The climate of Yakutsk
Yakutsk,
Russia, is considered to have a Subarctic climate, known as Dfd according to the Köppen climate classification. This type of climate is noted for its severe very cold winter, a cool summer season with no dry period. Geographically, Yakutsk is positioned in Eastern Siberia and holds the accolade of being one of the coldest cities globally.
Throughout the year, Yakutsk experiences considerable variation in its weather parameters. The high temperature ranges between a mild 26.1°C (79°F) in
July to a chilling -32.7°C (-26.9°F) in
December. Not surprisingly, the low temperature dips even more, falling to -38.2°C (-36.8°F) in December, up to a relatively bearable 13.4°C (56.1°F) in July. As for humidity, the relative humidity oscillates between 50% in
June and 97% in
January—thus truly reflecting the diversity in Yakutsk's climatic pattern.
As a hallmark of Yakutsk's annual weather pattern, the city experiences most of its rainfall during
August, reaching 32mm (1.26"). Conversely, the city goes nearly dry in January and December, with rainfall just at 5mm (0.2"). One unique aspect of Yakutsk’s climate is its snowfall, reaching a high of 121mm (4.76") in
April, shuttering to none from June to August, and resurfacing in
September with 25mm (0.98") snowfall.
The duration of daylight and sunshine also paints a vivid picture of the Yakutsk climate. The shortest daylight of 5.3 hours is in December that extends to a generous 19.6 hours in June. The city enjoys the most sunshine in June, approximately 14.4 hours a day, which dwindles to less than one in December at 0.6 hours.
The best time to visit Yakutsk
Choosing the best time to visit
Yakutsk largely depends on the individual traveler's weather preference. However, generally speaking, travelers might find the months of
June through
August most favorable. These months offer a pleasant temperature, with the highs ranging from 21.3°C (70.3°F) to 26.1°C (79°F). Plus, the amount of sunshine is at its peak, with daylight hours extending between 15.9 hours to 19.6 hours. Also, the absence of snowfall during these months provides an easy commute and exploration.
The worst time to visit Yakutsk
If harsh, frigid temperatures are not a preference, the months from
December through
February could be considered as less desirable for visitors. During these months, the temperature frequently falls to a chilling low range of -32.1°C (-25.8°F) to -38.3°C (-36.9°F). The snowfall during these months is rather prominent, with an average of 45mm (1.77") to 91mm (3.58"). The diminished daylight, from 5.1 to 8.9 hours, and minimal sunshine, around 1 hour, further compounds the challenging condition.
Spring weather in Yakutsk
The transition from severe winter to relatively milder conditions,
Yakutsk's spring, observed from
March through
May, is a period of considerable climatic change. March retains cold temperatures, with highs at -13.1°C (8.4°F) and lows at -23.1°C (-9.6°F). However, the weather gradually improves with highs rising to 12.8°C (55°F) in May. The snowfall reduces significantly from 93mm (3.66") in March to 41mm (1.61") in May. Daylight hours increase progressively from 11.8 hours to a healthy 17.7 hours by the end of this period.
Summer weather in Yakutsk
Summers, from
June through
August, provide a much-needed relief from the cold in
Yakutsk. This period exudes warmth with high temperatures hovering between 21.3°C (70.3°F) to 26.1°C (79°F) and lows from 10.2°C (50.4°F) to 13.4°C (56.1°F). The absence of snowfall coupled with an average rainfall between 20mm (0.79") and 32mm (1.26") in these months adds a sense of freshness. The plentiful daylight hours, ranging from 15.9 to 19.6, permit ample time for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Yakutsk
Autumn, marking the transition from pleasant summers to freezing winters, occurs from
September through
November in
Yakutsk. The temperature decreases steeply within this period, with highs dropping from 10.5°C (50.9°F) in September to a frigid -22.5°C (-8.5°F) by November. Correspondingly, snowfall increases, commencing with 25mm (0.98") in September and culminating at 91mm (3.58") in November. A significantly lower mean sunlight duration, ranging from 7.3 hours to 1.2 hours, hints at the impending severe winter conditions.
Winter weather in Yakutsk
Winter is the longest season in
Yakutsk, spanning from
December through
February, characterized by biting cold temperature, heavy snow, and reduced daylight. During this time, the high temperatures barely rise above -32.1°C (-25.8°F), with lows dipping to an arctic -38.2°C (-36.8°F). Snowfall is considerable, varying between 38mm (1.5") to 91mm (3.58"), paving the way for winter sports. However, the duration of daylight shrinks noticeably, with December having only 5.3 daylight hours on average.
Weather in January
Freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall occupy the city of
Yakutsk in
January. The cold intensifies compared to
December, reaching the lowest tempratures of the year. It is accompanied by minimal sunshine hours and a high relativity measurment of humidity.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February introduces a noticeable shift in
Yakutsk's climate as temperatures gradually start to rise. Although it remains frigid, there is a slight respite compared to the severe chills experienced in
January. Daily snowfall continues and daylight gradually starts to increase.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March, a transitionary period for
Yakutsk's weather, exhibits longer daylight hours and reduced snowfall. This month, while slightly warmer, still experiences stable winter conditions. The first signs of a breakup in the harsh winter manifest as temperatures climb, reducing the intensity of the chill.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
With the arrival of
April,
Yakutsk officially enters its spring season. An increase in precipitation is accompanied by rain replacing snowfall. As an indication of the thawing landscape, a noticeable rise in both temperatures and visibility occurs compared to
March.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May signifies the end of frigid temperatures in
Yakutsk as the city welcomes mild weather. An increased daylight presence ushers in much warmer temperatures and noticeable variations in climatic attributes. Most noticeably, the city receives its maximum hours of brightness during this month.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June ushers in
Yakutsk's summer with the brightest and longest days of the year. The city enjoys an impressive amount of sunshine, and the total absence of snowfall characterises this month. Pleasing temperature trends offer a respite compared to
May, marking a significant rise in warmth.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings the warmest temperatures of the year to
Yakutsk. It is a time when the city records the highest level of rainfall, offering a refreshing change from
June's dry conditions. The pleasant highs of summer endure this month. With the temperature scale logging July's levels between 13.4°C (56.1°F) and 26.1°C (79°F), it stands as a warm and vibrant month.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August observes a downward shift in
Yakutsk's temperature, signalling the conclusion of summer's peak. An increased cloud cover heralds the changing season followed by the noticeable shortening of daylight hours. Despite being slightly cooler than
July, it remains a comfortable month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The month of
September in
Yakutsk welcomes the advent of autumn. A noticeable decline in daily sunshine hours is coupled with decreasing temperatures. A return of snowfall, although in moderate amounts, foreshadows the impending winter.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks the onset of cold weather in
Yakutsk once again, introducing a steep drop in temperatures. Less daylight hours, increased snowfall, and a rise in humidity characterize this month. A diminishing warmth is visible as autumn transitions into the early stages of winter.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November,
Yakutsk succumbs to the grip of freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall once again. An increase in cloud cover and limited daylight hours signify the dominance of winter. Compared to
October, November weather exhibits a stark contrast with collapsing temperatures.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December cements the commencement of severe winter weather in
Yakutsk. With the shortest daylight hours and maximum cloud cover, the city experiences one of the nation's harshest winters. A sharp drop in temperatures from
November marks this month as exceedingly cold.
Weather in December »