Discover the Best Time of the Year to Visit Kiev, Ukraine

What to do in Kiev in spring?

Possible temperature: Between 3ºC (37ºF) in early spring to 25ºC (77ºF) in late spring.

Upsides of the season: Mid-April through May, the weather is perfect for walks, and everything blooms and Ukraine is truly beautiful in spring. 

Downsides of the season: March is unpredictable, and sometimes, cold weather can last till April.

In my opinion, the best time to go to Kiev to enjoy the weather is in spring, especially in early May. This is the time when the city is truly beautiful. The air is filled with the aroma of cherry and chestnut blossom. Here and there, lilacs and peonies add splashes of color to the city’s landscape. It is not too hot yet, which is perfect for long walks.

Kyiv weather in March is very tricky. Spring may come for a few days, but then it is quickly chased away by late snows. Kiev weather in April allows putting away warm coats and boots and switching to lighter jackets.

Kiev Weather in March + 4 Places to Go in Kiev

In March, Ukraine is in between the seasons. If it was snowing heavily in February, these snows will be melting slowly. Add stripped trees, moody sky, and chilly weather to the picture and you’ll probably want to move the trip to April, at least. However, there are still plenty of things to do in Kiev, Ukraine, in March, and here are just a few ideas:

• Admire old Kyiv architecture. The governmental quarters that start at Hrushevskogo street and stretch up to Bankova and Marinsky park are always fun to explore. Kiev weather in March allows for slow strolls through the old streets. Stop by the impressive building of the National Bank on Institutska, 9. Check out Soviet monumentalism of the Verkhovna Rada, Cabinet of Ministers, and President’s Administration, and admire the beautiful Mariinsky Palace.
• In addition to exploring Kyiv on foot, you can also check out the Helicopter Tour and see the beauty of Kyiv from a bird’s-eye view.

• Discover local cuisine. If it is cold or snowy outside, it might be a good idea to sign up for the local cooking class. After all, authentic Ukrainian cuisine is too good to miss out on it. Just to mention some of the delicacies, there is borsch (beetroot and sour cabbage soup) with pampushkas (buns in garlic sauce) and varenyky, which are dumplings with all sorts of fillings. Plus, culinary classes are almost always a great place to meet fellow travelers. 

• Spend an evening in the opera. Located at Zoloty Vorota metro station, the building of Kiev Opera has a dramatic history. In the times of the Russian Empire, it was among the top-3 theaters, following the Moscow and St. Petersburg opera houses. Then, a devastating fire of 1896, which started in one of the dressing rooms, destroyed the building completely. Gone was one of the oldest musical libraries, with numerous costumes, and decorations. Rebuilt from scratch five years later, the Kiev Opera house now welcomes visitors with a diverse program.

Weather in Kiev in April + 3 Fun Tourist Places to See in Kiev

Kiev weather in April is uplifting as the city wakes up from the winter season. It is still chilly for a T-shirt but you will be fine with a light jacket and tennis shoes. There are also plenty of things to see in Kiev, including inside and outside activities. Here is a list of ideas:

• Explore the open-air museum Pirogovo. This is a unique museum within a ten-minute bus ride from the Demiivska metro station. 370 acres of land is home to over 300 buildings that represent authentic architecture. There are thatched huts, old wooden windmills, churches, and pubs brought from every corner of Ukraine. Luckily, Kyiv weather in April allows for long and meditative walks, which is perfect for Pirogovo. If it is warm enough outside, you can also rent a bike and enjoy quality outdoor time. Alternatively, another great open-air museum similar to Pirogovo is available as a guided tour..

• Peruse through Pecherski Lipki. Adjacent to governmental quarters, an old area above Khreshatyk is beloved by many locals. Translation for Lipki is linden trees that grew here in the 1850s and gave the name to the quarter. Peaceful alleys amidst tall trees are perfect for walks and stops for coffee or a glass of wine. This is one of the capital’s most expensive historic quarters to live in, so be sure to check out the old and stylish architecture, too.

• Visit Kiev Miniatures Open-Air Museum. Head to Hydropark metro station to discover Kiev in miniatures – an open-air museum and park that displays small copies of the main attractions in the capital. The list of noteworthy stops includes the Central Bank, bridges, St. Michael’s Cathedral, Mariinsky Palace, and so much more. The entrance fee is 3 USD.

Kiev Weather in May + 4 of the Top Places to Visit in Kiev, Ukraine

The weather in Kiev in May makes this the perfect time of the year to visit the capital of Ukraine. We are talking about skirts, light shirts, no jackets, and no sunscreen. And also, about many great things to do in Kiev:

• Don’t miss out on the gorgeous lilacs in the Botanical Garden. Everything blooms in Kiev in May, but lilacs in the botanical garden exceed all expectations. Located on the cascading hills, the gardens combine alleys of blooming lilacs of violet and white colors with a breathtaking panorama of the Dnipro River and the left bank of the city. To indulge in this experience, exit at Pecherska metro station and walk for about ten more minutes towards Timiryazevska street,1. At the entrance to the gardens, turn left.

• Head to one of the many exciting Kiev day trips — to the open-air museums, nearby lakes and mountains, an old Hetman capital, or to the scandalous — but gorgeous — the residence of the exiled president of Ukraine.
• Check out the best street food fest in the city. Platforma food festival not far from Lisova metro station is one of the most popular street food venues in Kiev, and it is also less touristy. Held once a month on weekends, this is a two-day event with concerts, open-air movies, and lots of great food, all gathered in one place. The entrance fee per day is 3 USD.
• Discover Kiev old town. A walk down Andriivsky descent is probably one of the best ways to discover Kiev. This old street is where the history of the capital started. Begin at Desyatynna street and make your way down the cobbled descent, stopping to see goods from the local vendors, or detouring to such colorful and authentic adjacent streets as Vozdvyzenska. Check out the castle of Richard the Lion Heart, which is believed to be haunted, and try to find four houses with #13.

What to do in Kiev in the summer?

Possible temperature: Between 25ºC (77ºF) to 35ºC (95ºF).

Upsides of the season: Lots of opportunities for outdoor activities and plenty of day trips from Kyiv. 

Downsides of the season: Sometimes, the temperature rises to the extremes, making it impossible to stay outside.

In the summer, the temperature in the city rises to an average of 30ºC (86º Fahrenheit), and lots of residents hurry to numerous beaches in Kiev to cool off. Evenings are the best part of the day, as this is the time to sit on terraces, have drinks, and catch up with all the news.

Kiev Weather in June + 3 Best Things to See/Do In Kiev

The weather in Kiev in June is still very friendly, with almost no extreme jumps to heatwaves. Still, a hat, some sunscreen, and a bottle of water are recommended. As for what to visit in Ukraine’s capital this time of year, here are some ideas:

• Take a boat tour or go kayaking. For either of these activities, head towards the river station on the Poshtova Ploshca metro stop. Boat tours run daily, and these can be either on big boats or as private tours on smaller and fancier yachts. Also, many activists offer group kayaking across hidden and picturesque canals of Dnipro.
• Take a day trip to Mezhygirya. Formerly a residence of the exiled president Yanukovich, this is now a beautiful park by the Kyiv sea. Its territory is so big that you can easily spend a day there, either walking or bicycling your way through numerous alleys. Before 9 am, the entrance fee is 2.5 USD. Then the price rises to 5 USD. To get to Mezhygirya’s residence and park, catch a public bus to Novy Petrovtsy from Heroyiv Dnipra metro station.

• Try seafood from the Black sea. The best place in Kiev that serves seafood from the Black Sea is the Chernomorka restaurant. It has several locations across Kiev, and one of the best is in the Podol area. Among some of the best local delicacies are the fish fresh-soup, fish rissoles, and okroshka.

Kiev Weather in July + 4 of the Best Things to Do in Kiev, Ukraine

The weather in Kiev in July can be somewhat extreme. During the past couple of years, we’ve been having extreme heatwaves in the second half of the month, with the residents preferring to stay inside and going out either before 7 am or after 8 pm.

• Time for a beach escape. During hot summer days, many residents head to the biggest beaches by Dnipro at Hydropark metro station. This is an area with lots of public beaches, as well as with quite a few great private beach clubs. Alternatively, we would also like to recommend a cozy residential area of Obolon by the Obolon metro station. Here, the public beaches are cleaner and not as crowded.
• Exploring Kyiv in the evening may not be such a bad idea. Many of the capital’s landmarks are illuminated in the evening hours, and as the daytime heat evaporates, you can enjoy a guided evening city tour.
• Hang out at one of the biggest music festivals. Held each July, Atlas Weekend is the venue that attracts music fans from Ukraine, as well as from nearby European countries. During a week-long event, various Ukrainian musicians, as well as international superstars perform on several stages within the fest area. You’ll get the chance to travel between stages, choosing the gigs that suit your tastes the most. Among some of the headliners of the festival during the previous years, there were the Prodigy, the Black Eyed Peas, and Twenty One Pilots.

• Enjoy Khreshatyk in the evenings. Over the weekends, the main artery of Kyiv turns into a big pedestrian area with lots of local musicians and performers throwing free concerts, while numerous residents peruse Khreshatyk. Loud and hectic during the daytime, in the evening this street changes dramatically, becoming a welcoming and entertaining place to get the best sense of the city.

Kiev Weather in August + 4 of the Best Places to Visit in Kiev

The weather in Kiev in August is warm and welcoming. And while many locals head out of town to enjoy their summer vacations, the capital becomes less crowded, with fewer traffic jams and plenty of great places to visit.

• Rent a car and head towards the Kiev sea. If you are looking for a Kiev alternative guide or some less touristy things to do, rent a car and head towards the Kyiv sea. A big artificial reservoir has lots of secret cozy beaches amidst tall old pine trees. This area is perfect for hiking, swimming, or simply chilling on the beach.

• If you are a fan of Soviet architecture, check out the epic WWII museum tour and climb to one of the capital’s highest viewpoints in the hand of the Motherland monument.
• Shop at one of the biggest rag fairs in the city. Barakholka is a festival organized by one of the city activists as a one-time initiative to give the residents a chance to sell some of their old stuff. But the locals took the saying “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” a little bit further, and turned a spontaneous rag fair into a regularly scheduled event. Head to Expocenter to maybe fish out some great things from the stalls, enjoy music sets from the local bands, and have some local street food, all available within one venue.
• Explore the Volodymyrska Hirka Park on the hills. Beautiful cascades of green hills and old trees not far from St. Sophia’s square are perfect for the afternoon walk. Enjoy some quietness amidst the hustle and bustle of the historic center. Star near the funicular, and make your way towards the glass bridge by Dnipro.

What to do in Kiev in the fall?

Possible temperature: Between 20ºC (68ºF) to 8ºC (46ºF) in late fall.

Upsides of the season: September through October is the golden season with gorgeous fall foliage and lots of things to see and explore in Ukraine’s capital. 

Downsides of the season: November can be a kill-joy as it gets colder and there is hardly any sun.

September through October, the weather in Kiev is warm and inviting. On average, you can expect around 18º C (64º Fahrenheit). The city turns from green to all shades of golden and red. It is chilly in the mornings, and warm during the daytime. In November, the weather usually changes dramatically, with some early snow falling in the first two weeks and the trees losing all the leaves. There may even be frosts.

The city usually becomes less busy. Most of the travelers and tourists leave, but life in Kiev continues, and many of the best places to go in Ukraine’s capital remain available.

Kiev Weather in September + What to Do in Kiev, Ukraine, in Early Fall?

September is on our list as the best time of the year to visit Ukraine’s capital. The fall foliage, the weather in Kiev in September, all of the best places to visit being less crowded than in summer… If you plan a visit to Kiev, definitely consider early fall.

• Head to the XTreme Park for an active morning. Kiev weather at the beginning of September still allows for some water activities such as wakeboards, paddleboards, and kayaking, all available in the XTreme Park a short public bus ride away from the Pochayna metro station.

• Plan a day trip to the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone and Pripyat — fall in Ukraine is the best season for this visit.

• Bicycle through Trukhaniv Island. Exit at Poshtova Ploshcha metro station and head towards the Pedestrian bridge for a lovely walk across the Podol area that ends at one of the biggest islands on the Dnipro River. This area is perfect for a lazy afternoon on the beach, walking, or bicycling.

Meet the locals at the River Station street food bazaar. Opened throughout the day, this area becomes particularly active in the evenings. Try the local food, relax in the chairs by the river, or dance the night away with the local salsa clubs.

Kiev Weather in October + Where to Go in Kiev?

The weather in Kiev in October may be somewhat more unpredictable, with rains and colder weather by the end of the month, but the first two weeks can still tuen out to be great. Plus, the list of the best places to see in Kiev is as decent mid-fall, as it is in summer, so why not?

• Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the old town. Start at Sophia square and climb the bell tower of St. Sophia Cathedral for a lovely panorama of the city, and then make your way towards the other end of the alley, where the golden domes of St. Michael’s Cathedral are the absolute highlight of the square. Explore the beautiful altars inside the church, and take a walk in the small garden within the walls of the cathedral. Then, proceed to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

• Take a ride on the Ferris Wheel. Located near the Kontraktova metro station, this lovely wheel is equally fun in the evenings, as well as during the daytime. The ride will cost you around 4 USD. Afterward, you can have some local food at the nearby Puzata Hata, or pick a fancier cafe or restaurant on the adjacent Sagaydachna street known as the street to eat at.

• Relax in the Feofania park. Located outside the city, this is a small and cozy park perfect for a family day out, as well as for meditative walks on your own. Exit at the Demiivska metro station and take a bus towards Feofania.

Kiev Weather in November + What to Visit?

We are not fans of Kyiv weather in November but the city still has plenty of activities — inside and outside. Plus, this month can be perfect to take a closer look at the local culture by taking the culinary classes, museum tours, and whatnot.

• Get inside the giant soap bubble! Located in Mariinsky Park, the Museum of Water used to be a water tower that supplied the entire city back in the days. Today, the museum offers great tours dedicated to water resources and sustainability. The cherry on top is the fun attraction where you can get inside a big soap bubble.

• Explore abandoned metro stations. Kiev is known for its system of underground tunnels and abandoned metro stations. This is an activity that will involve a lot of walking and climbing, as well as special equipment. To take a look into the insides of the city, you will need to join a guided tour. If the weather is too cold to explore abandoned metro stations, consider the Urbex Underground and Bunker Tour. 

• Spend a day inside the Lavra. The biggest and most important Orthodox shrine at Arsenalna metro station is a town within a city. Its tall walls hide more than ten buildings, including the beautiful cathedral with old altars, as well as the system of caves that serve as the necropolis. Also, be sure to check out the Miniatures Museum. This is one of the only two museums in the world displaying unique and miniature works of art.