The climate of Dikson
Dikson,
Russia, a town positioned in the tundra zone, experiences a harsh and severe atmospheric environment. The Köppen climate classification falls under the ET category, emphasizing its vantage point in the subarctic region where tundra predominates. The climate undergoes subtle transformations throughout the year, yet the changes are significant enough to trace noticeable weather patterns.
Throughout the twelve month cycle, Dikson is primarily entwined in a bitter dance with frigid temperatures. High temperatures oscillate from -18°C (-0.4°F) in
January to 5.8°C (42.4°F) in
August. Low temperatures also share a similar pattern, where it dips from -23.5°C (-10.3°F) at its coldest from January to
February to around 3.4°C (38.1°F) in August. It is important to note that the region witnesses humidity levels that range from 86% in
July up to 96% at the peak of winter in January.
Rainfall is present across all months, with August showing the highest average precipitation at 44mm (1.73"). Conversely, from
November to February, the quantity drops to between 16mm (0.63") to 18mm (0.71"). Over the year, the region experiences snowy conditions, contracted under a thick white blanket peaking at 70mm (2.76") in
April. The daylight hours tend to be extreme, fluctuating from the scarcity of 0 hours in
December and January to a staggering 24 hours during summer days in
June and July.
The best time to visit Dikson
For those aiming to explore
Dikson, timing is crucial. Due to the harsh climatic conditions, the best time to visit is during the warmer months of
June,
July and
August when the temperature is in range from 2.2°C (36°F) to 5.8°C (42.4°F). During these months, visitors can experience up to 24 hours of daylight, which allows plenty of time for exploring the stunning tundra landscape. Despite being the warmer months, it's crucial to come prepared with warm clothing, as even the summer temperatures can be quite cold.
The worst time to visit Dikson
Visitors are advised to avoid the height of winter, particularly between
January and
February, when temperatures can plummet to between -23.5°C (-10.3°F) to -18°C (-0.4°F). These months are not just characterized by biting cold, but also by limited visibility down to 7km (4.3mi). Snowfall reaches its peak during these months, and daylight becomes practically negligible, dropping down to zero hours in
December and January, creating an environment that is inhospitable for travel or outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Dikson
Bearing witness to the arrival of spring in
Dikson is an experience within a quite narrow range.
March witnesses a low around -20.6°C (-5.1°F) with a high tilting towards -14.3°C (6.3°F). As
April unveils, the temperatures rise slightly to a high of -8.3°C (17.1°F) and low of -14.7°C (5.5°F). By the time
May arrives at the doorstep, the town experiences a boost in warmth, with temperatures stretching to a high of -3°C (26.6°F) and a low of -7.2°C (19°F). The daylight hours increase steadily throughout the season, commencing from 11.6 hours in March to a lengthy 23.9 hours by the end of May.
Summer weather in Dikson
Summers in
Dikson adhere to a quite 'chilly' script.
June ushers in with slightly warming temperatures, having high temperatures around 2.2°C (36°F) and lows around -0.2°C (31.6°F). The trend continues in
July with temperatures oscillating between 2.3°C (36.1°F) and 5.2°C (41.4°F). By the time
August clears its throat, temperatures move from 3.4°C (38.1°F) to 5.8°C (42.4°F). Despite being summer, snowfall exists, peaking at 34mm (1.34") in June. Daylight during these months is abundant, offering sunlit vistas that last up to 24 hours before dipping to 20.6 hours in August.
Autumn weather in Dikson
The embrace of autumn in
Dikson, starting in
September, brings about cooler temperatures from 2.3°C (36.1°F) to 4.4°C (39.9°F). As
October approaches, a drop in temperature is evident, with a lower boundary of -4.5°C (23.9°F) to an upper limit of -2.2°C (28°F). Shift towards
November and temperatures fall drastically with the high at -13.2°C (8.2°F) and low plunging to -17.6°C (0.3°F). The daylight hours shrink from 13.7 in September to just 1.1 in November. Snowfall takes precedence over rainfall during these months.
Winter weather in Dikson
Winter in
Dikson descends with severe bitterness.
December witnesses temperatures ranging from -21.5°C (-6.7°F) to -16.8°C (1.8°F), while
January and
February persist with similar figures. Snowfall, a customary winter feature, piles up significantly with accumulations up to 60mm (2.36") in December and January, marking the prominence of a true tundra climate. Visibility remains at a constant 7km (4.3mi) during these months. By virtue of its geographical location, daylight during winter is scarce, fluctuating around zero hours in December and January.
Weather in January
Dikson's weather in
January is harsh and unforgiving. Citizens experience low temperatures that distinctly drop to -23.5°C (-10.3°F) and does not rise beyond -18°C (-0.4°F). Despite being the beginning of the New Year, January is not a time for outdoor festivities.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The
February weather in
Dikson sees no significant improvement compared to
January, continuing the trend of severe winters. The average daily sunshine rate peaks at only one hour, making it a bleak month. The temperature hovers around -23.5°C (-10.3°F) to -17.8°C (-0°F) accompanied by consistent snowfall throughout the month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
Dikson transitions from
February to
March, the weather marginally improves but still remains daunting. With temperatures that vary between -20.6°C (-5.1°F) to -14.3°C (6.3°F), the climate stays frosty. Although the city begins to experience more daylight hours, the cold weather persists.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The arrival of
April brings the promise of slightly better weather, as compared to the preceding months in
Dikson. Temperatures range from -14.7°C (5.5°F) to -8.3°C (17.1°F), suggesting a slight relief from the bone-chilling cold.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
Dikson,
May heralds the start of warmer weather conditions. Though cold in the view of other countries, the average temperature ranges between -7.2°C (19°F) to -3°C (26.6°F), providing a much-desired break from the persistent harsh winter weather.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June is the commencement of the brief summer season in
Dikson. With average temperatures fluctuating from -0.2°C (31.6°F) to 2.2°C (36°F), June provides a breath of fresh air after a long, drawn-out winter. The city is bathed in 24 hours of daily sunlight and snow becomes a dwindling affair.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July holds the distinction of having the highest temperature of the year in
Dikson. Averaging from 2.3°C (36.1°F) to 5.2°C (41.4°F), the city experiences mild, pleasant daytime temperatures. However, the residents' joy is short-lived as it is also the wettest month with regular spells of rainfall.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August weather in
Dikson shows signs of a transitioning climate from summer to the fall season. A slight reduction in temperature, averaging from 3.4°C (38.1°F) to 5.8°C (42.4°F), and increased rainfall suggests this shift. The wind speed sees an uptick, making the weather seem colder than the actual temperatures.
Weather in August » Weather in September
With
September comes the unmistakable chill of fall in
Dikson. The weather is colder as compared to
August, with temperatures falling from 2.3°C (36.1°F) to 4.4°C (39.9°F) on average. The snowfall once again becomes frequent, signaling the end of the brief summer and a return to chilly conditions.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The
October weather in
Dikson signals a further intensification of the cold. The temperature takes a significant dip and hovers from -4.5°C (23.9°F) to -2.2°C (28°F). As winter draws nearer, there is a noticeable decrease in the amount of daily sunshine.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Dikson is undeniably a winter month, the transition period being far left in the rearview mirror. The temperature continues its downward spiral, falling between -17.6°C (0.3°F) to -13.2°C (8.2°F). Despite being deep into the fall/winter season, the city receives a fair amount of sunlight.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Rounding out the year in
Dikson is
December, one of the coldest months. Weather patterns are akin to
January with temperatures ranging from -21.5°C (-6.7°F) to -16.8°C (1.8°F). There's a lack of significant sunlight, contributing to lower visibility and minimal daylight.
Weather in December » [Resources]