The climate of Kharkiv
Located in the northeastern part of
Ukraine,
Kharkiv's climate, classified as Dfb under the Köppen climate classification, can best be described as a humid continental type. It exemplifies this climate type with a notable absence of a dry season, and a summer that is far from scorching, but still comfortably warm.
Throughout the year, visitors and residents of Kharkiv can expect to experience quite a range in temperatures. On the coldest end of the spectrum, temperatures can plummet to as low as negative 7.3°C (45.1°F) in and around the month of
February. On the opposite end, during the warmer periods, most notably around
July, temperatures can reach as high as 26.4°C (79.5°F).
Rainfall remains relatively consistent throughout most parts of the year, with slightly wetter conditions prevalent from
May to July when rainfall measures from 50mm (1.97") to 61mm (2.4"). Correspondingly, these months also see a slightly higher number of days with rainfall, increasing from 13 days in
April to 15 days in
June. Relative humidity varies from 61% in May to a slightly higher 87% in
December, contributing to the overall chilly conditions of winters in Kharkiv.
Interestingly, Kharkiv experiences a significant number of days with snowfall annually, particularly during winter, from December to February with 18 to 19 snowfall days. However, this occurrence drastically decreases to near insignificant levels by late spring and throughout summer. Daylight hours vary, as expected, with the shortest days in December with approximately 8.2 hours, progressively lengthening to around 16.3 hours in June.
The best time to visit Kharkiv
The most favorable period to visit
Kharkiv would arguably be in late spring to early summer, from
May to
June. During this timeframe, the city experiences an optimal blend of comfortable daytime temperatures ranging from 20.8°C (69.4°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F). The city also enjoys more extended daylight hours at over 15 hours. Despite being the wettest period with rainfall measuring from 50mm (1.97") to 61mm (2.4"), the rainfall is typically spread out over the month which lessens the likelihood of travel disruption.
The worst time to visit Kharkiv
Conversely, the least inviting time to visit
Kharkiv is during the severe winter months from
December to
February. With temperatures descending to as low as negative 7.3°C (45.1°F) and an average daylight hour figure of less than 9 hours, outdoor activities become very limited. Moreover, recurring snowfall days may further hinder travel plans during these months.
Spring weather in Kharkiv
Spring in
Kharkiv, from
March to
May, sees a gradual rise in temperatures. From a relatively chilly negative 2.4°C (36.3°F) in March, conditions significantly improve by May with temperatures reaching 20.8°C (69.4°F). During these months, the city witnesses a slight increase in rainfall from 33mm (1.3") to 50mm (1.97"), along with an increase in daylight hours from around 11.9 hours to 15.4 hours. With this change, relative humidity tends to decrease, moving from 77% in March to a more comfortable 61% in May.
Summer weather in Kharkiv
Summer, extending from
June to
August, offers mild and pleasant weather. One can expect average high temperatures to reach from 24.3°C (75.7°F) to 26.4°C (79.5°F). Rainfall does increase during this period, going from 61mm (2.4") in June to 43mm (1.69") in August. Sunshine hours are comfortably high, averaging between 8.8 hours in June and
July to 8 hours in August. Visitors can expect longer daylight hours, peaking at 16.3 hours in June.
Autumn weather in Kharkiv
Autumn in
Kharkiv, which spans from
September to
November, shows cooling temperatures with highs ranging from 19.4°C (66.9°F) in September to 3.6°C (38.5°F) by November. Rainfall remains reasonably constant, from September to November showing a slight decline from 45mm (1.77") to 40mm (1.57"). As the universe cycles into shorter daylight hours, daylight averages drop from 12.6 hours in September to 9.1 hours in November.
Winter weather in Kharkiv
Winter ushers in bitterly cold conditions and shorter daylight hours, making it the least enticing time to visit
Kharkiv. Average low temperatures hover between negative 1.1°C (34°F) in
December and negative 7.3°C (45.1°F) in
February. Snowfall is frequent during these months, with from 12 to 19 days of snowfall recorded. Rainfall declines along with temperatures, with average figures falling from 36mm (1.42") in December to 33mm (1.3") in February. Daylight hours and Sunshine are at their lowest, with an average of 8.2 hours of daylight and approximately an hour of sunshine.
Weather in January
Kharkiv,
Ukraine welcomes the New Year with much chill, given that it’s the coldest month, with temperatures dropping to as low as -7°C (19.4°F). The snowfall is the highest, marking a characteristic white
January. With nearly ten days witnessing rainfall, the overall precipitation remains consistent with that during
December.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The second month of the year does not see a considerable change in temperatures from
January, with the average low remaining around -7.3°C (18.9°F).
February sees a slight decline in the number of snowfall days, hinting at the approaching end of the severe winter season.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signifies the transition from winter towards more favorable temperatures in
Kharkiv. The average high temperature begins to crawl upwards, reaching 4.3°C (39.7°F), including a reduction in snowfall days. An additional hour of daylight becomes noticeable during this time, signaling the commencement of the spring season.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The city of
Kharkiv ushers in spring with the temperature soaring to 14°C (57.2°F). Precipitation becomes relatively moderate in nature, inclining towards rains rather than snow.
April's weather invites blooming flora, owing to an increased number of daylight hours, reaching nearly 14 hours.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May witnesses a significant elevation in the city's temperatures, with the highest recorded being around 20.8°C (69.4°F). The city rarely sees snow as the change in weather leads to warmer days and clear skies. Presenting the best of both worlds, May exhibits moderate rainfall, maintaining the city's charm.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June sees the temperatures rising further, reaching an average high of 24.3°C (75.7°F). The city is more humid than the previous month, with a total of 15 rainy days. An increase in sunlight is an indication of the long days synonymous with the summer months.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is characterized by the highest temperature reaching around 26.4°C (79.5°F). As with
June, rainfall is quite prevalent, though
Kharkiv experiences a mixture of sunny and rainy days. This month basks in the most abundant sunlight, boasting nearly 16 hours of daylight.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Kharkiv experiences a slightly lower high temperature than
July, around 25.7°C (78.3°F). This marks the start of the descent towards cooler weather. Although the number of daylight hours begins to decline, the prevalent sunshine ensures warm and cozy afternoons.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September sees a notable dip in temperature, with the maximum touching 19.4°C (66.9°F). The reduced temperature brings in the respite from the summer heat and prepares the city to welcome fall. The decrease in daylight hours is more profound in September, marking the onset of shorter days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Kharkiv paves the way for more relaxed weather conditions, with temperatures sliding down to 12°C (53.6°F). The air begins to hold a crispness as the city moves closer to winter. A further decrease in daylight hours sets the tone for the ensuing colder months, while the regular patterns of rainfall keep the city's photography zealots busy capturing the painted autumn skies. Kharkiv's average high-temperature decreases in October, falling from a refreshing 19.4°C (66.9°F) in
September to a cool 12°C (53.6°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November experiences a steep drop in temperature, down to 3.6°C (38.5°F), indicating the beginning of the cold winter.
Kharkiv sees fewer sunlight hours and a relative increase in humidity, thereby intensifying the city's winter ambiance.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The city of
Kharkiv welcomes
December with temperatures plummeting to the freezing point, nearly -1.1°C (30°F). The wintry facet is now quite pronounced, with increased snowfall days. The city basks in just a little over eight hours of daylight, cloaked in the twilight hue of the winter sky.
Weather in December »