The climate of Murmansk
Residing in the Arctic Circle's heart,
Murmansk experiences a Subarctic climate, as per the Koppen climate classification (Dfc). Notably, it endures severe winters and cool summers without a dry season. Throughout the year, temperatures can fluctuate from -13°C (8.6°F) to a high of 17.3°C (63.1°F), while relative humidity ranges from 70% to 86%.
A distinctive aspect of Murmansk's climate is the varying rainfall, from 22mm (0.87") in
February to a peak of 70mm (2.76") in
July. The occurrence of rainfall shows a similar pattern. Beginning from minimal rates in the initial months, it escalates to reach 21 days in
August, then descends again towards the end of the year.
Another highlight is the atypical distribution of snowfall days, which lingers from
October through
April, with extremes of 24 days in
December and 7 days in
May. The daylight hours show drastic variations, with zero hours in December escalating to a maximum of 24 hours in
June, a phenomenon associated with the polar day or midnight sun. Correspondingly, the sunshine hours evolve from none in December to a high of 7.6 hours in June and July. Sea temperatures vary between 1.7°C (35.1°F) in
March to 11.4°C (52.5°F) in July, while the UV index peaks at 4 in the summer months.
The best time to visit Murmansk
In light of the above parameters, the most favorable period to visit
Murmansk would be
June to
August. During this period, the highest temperatures range from 13.6°C (56.5°F) to 17.3°C (63.1°F), and the lowest remain above 5.7°C (42.3°F). Humidity stays relatively low, only up to 78%, making the weather quite comfortable. Furthermore, these months record maximum daylight hours, stretching to 24 hours in June, making them ideal for sightseeing and exploration. Simultaneously, outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the maximum sunshine hours (up to 7.6 hours) and a moderate UV index of 4.
The worst time to visit Murmansk
Conversely, the least favorable time to head to
Murmansk would be from
November to
March, with the harshest conditions presenting in
December and
January. This time of the year sees plummeting temperatures, dropping to -13°C (8.6°F), and increased humidity levels over 83%. Also, the city experiences minimum daylight, none in December, with sunshine hours also at their lowest. Moreover, the frequency of snowfall peaks at 24 days in December, posing travel difficulties.
Spring weather in Murmansk
The months of
March,
April, and
May can be classified as spring in
Murmansk. The average high temperatures gradually transition from -2.4°C (27.7°F) to 7.6°C (45.7°F), while the lowest temperatures range from -8.6°C (16.5°F) to 1.1°C (34°F). Rainfall commences in March, becoming more frequent in May. Snowfall still persists but shows a declining trend throughout these months.
Summer weather in Murmansk
In
Murmansk, summer spans
June,
July, and
August, with temperatures fluctuating from 5.7°C (42.3°F) to 17.3°C (63.1°F). Humidity is relatively low, especially in June with 70%, and increases slowly over the next two months, reaching 78% in August. Days with rainfall are frequent, and daylight hours extend to provide plenty of sunshine.
Autumn weather in Murmansk
Autumn is observed in
Murmansk from
September to
November. The gradual descending of temperatures occurs, with the minimum readings falling from 4.5°C (40.1°F) to -7.1°C (19.2°F) and the maximum varying between 10°C (50°F) and -2.4°C (27.7°F). Days with rainfall are still common but decline in November, and snowfall returns in
October.
Winter weather in Murmansk
December,
January, and
February constitute
Murmansk's winter season. During these cold months, minimum temperatures plunge from -11.2°C (11.8°F) to -13°C (8.6°F), while the maximum hovers between -5.3°C (22.5°F) and -6.8°C (19.8°F). Snowfall is abundant and frequent, giving the city a white blanket. Days are incredibly short, and in December, the city experiences zero daylight hours.
Weather in January
In
January,
Murmansk experiences the bracing grip of winter, with temperatures plunging to their lowest of the year. It records a dismal high-temperature average of -6.8°C (19.8°F) and an even chillier low-temperature median of -13°C (8.6°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
By
February,
Murmansk remains icy with a slight increase from
January in its high-temperature average, resting at -6.7°C (19.9°F). This does not present a noticeable change in the wintry conditions. The city continues to endure chilly winds, layers of snow, and scarce sunlight.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Notoriously known as a transitional month,
March ushers in some weather shifts in
Murmansk. There is a noteworthy difference in the high-temperature value, soaring to an average of -2.4°C (27.7°F) from -6.7°C (19.9°F) in
February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Thought of as a temperate time,
April is a breather compared to the intense winter months. The high-temperature value rises to 2.6°C (36.7°F), and the low-temperature average ascends to -3.8°C (25.2°F). The stretch of daylight becomes noticeably longer, giving more time for outdoor activities.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is a month of considerable change in weather for
Murmansk, as high temperatures reach a comfortable 7.6°C (45.7°F). The city bids farewell to snowfall and welcomes a considerable increase in rain showers, indicative of late spring.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Murmansk brings along the welcoming warmth of the early summer with an average high temperature of 13.6°C (56.5°F). The city steers clear of any remnants of winter with extended daylight hours, which is a unique Polar Day phenomenon.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Recognized as the warmest month of the year in
Murmansk,
July experiences its highest high-temperature median at 17.3°C (63.1°F) and the heaviest rainfall, reaching 70mm (2.76"). The city hence enjoys a mild and pleasant maritime summer, complete with copious hours of daylight.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Come
August,
Murmansk sees a slight dip in temperatures as the month records a high-temperature average of 14.9°C (58.8°F). The weather continues to remain comfortable and temperate. Sunlight hours gradually shorten, indicating the oncoming change of seasons.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the beginning of the autumnal transition in
Murmansk, recording a decrease in high temperatures, which averages 10°C (50°F). Rainfall continues to maintain a steady pace from
August. The shorter days and cooler temperatures are a distinct signal of the changing season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Murmansk brings about a significant drop in high temperatures, with the median falling to 3.6°C (38.5°F). The city enters the brink of winter as snowfall precipitates from the beginning of the month. Daylight hours dwindle further, and mists often shroud the city.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November,
Murmansk shifts towards the peak of its winter period as high-temperature values descend to -2.4°C (27.7°F). As the daylight hours reduce drastically, winter once again begins to assert its dominance. Occasional rain showers retreat entirely by mid-month, giving way to frequent snowfall.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Murmansk recounts the frigid cold, signaling a full return to winter with an average high temperature plunging to -5.3°C (22.5°F). The city exists in perpetual darkness due to the infamous Polar Nights, with the sun barely peeking over the horizon.
Weather in December » [Resources]