The climate of Donetsk
Donetsk, a vibrant city in
Ukraine, displays a Humid Continental climate, labeled as Dfb under the Köppen climate classification. No dry season marks its climate, and summers tend to be warm. Located in Eastern Europe, Donetsk experiences substantial variations in its climatic conditions throughout the year.
Temperature fluctuations are notable between the seasons, with averages dropping to a low of -6.4°C (20.5°F) in winter months and rising up to around 28.9°C (84°F) during summer. The humidity level fluctuates from 46% in the midst of summer to a rather high figure of 92% during the winter months. Considerable levels of precipitation can be expected year-round with the number of rainfall days ranging from 4.4 to 15.3 days per month. The city also witnesses intermittent snowfall, predominantly in
December and
January, with snowfall days peaking at 12.2 in the former and precipitation measuring up to 79mm (3.11").
With daylight hours fluctuating from 8.5 to 16 hours, sunshine duration also varies, ranging from as low as 2.5 to 11.7 hours per day. The UV index stays between a moderate 1 during the coldest months to a high of 7 during the peak of summer. The likewise variable wind speeds offer a range from 13.1km/h (8.1mph) to 17.6km/h (10.9mph) throughout the year.
In a nutshell, Donetsk's climate is characterized by significant annual variations that bring about contrasting weather experiences each season.
The best time to visit Donetsk
Considering the climate data, the period from
May to
September appears to be the most favorable time to visit
Donetsk. During this period, the city experiences pleasant temperatures that vary between 14.9°C (58.8°F) to 28.9°C (84°F), with relatively low humidity. Sunshine hours peak between
June and
August with around 11 to 15 hours of daylight available per day. This period also guarantees the least visibility constraint, as it maintains a good visibility range of 10 km.
The worst time to visit Donetsk
The coldest months, particularly between
December and
February, could be quite challenging for visitors. The low temperatures can drop down to -6.4°C (20.5°F), and the high humidity percentage of around 88% to 92% intensifies the cold. Moreover, these months see the least sunshine with approximately 3 to 3.3 hours per day only and limited daylight between 8.5 to 10.2 hours. The snowfall in these months could also hinder tourist activities.
Spring weather in Donetsk
The spring, from
March to
May, brings about a notable shift in
Donetsk's climate. The temperatures start to escalate from a low of -0.7°C (30.7°F) up to a high of 21.8°C (71.2°F). The humidity level, however, follows a declining trend at this time, dipping to 62% from 76%. Rainfall during this season varies from 13mm (0.51") to 31mm (1.22"), with the number of rainy days edging to 15.3 in May. Sunshine duration improves remarkably, with an increase from 5.2 to 9.9 hours per day as spring progresses.
Summer weather in Donetsk
Summers, stretching from
June to
August, unveil
Donetsk's warm and sunny side. Temperatures hover between 26.3°C (79.3°F) to 28.9°C (84°F) while the humidity levels drop to their lowest, oscillating between 46% to 54%. Rainfall takes the upper hand in June and
July with up to 28mm (1.1"), but measures down to 13mm (0.51") in August. Extensive sunlight greets the city in summer as sunshine extends from 11 to 11.7 hours per day. The UV index hits the topmost value of 7 in this season.
Autumn weather in Donetsk
Autumn temperatures from
September to
November sees a significant drop from 22.1°C (71.8°F) to 6.1°C (43°F). Simultaneously, the humidity level begins to rise again, reaching 78% by November. Rainfall decreases considerably in autumn, reflecting values between 11mm (0.43") to 14mm (0.55"), and the number of rainy days also reduce. The amount of sunshine drops as autumn proceeds, moving down from 8.8 to 4.8 hours per day.
Winter weather in Donetsk
Winters in
Donetsk are typically cold and marked by plummeting temperatures, given values between -6.4°C (20.5°F) to 1°C (33.8°F). Humidity levels surge during these months, often reaching up to 92%. The city also experiences its maximum snowfall in winter, with 79mm (3.11") in precipitation and 12.2 snowfall days in
December. On the contrary, sunshine becomes scarcer, as sunlight hours dwindle to 2.5 to 3.3 per day. The chilling winter wind speeds also escalate to its highest at 17.6km/h (10.9mph).
Weather in January
Without a doubt,
January in
Donetsk,
Ukraine is in the grip of winter. The characteristics of this winter month include temperatures plummeting well below freezing, a high probability of snow and a short amount of daylight. In January, it is noteworthy that snowfall peaks at 79mm (3.11"), dressing the city in a spectacular winter wonderland.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The month of
February continues the winter trends in
Donetsk, although with subtle shifts in climatic patterns. While it remains cold and frosty, a careful observer could notice a slight elevation in the temperature averages. Snowfall tends to slightly reduce, going from 79mm (3.11") in
January to 64mm (2.52").
Weather in February »Weather in March
March ushers in noticeable changes in
Donetsk's weather, as winter starts to loosen its grip over the city. The month is characterized by longer daylight hours, reducing snowfall and a gradual rise in temperatures. A significant shift is observed in snowfall, dropping to just 28mm (1.1") from 64mm (2.52") in
February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Following the trend set in
March,
April continues to witness the transformation of
Donetsk's weather. Rising temperature averages, retreating winter conditions, and a significant increase in daylight hours are notable characteristics of April.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is a time of further warming in
Donetsk,
Ukraine with rising temperatures and ample daylight, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. This month arguably stands out because of the noticeable increase in rainfall which reaches a yearly high of 31mm (1.22").
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is the official start of summer in
Donetsk. The month is graced with longer daylight hours, limited rainfall, and, most importantly, increased temperatures. June lows register at 16°C (60.8°F), a significant increase considering that just five months earlier, in
January, temperatures hovered around -6.4°C (20.5°F).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Donetsk,
Ukraine is characterized by peak summer conditions: high temperatures, low rainfall, and abundant sunshine. In fact, the hottest average temperature for the year is registered in this month at 28.8°C (83.8°F). It offers the longest daylight hours and stands out as the city's sunniest month.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the summer trend in
Donetsk with hot temperatures, low rainfall, and prolonged daylight hours. Although it remains warm, temperatures begin a gradual decline from the peak recorded in
July, indicating that the city is nearing the tail end of the summer season.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Donetsk,
Ukraine signifies the arrival of autumn, with a noticeable change in weather patterns. There is a significant drop in temperatures and daylight hours start to decrease. Signs of autumn become evident with a considerable drop in temperature, with the high falling to 22.1°C (71.8°F) from 28.9°C (84°F) in
August.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
October sets in,
Donetsk experiences a further consolidation of autumn with more noticeable drops in temperature. The diminishing daylight hours and the arrival of cooler evenings are clear indicators of the oncoming winter.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November marks the arrival of early winter conditions in
Donetsk,
Ukraine. This month witnesses a significant drop in temperature, shorter daylight hours, and increasing chances of snowfall. However, the most notable shift is seen in the appearance of snow, with a recorded snowfall amount of 12mm (0.47").
Weather in November » Weather in December
By the time
December rolls in,
Donetsk is firmly gripped by winter. Cold temperatures, snowfall, and limited daylight hours constitute the weather blueprint for this month. A noteworthy detail about December is a significant increase in snowfall, reaching up to 42mm (1.65") from the 12mm (0.47") recorded in
November.
Weather in December »