The climate of Norilsk
Norilsk, a Russian city situated in the Arctic Circle, falls under a chill Dfc subarctic climate on the Köppen climate classification. Fittingly, this translates to severe winters, no dry season, and cool summers. The weather throughout the year exhibits immense diversity, with temperatures spiking up to 17.1°C (62.8°F) during the summer highs in
July, and plunging to a shivering low of -27.8°C (-18°F) in the winter months.
The high humidity rates that prevail (ranging from 61% in July to up to 94% during the colder months) substantiate the absence of a dry season under the city's Köppen climate category. Visibility oscillates from 6km (3.7mi) to 10km (6.2mi), predominantly anchoring at 6km (3.7mi) during the onset of the icy months, whilst the number of daylight hours goes through a significant shift - from a scanty 2 hours in
January to a lengthy 24 hours in
June.
Norilsk experiences its maximum rainfall over the year, from 37mm (1.46") to 57mm (2.24") between July and
September, whereas the snowfall is impending from
October to
April, leading to a substantial amount accumulating, particularly in
December and
March, and sees a rapid decline to 20mm (0.79") in June. A noteworthy attribute of Norilsk's climate is the poor sunlight availability, with December and January averaging as little as 0.1 hours and 0.4 hours respectively.
The best time to visit Norilsk
Despite its harsh climatic conditions, there is still an opportune time to visit
Norilsk. The months leading from
June to
August bring a relatively warm environment, with temperatures climbing up to 17.1°C (62.8°F). The city receives its longest daylight hours in June with the sun shining for 24 hours. The humidity rate drops to a comfortable level at 61% in
July, with good visibility up to 10km (6.2mi) making it an ideal time for outdoor sight-seeing. Though rainfall is moderately high, it is still manageable compared to the intense snowfall during the other months.
The worst time to visit Norilsk
Unsurprisingly, the frigid conditions of the months from
November to
February make visiting
Norilsk a daunting task for most travellers. The temperature can stoop down to a bone-chilling -27.8°C (-18°F), and the city plummets into darkness for the majority of the day, with daylight hours dwindling to a mere 2 hours in
January. Add to this the heavy snowfall occurring from
October to
April, making these months extremely challenging for tourists unaccustomed to the cold.
Spring weather in Norilsk
Spring in
Norilsk, which is
March through
May, sees a gradual rise in weather parameters. Although temperatures remain sub-zero in March, it slowly tapers off, standing at -6.2°C (20.8°F) in
April and -0.9°C (30.4°F) in May. Sunshine hours start to increase from March's 2.7 hours to May's 3.5 hours, offering some respite from the previous winter's intense darkness. Simultaneously, snowfall sees a marked reduction, from 210mm (8.27") in March to 188mm (7.4") in May.
Summer weather in Norilsk
Norilsk’s summer, between
June and
August, experiences comparatively mild weather. The temperature peaks to an agreeable 17.1°C (62.8°F) in
July before descending to 12.9°C (55.2°F) in August. Daylight hours soar to a maximum of 24 hours in June, complemented by a relatively low humidity of 61% in July. However, rainfall is fairly high during this period, with July and August witnessing rains up to 57mm (2.24") and 53mm (2.09") correspondingly.
Autumn weather in Norilsk
September through
November marks the autumn season in
Norilsk. Temperatures commence a steady decline from 5.5°C (41.9°F) in September to a freezing -18.4°C (-1.1°F) in November. Typical to autumn, daylight hours reduce significantly from 13.3 hours in September to 4 hours in November, while cloud cover amplifies to 76% in November. Corresponding with the drop in temperatures, the city begins to witness increased snowfall, from 92mm (3.62") in September to 155mm (6.1") in November.
Winter weather in Norilsk
Winter in
Norilsk stretches from
December through
February, and is characterized by extreme weather conditions. The temperature plunges to -20.4°C (-4.7°F) in December and further descends to -27.8°C (-18°F) in
January, making this the direst period of the year. Limited to virtually no sunshine occurs during this period, with January and February seeing mere fragments of 0.4 hours and 1.2 hours respectively. Snowfall rates soar, netting up to 201mm (7.91") in December and 139mm (5.47") in February. Despite the oppressive cold, the air pressure remains stable, averaging around 1015 mb to 1020 mb throughout winter.
Weather in January
Norilsk weather in
January is known for its harsh winter conditions. Frigid temperatures prevail, with lows reaching -27.8°C (-18°F) and highs barely hitting -22.4°C (-8.3°F). Winds are steady, and there's a heavy snowfall. It's the season of spectacular snow blanks and ice caps, but limited sunlight gives a warning shortage of daylight hours.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February remains deep in winter mode, with freezing temperatures that are a bit milder than
January but still below -20°C (-4°F). Snowfall continues to be abundant. Despite the cold and the snow,
Norilsk can expect increased daylight, a welcome relief from the darkness of the previous month.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March ushers in a transition in
Norilsk's weather conditions, climate edges slowly away from deep winter. While it's far from being warm, temperatures improve slightly in comparison to the first two months. Days are also slightly longer with increased sunlight.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Come
April, the grip of winter loosens in
Norilsk. Higher temperatures and longer hours of daylight become more evident, indicating the advent of spring. However, snowfall is still present, with occasional showers of rain. The slightly elevated win speeds differentiate this month from others.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May marks the end of snowfall and the commencing of the brief summer season in
Norilsk. Even though temperatures remain below freezing -8°C (17.6°F) to -0.9°C (30.4°F), a visible reduction in snow and cloud coverage and an increase in daylight and sunshine hours bring about warmer days.
Weather in May » Weather in June
With the advent of
June,
Norilsk's summer takes on full swing. Though summer in Norilsk is far from typical hot summer temperatures, the increased temperatures see a rise in humidity. The city experiences the longest daylight hours and more sunshine days, but with the least amount of sunshine hours.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July stands as the warmest month in
Norilsk with average high temperatures reaching a peak of 17.1°C (62.8°F). This month experiences the maximum UV index, indicating stronger sun radiation. Despite being the summer peak, rainfall is still a frequent happening.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August marks the onset of the short-lived autumn season in
Norilsk. Although temperatures begin to drop, the weather remains relatively warm. It's a period of transition from the mild summer to the onset of the freezing fall season.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As
September rolls in,
Norilsk sees a quick transition into the colder months. The significant drop in temperature signifies the beginning of the long winter. Clouds once again start to dominate the sky, bringing with them increased rainfall and the return of snowfall with 92mm (3.62").
Weather in September »
Weather in October
With
October, the chilling winter sets in firmly over
Norilsk. With temperatures plummeting considerably, the skies turn snow-filled and wintry. Snowfall increases significantly, transforming the landscape into a winter panorama.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November, in
Norilsk, is commonly marked by freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. With an average high temperature of -18.4°C (-1.1°F) and towering snowfall, winter firmly establishes dominance. There's an abundant snow blanket coupled with stark decreases in daylight and sunshine hours.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December carries the torch of cold and wintry conditions in
Norilsk, marking peak winter season. Temperatures dive to their lowest averages, with lows at -24.9°C (-12.8°F) and highs not going beyond -20.4°C (-4.7°F). Residents experience shortest daylight hours with none to minimal sunshine.
Weather in December »