The climate of Verkhoyansk
Being classified under the Köppen climate classification as Dfd,
Verkhoyansk,
Russia is governed by a Subarctic climate, primarily characterised by a severe very cold winter, no dry season, and a cool summer. This town, located near the Arctic Circle, experiences a stark contrast between daylight hours across the varying months, with average lighting conditions fluctuating between a low of 1 hour in
December to a lengthy 24 hours in
June. The town's relative humidity maintains a fairly constant level throughout the year, hovering between 57% in June and 78% in
October.
Verkhoyansk also experiences distinct patterns in temperature, rainfall and snowfall throughout the year. Winter months bring plummeting temperatures, with the coldest observed months being
January and
February, where temperatures drop to an icy -48.3°C (-54.9°F) and -45.9°C (-50.6°F) respectively. The summer months from June to
August, despite being the warmest, max out an average high temperatures of 23.5°C (74.3°F) in
July. A significant amount of the town's precipitation falls as snow, with the highest number of snowfall days seen between October and January. Meanwhile, rainfall is highest between June and August, peaking at 34mm (1.34") in July and August.
The best time to visit Verkhoyansk
Considering the extreme cold weather that dominates most of the year, the best time to visit
Verkhoyansk is typically limited to the brief summer months, specifically between
June and
August. During this period, average high temperatures range from 18.6°C (65.5°F) to 23.5°C (74.3°F), providing relatively warm conditions amidst the town's usual frigid climate. Moreover, these months also offer the longest daylight hours, averaging between 22.5 and 24 hours, allowing visitors to enjoy maximum visibility and fully experience the local culture and landscape.
The worst time to visit Verkhoyansk
The intense, freezing winters make the period from
November to
March arguably the least desirable time to visit
Verkhoyansk. This period sees temperatures plummet to an average low of between -38.2°C (-36.8°F) in November and a shocking -48.3°C (-54.9°F) in
January. In combination with minimal daylight hours, particularly in
December with just a single hour of daylight, navigating the icy landscape can prove exceedingly challenging. Additionally, the higher relative humidity of 77% to 78% during these months may intensify the perceived cold.
Spring weather in Verkhoyansk
Spring in
Verkhoyansk, spanning from
March to
May, observes a slow yet consistent rise in temperature. March commences with a harsh average temperature low of -37.9°C (-36.2°F) and highs of -19.3°C (-2.7°F), which slowly elevates to -2.6°C (27.3°F) and 10°C (50°F) respectively by May. Daylight hours also take a leap in this period, from an average of 11.7 hours in March to a substantial 20.4 hours by the end of May. Despite an increase in rainfall, from 5mm (0.2") to 14mm (0.55"), snowfall days drop from 12 in March to a mere 4 in May, signalling the transition from a white canvas to a more diverse colour palette of spring.
Summer weather in Verkhoyansk
Summer, from
June to
August, brings about the most welcoming climate in
Verkhoyansk. Average high temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 23.5°C (74.3°F), with the corresponding lows varying from 6.7°C (44.1°F) to 9.7°C (49.5°F). June boasts of the highest daylight and sunshine hours across the year, clocking in at 24 and 11.8 hours respectively. However, it also observes the highest number of rainfall days, approximately 6.5 in
July, with the quantity of precipitation peaking at 34mm (1.34") in both July and August.
Autumn weather in Verkhoyansk
With the arrival of autumn in
September, the temperatures commence their gradual decline. Average highs fall from 18.6°C (65.5°F) in
August to 8.5°C (47.3°F) in September, then to a chilly -9.1°C (15.6°F) in
October. The average lows trail behind, depreciating from 5.1°C (41.2°F) in August to -2.3°C (27.9°F) and -18.9°C (-2°F) in September and October respectively. The daylight hours also start dwindling, reducing from 17.3 in August to 13.2 by September end. Precipitation patterns also see a change, with depleting rainfall from 34mm (1.34") to 19mm (0.75") and increasing snowfall days from 0 in August to 4 in September.
Winter weather in Verkhoyansk
Winter in
Verkhoyansk, extending from
November to
February, is characterised by an unforgiving chill, with average lows plummeting to between -38.2°C (-36.8°F) and -48.3°C (-54.9°F), and highs not faring much better, reaching between -30.7°C (-23.3°F) and -42.4°C (-44.3°F).
December unfortunately receives the least amount of daylight in a day, registering at just an hour, while the average sunshine hours also remain at their lowest. The number of snowfall days approach their yearly high, peaking at 18 in December, offering a relentless cover of white across the town.
Weather in January
Get prepared for the depths of freezing as
Verkhoyansk,
Russia sees the most intense chilling temperatures in
January. The month sees maximum lows plummeting to -48.3°C (-54.9°F), while high temperatures struggle to raise above -42.4°C (-44.3°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Verkhoyansk offers little respite from the relentless cold witnessed in
January. The city experiences faintly longer daylight hours, yet the temperatures continue to be severely low. Higher humidity and prevalent snowfall days enhance the wintry ambiance of the region.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
March takes the stage in
Verkhoyansk, there is an anticipation of a transition period. The city observes a notable increment in daylight hours and a decrease in snowfall days. Nonetheless, temperatures stay firmly in the firmly freezing range, though not as brutal as the opening months of the year.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks a significant shift in
Verkhoyansk's weather, with temperatures rising to as high as -3°C (26.6°F). The volume of snowfall continues its downward trajectory from
March, being replaced somewhat with rainy days. Moreover, the lengthening of daylight hours brings a sense of renewal to the city.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Verkhoyansk welcomes the arrival of spring, as the landscape comes alive with budding life. The cold lessens considerably with sporadic rainfall replacing the monotony of snow. The increased number of daylight hours allows for the thawing of frozen grounds.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June sees
Verkhoyansk bathed in nearly round-the-clock daylight, and temperatures climbing to a comfortable 20°C (68°F). This is the closest the city gets to experiencing a "warm" month. Appreciable rainfall begins to occur, turning the city's surrounding areas into lush green landscapes.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July occupies the warm month in
Verkhoyansk, with highs peaking at 23.5°C (74.3°F). This period is defined by extended daylight hours and abundant sunshine, contributing to maximum rainfall for the year. The flowers are in full bloom, filling the city with varied hues and fragrances.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Verkhoyansk presents a slight cooling from
July's warmth, with temperatures dipping slightly. Despite the reduction in temperatures, rainfall remains consistently high. The extended daylight hours begin to lessen, anticipating the imminent arrival of autumn.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September,
Verkhoyansk's climate begins its steady march towards winter. Temperatures start decreasing noticeably, yet the city experiences a comfortable autumn filled with vibrant foliage colors. The rainfall volume reduces, signaling the drying trend that leads to the winter season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks a more pronounced change in
Verkhoyansk's weather, as chilly nights become more frequent. The introduction of snow is a clear sign of the approaching winter. The turning leaves mark the end of autumn and make way for the dominance of icy white.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings tangible winter conditions back to
Verkhoyansk. With temperatures plunging to the freezing point and copious snowfall, the landscape quickly becomes a typical Siberian winter scenery. The sparse sunlight weakens, further intensifying the winter feel.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December finalizes the full transition of
Verkhoyansk into its famed, arctic winter. Daylight hours shrink down to a bare minimum, with the sun making only short appearances. Amid biting chilly winds, fresh snowfall dresses the city in a spectacular white veneer.
Weather in December »