") over the course of the year. Interestingly, the city experiences a substantial amount of snowfall with snowfall days varying from no snowfall at all in some months to 28 days during the peak winter period.
Arkhangelsk also experiences fluctuations in sunlight hours reaching up to 21.2 hours during the longest days. On the contrary, the shortest days see daylight for barely 4.2 hours. As for the UV index, it tends not to exceed 4 throughout the year due to the city's high latitude.
The best time to visit Arkhangelsk
July stands as the most suitable month to visit
Arkhangelsk, considering the pleasantly warm temperatures. With an average high of 21.8°C (71.2°F) and a low of 11.3°C (52.3°F), this month provides the most amicable weather conditions in this part of
Russia. Sunlight also reaches its peak during this period with an average of 9.9 sunlight hours. Additionally, the sea temperatures are at their warmest, averaging 9.8°C (49.6°F), during this time, making it conducive for seaside activities.
The worst time to visit Arkhangelsk
January is arguably the most ill-advised month to visit
Arkhangelsk owing to the severe cold marking this period. With -9.2°C (15.4°F) as the highest temperature and lows plummeting to -16.5°C (2.3°F), the weather is exceedingly harsh, mainly due to frequent snowfall with an estimated 27 snowfall days. Adding onto it, the daylight hours at this time decrease to a scanty 5.4 hours and the sea temperature averages at a freezing -1.3°C (29.7°F).
Spring weather in Arkhangelsk
Arkhangelsk's springs, primarily composing the months of
March,
April, and
May, combine a moderate blend of thawing snow and warmer temperatures. March still sees some lingering cold with high temperatures barely crossing -1.2°C (29.8°F) and lows hitting a chilling -9.4°C (15.1°F) whereas, by May, temperatures take a turn upward reaching highs of 12.5°C (54.5°F) and bearable lows of 2.2°C (36°F).
Summer weather in Arkhangelsk
Arkhangelsk's summer months, from
June to
August, bring forth a welcome relief from the colder seasons. June presents a maximum temperature of 18.7°C (65.7°F) and a minimum of 7.7°C (45.9°F).
July, the hottest month, holds high temperatures around 21.8°C (71.2°F) and lows near 11.3°C (52.3°F) whereas, August sees temperatures dipping slightly to a high of 18°C (64.4°F) and a low of 8.9°C (48°F).
Autumn weather in Arkhangelsk
Autumn in
Arkhangelsk starts in
September and ends in
November with weather becoming progressively colder. September brings high temperatures around 12.2°C (54°F) lowering to 4.8°C (40.6°F) in November. Minimum temperatures at this time of year range from 5.1°C (41.2°F) in to a colder -2.5°C (27.5°F) towards the end of the season.
Winter weather in Arkhangelsk
Winter manifests
Arkhangelsk's archetypal arctic conditions, taking over from
December and persisting until
February. December starts off with high temperatures hoovering around -2.5°C (27.5°F) which dip further to -9.2°C (15.4°F) in
January. Low temperatures hover around the range from -7.7°C (18.1°F) to -16.5°C (2.3°F). Daylight hours shorten significantly, reaching only 4.2 hours in December. These months also witness heightened snowfall with snowfall days extending upto a towering 28 days. The winter is unquestionably extreme with frequent snow and ice, dropping temperatures to their lowest, and considerably reduced daylight.
Weather in January
As the calendar flips to
January,
Arkhangelsk welcomes the peak moment of winter's hold. Temperatures plunge to a chilly average low of -16.5°C (2.3°F), making it the coldest month in comparison to
December's moderate chill. This month is not conducive for outdoor activities, as the frosty weather combined with 27 days of snowfall creates a winter wonderland landscape.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Comparatively less severe than
January,
February still maintains a firm grip of winter conditions. The falling average temperature ranges from -15.2°C (4.6°F) on the lower end to -7.7°C (18.1°F) on the higher side. The winter's white canvas starts to slowly recede with a slight drop in snowfall days, but the minimal increase in sunshine hours from 2 to 0.4 does little to alleviate the prevalent cold.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March marks the ending of the harsh winter with a noticeable rise in temperature from -9.4°C (15.1°F) to -1.2°C (29.8°F), hinting at the forthcoming spring season. The decrease in snowfall days and increase in rainfall shows a relative shift towards milder weather patterns.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings a marked change in the weather conditions of
Arkhangelsk as it steps into the full bloom of spring. residents start experiencing a noticeable increase in average temperature, climbing up from -3.9°C (25°F) to 5.4°C (41.7°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May comes riding on warm winds, ushering in a much-awaited reprieve from the frigid weather, with average temperatures oscillating from 2.2°C (36°F) to 12.5°C (54.5°F). The scenery transforms into a canvas of vibrant hues as the sunlight reaches its near peak, illuminating the city for 18.7 hours per day.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings summer to
Arkhangelsk, with a surge in average temperature ranging between 7.7°C (45.9°F) and 18.7°C (65.7°F), making it one of the warmest months. Extended daylight hours peak at 21.2, spotlighting the city's scenic beauty and boosting the scope for all-day outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
At the pinnacle of summer,
July stands as the most heated month in
Arkhangelsk exhibiting an average temperature spectrum of 11.3°C (52.3°F) to 21.8°C (71.2°F). The city sees a substantial increase in rainfall, signaling a shift towards a wetter climate.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August signals the retreat of summer in
Arkhangelsk, as displayed by a decrease in average temperature varying from 8.9°C (48°F) to 18°C (64.4°F). Occasional rains continue to dot the city skyline, ushering in a refreshing change from the summer heat.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September sets the autumnal backdrop in
Arkhangelsk with temperatures floating from 5.1°C (41.2°F) to 12.2°C (54°F). Exhibiting an increase in rainfall coupled with diminished sunlight hours down to 13, it symbolizes the oncoming wintry weather.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October experiences a swift shift of climates in
Arkhangelsk, as temperatures dwindle between 0.1°C (32.2°F) and 4.8°C (40.6°F). The relatively cold weather, coupled with increased snowfall days, heralds the advent of the impending winter.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks the beginning of the winter season in
Arkhangelsk, evident with temperatures plunging from -7.7°C (18.1°F) to -2.5°C (27.5°F). As rainfall turns into snowfall extending over 25 days, the city starts preparing for its renowned severe winters.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Wrapping up the year,
December immerses
Arkhangelsk in the midst of an intense wintry spell as the temperature nose-dives from -13.4°C (7.9°F) to -6.4°C (20.5°F). Short daylight hours of 4.2 coupled with the high snowfall rate transform the city into a monochrome sketch of white.
Weather in December »