The climate of Lviv
Based on the Köppen climate classification,
Lviv,
Ukraine, falls under a Dfb climate. This designation is characteristic of a humid continental climate, with no dry season and warm summers. Being located in the far western part of Ukraine, Lviv experiences relatively stable weather conditions throughout the year, behavior noted in continental climates.
Temperature variations present a clear cyclical pattern with Lviv's average high temperatures ranging from -0.6°C (30.9°F) in
January to a peak of 25.2°C (77.4°F) in
August. On the other hand, the coldest average low temperatures, reaching down to -5.1°C (22.8°F) are recorded in January, while the warmest nights, averaging 13.8°C (56.8°F), are experienced in
July. This array of temperatures is complemented by a year-round shift of humidity levels that fluctuate from a cool 70% in August to a moist 90% in January.
Annual rainfall in Lviv is remarkably consistent throughout the year. The yearly pattern ranges from 22mm (0.87") in
November to 82mm (3.23") in
May. Snowfall is prevalent in the cold months, running from November to
March, with January and
December receiving the most snow at 134mm (5.28") and 131mm (5.16") respectively. The whole year, sunshine hours span from a minimum of 2.9 hours in January to a peak of 10.5 hours in August.
Coinciding with this, UV index values remain relatively low most of the year, ranging from 1 in January and December, to 5 from
June to August, indicating milder sun intensity throughout the year. Lviv's weather is marked by mild to moderate wind speeds of 9.5km/h (5.9mph) in
September, to 14.1km/h (8.8mph) in December.
The best time to visit Lviv
Factoring in the various weather parameters, the best time to visit
Lviv would likely be from Late spring to early autumn, precisely between
May and
September. During these months, temperature highs range from 19.2°C (66.6°F) to 25.2°C (77.4°F), presenting warm, pleasant days to explore the city. While rainfall levels are slightly higher in May and
June, at 82mm (3.23") and 72mm (2.83") respectively, most days remain dry, allowing for unobstructed travel.
The worst time to visit Lviv
The period from late autumn to early spring --
November to
March -- is generally considered less suitable for visiting
Lviv. These months are characterized by harsher weather conditions, including lower temperatures, increased snowfall, and a lower sunshine duration. In particular, average high temperatures drop below freezing from
December to
February, while snowfall can reach up to 134mm (5.28") in
January.
Spring weather in Lviv
Spring in
Lviv, encompassing
March to
May, sees a gradual rise in temperatures from 6.9°C (44.4°F) in March to 19.2°C (66.6°F) in May. Concurrently, the nights become warmer, with average low temperatures climbing from -0.1°C (31.8°F) to 8.3°C (46.9°F). Spring also brings the onset of the rainy season, with rainfall increasing significantly from 30mm (1.18") in March to the annual peak of 82mm (3.23") in May. Sunlight hours also progressively lengthen from 11.9 hours in March to 15.4 hours in May, marking the arrival of longer days.
Summer weather in Lviv
Summer in
Lviv spans from
June to
August, during which, temperatures range from 23°C (73.4°F) to 25.2°C (77.4°F). Night temperatures remain mild, falling between 12.5°C (54.5°F) and 13.5°C (56.3°F) for a comfortable summer night. While rainfall subsides from its springtime peak, it is still rather high, fluctuating from 72mm (2.83") to 40mm (1.57"). Average daylight hours fluctuate around a high of 15.5 hours, with the longest day occurring in June.
Autumn weather in Lviv
Autumn, from
September to
November, marks a period of decreasing temperatures. Daily average highs are juxtaposed from 19.7°C (67.5°F) in September to a chilly 1.8°C (35.2°F) in November. Nighttime temperatures also sharply drop from 9.5°C (49.1°F) to -2.6°C (27.3°F) throughout the period. Rainfall decreases to 25mm (0.98") in September and reaches the annual minimum of 22mm (0.87") by November. Sunshine hours diminish to about half from the summer peak, reaching a low of 9.1 hours by November.
Winter weather in Lviv
Winter in
Lviv, from
December to
February, is dominated by freezing temperatures and snowfall. Average high temperatures remain below freezing, from -0.6°C (30.9°F) in December to 1.4°C (34.5°F) in February. Simultaneously, nighttime temperatures plunge below freezing, from -2.6°C (27.3°F) in December to -3.8°C (25.2°F) in February. Despite the lower temperatures, rainfall remains relatively constant during winter, approximately from 29 to 36mm (1.42"). Furthermore, the city experiences a decrease in daylight hours, bottoming out at 8.2 hours in December. Winter in Lviv is also characterized by notable snowfall, peaking at 134mm (5.28") in
January.
Weather in January
January's weather in
Lviv,
Ukraine sees the town nestled in a shockingly harsh winter. The crisp chill in the air provides significant contrast to
December's ambience, with maximum temperatures dropping to -0.6°C (30.9°F) and a notable surge in snowfall reaching 134mm (5.28").
Weather in January » Weather in February
Lviv transitions into
February, finding itself amid the throes of the coldest spell. However, a subtle change in the weather reveals itself as it gets milder compared to
January. A drop in the snowfall is noticed, dropping to 101mm (3.98") from the 134mm (5.28") seen in the preceding month.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March brings a noticeable shift in
Lviv's weather as winter begins to loosen its icy grip. Gradual warming is observed compared to
February, initiating a welcoming call for spring. A downshift in the percentage of cloud coverage is seen, indicating clearer skies ahead.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Lviv signifies the onset of spring, transforming the snow-draped city into a carpet of fresh greenery. Weather conditions are different compared to
March, with temperatures rising further up to 14.8°C (58.6°F). The sun bemuses with a dramatic increase in its daily presence, gracing the city with longer daylight hours.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May arrives in
Lviv, and with it comes a distinct change in the city's climate. A dramatic rise in rainfall, reaching the height of 82mm (3.23"), illustrates the summer pattern seeping in gradually. The month makes way for a vibrant and thriving cityscape with flora blooming in full swing.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Lviv,
Ukraine is a month celebrating the official arrival of summer. This transformation is marked by an increase in temperature, while the city continues to witness frequent showers akin to
May. With daylight hours reaching their peak, the city revels under the longest sunlit days of the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Lviv is at peak summer, flaunting the year's highest temperatures and a palpable decrease in rainfall. The city basks under the warm sun, reaching the apex of daylight hours with a monthly average of 15.8 hours. Transitional changes are evident in Lviv's weather conditions with a reduction in humidity and pressure compared to
June.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Lviv’s weather begins to transition once again in
August, hinting towards the concluding summer. It follows
July's weather closely but shows a slight regression in temperatures along with lesser rainfall. The city ushers in a gradual coolness, reducing daytime temperature to 25.2°C (77.4°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Lviv marks the advent of fall, showing a significant fall in temperature from the preceding summer highs. The city experiences a drastic change in weather, evident mainly through the diminishing daylight hours. Among the distinct indicators of autumn reaching Lviv is the perceptible decrease in humidity.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October intensifies the autumnal experience in
Lviv as it cautiously moves away from
September's mild weather. Lviv weathers a gradual drop in temperature and witnesses space for more sunshine. The town exhibits lesser frequency of rain compared to September, paving the way for clearer skies.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Lviv heralds the onset of winter, providing a stark contrast to the ambiance of
October. An evident decrease in temperature compared to the previous month reveals the quick approach of a chilly season. The gradually shortening days give a clear indication of winter drawing near, and daylight hours slant towards their annual minimum.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings the full force of the winter season to
Lviv. The weather undergoes a stark transition from
November, and a sharp decrease in temperature to 1.8°C (35.2°F) signals the arrival of the bitter cold. Daylight hours reach their lowest point, clouding the city under the winter spell.
Weather in December »