Climate and monthly weather forecast
Norilsk, Russia

englishespañol中文
Share
The colorful buildings in the city of Norilsk in Russia at sunset
The colorful buildings in the city of Norilsk in Russia at sunset

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 »

Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest in Norilsk?

January, known for its average high temperature of -22.4°C (-8.3°F) and an average low temperature of -27.8°C (-18°F), is the coldest month.

What is the most humid month in Norilsk?

The months with the highest humidity in Norilsk, Russia, are January, February, November and December, with an average relative humidity of 94%.

How many days does it rain in Norilsk?

In Norilsk, Russia, during the entire year, the rain falls for 77.9 days and collects up to 466mm (18.35") of precipitation.

When does it snow in Norilsk?

Months with snowfall are January through June, August through December.

How much does it snow in Norilsk?

Throughout the year, in Norilsk, Russia, there are 150.6 snowfall days, and 1587mm (62.48") of snow is accumulated.

What is the month with the lowest UV index in Norilsk?

January through April, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Norilsk.

What is the driest month in Norilsk?

The month with the least rainfall in Norilsk, Russia, is February, when the rain falls for 0.8 days and typically collects 24mm (0.94") of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days in Norilsk?

The months with the shortest days are June and December, with an average of 0h and 0min of daylight.

What time of the year is the hottest in Norilsk?

July, with its high-temperature average of 17.1°C (62.8°F) and a low-temperature average of 9.8°C (49.6°F), is the warmest month.

What is the least humid month in Norilsk?

With an average relative humidity of 61%, July is the least humid month in Norilsk.

When it does not snow in Norilsk?

July is the only month when snow does not fall in Norilsk, Russia.

When is the highest UV index in Norilsk?

The month with the highest UV index is July, with an average maximum UV index of 4.

What is the rainiest month in Norilsk?

August is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 17 days and accumulates 57mm (2.24") of precipitation.

When are the longest days in Norilsk?

August has the longest days of the year in Norilsk, Russia, with an average of 17h and 54min of daylight.

What month has the most sunshine in Norilsk?

August has the most sunshine of the year in Norilsk, with an average of 8.4h of sunshine.

When does it snow the most in Norilsk?

The month with the most snowfall in Norilsk, Russia, is October, when snow falls for 18.4 days and typically aggregates up to 218mm (8.58") of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Norilsk?

December has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 0.1h of sunshine.

Average temperature
Norilsk, Russia

Average temperature - Norilsk, Russia

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (17.1°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (-22.4°C).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (9.8°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (-27.8°C).

Average pressure
Norilsk, Russia

Average pressure - Norilsk, Russia

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is February (1020.5mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is July (1008.1mbar).

Average wind speed
Norilsk, Russia

Average wind speed - Norilsk, Russia

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is March (15.5km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is November (12.6km/h).

Average humidity
Norilsk, Russia

Average humidity - Norilsk, Russia

The months with the highest relative humidity are January, February, November and December (94%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is July (61%).

Average rainfall
Norilsk, Russia

Average rainfall - Norilsk, Russia

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (57mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (24mm).

Average rainfall days
Norilsk, Russia

Average rainfall days - Norilsk, Russia

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (17 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (0.3 days).

Average snowfall
Norilsk, Russia

Average snowfall - Norilsk, Russia

The month with the highest snowfall is October (218mm).
The month with the least snowfall is July (0mm).

Average snowfall days
Norilsk, Russia

Average snowfall days - Norilsk, Russia

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (18.9 days).
The month with the least snowfall days is July (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Norilsk, Russia

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Norilsk, Russia

The month with the longest days is August (Average daylight: 17h and 54min).
The months with the shortest days are June and December (Average daylight: 0h and 0min).

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 8h and 24min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 0h and 6min).

Average sunshine days
Norilsk, Russia

Average sunshine days - Norilsk, Russia

The month with the most sunshine days is July (16.2 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is September (9.9 days).

Average UV index
Norilsk, Russia

Average UV index - Norilsk, Russia

The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 4).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, April, October, November and December (UV index 1).

Average visibility
Norilsk, Russia

Average visibility - Norilsk, Russia

The month with the highest visibility is July (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, November and December (6km).

Norilsk, Russia

Weather forecast for your location

1. Click Locate me button
2. Allow the app to use your location