The climate of Sochi
The city of
Sochi,
Russia, follows the Köppen climate classification of Cfb, indicative of a marine west coast climate with warm summers. Nested in the western region of Russia, it is shielded from the harsher climate patterns observed further inland due to its proximity to the Black Sea.
Throughout the year, appreciable shifts occur among the climatological parameters. High temperatures rise from an average of 7.3°C (45.1°F) in
January to a peak of 26.8°C (80.2°F) in
August, while low temperatures increase from 3.7°C (38.7°F) in January to 19.6°C (67.3°F) in August. Humidity remains relatively stable throughout the year with a small fluctuation from 66% to 73%.
Rainfall shows minor variation from month to month, ranging from 33mm (1.3") in August to 74mm (2.91") in January. The city experiences rainfall over 8.7 to 16.8 days per month, with January and
March seeing the most rainy days. Snowfall, however, is more restricted and is primarily observed from January to March, with total monthly averages ranging from 13mm (0.51") to 21mm (0.83").
Sea temperature shows a significant shift from 10.2°C (50.4°F) in January to 26.8°C (80.2°F) in August, suggesting a strong influence of the season on the sea conditions. The hours of daylight feature a change between 9 hours in January to a maximum of 15.4 hours in
June. The amount of sunshine is the highest in August, providing almost 12 hours of sun daily.
Wind speeds in Sochi shift slightly, from a low of 8.3km/h (5.2mph) in August to a high of 14.9km/h (9.3mph) in January. The highest gusts of wind are observed in
December, while the lowest occur in August.
The Best time to Visit Sochi
Given its marine west coast climate and the warm summers that it experiences, the ideal time to visit
Sochi would be between
June and
September. During these months, average high temperatures range from 23.2°C (73.8°F) to 26.8°C (80.2°F), while low temperatures range from 16.2°C (61.2°F) to 19.6°C (67.3°F). The sea temperature also remains comfortably warm, fluctuating from 22.4°C (72.3°F) to 26.8°C (80.2°F), ideal weather for beach activities. Furthermore, rainfall is at its lowest during this period and sunshine hours reach their peak, contributing to better weather conditions for outdoor exploration.
The Worst Time to Visit Sochi
Although
Sochi experiences a relatively mild climate throughout the year, late autumn and winter, from
November to
February, might not be the most favorable time for a visit. During this time, the temperatures drop to as low as 3.7°C (38.7°F), the days are the shortest, and the city encounters the most rainfall. The sea temperature also drops significantly.
Spring Weather in Sochi
Spring in
Sochi is marked by moderate temperatures and manageable rainfall. From
March to
May, high temperatures escalate from 9.8°C (49.6°F) to 18.8°C (65.8°F) and low temperatures from 4.9°C (40.8°F) to 12.7°C (54.9°F). Rainfall averages range from 43mm (1.69") to 62mm (2.44") across these three months. This season serves as an excellent transition from the chilly winter to the much warmer summer months.
Summer Weather in Sochi
Experiencing the marine west coast's warm summer,
June to
August promise favorable conditions in
Sochi. With average high temperatures ranging between 23.6°C (74.5°F) and 26.8°C (80.2°F) and average lows staying between 17°C (62.6°F) and 19.6°C (67.3°F), the region enjoys moderate warmth. Despite monthly rainfall levels between 33mm (1.3") to 59mm (2.32"), summer months boast maximum sunshine duration that offers visitors plenty of time for outdoor activities.
Autumn Weather in Sochi
Autumn in
Sochi, which lasts from
September to
November, features a gradual decrease in temperature and daylight hours. Despite the reducing sea temperatures (from 24.3°C (75.7°F) in September to 14.9°C (58.8°F) in November), these months are accompanied by moderate rain (between 42mm (1.65") and 52mm (2.05")) and decreasing daylight hours
Winter Weather in Sochi
Despite being the coldest season, winter in
Sochi is relatively mild when compared to other parts of
Russia. From
December to
February, high temperatures range between 7.3°C (45.1°F) and 9.8°C (49.6°F), while the low-temperature range is 3.7°C (38.7°F) to 4.9°C (40.8°F). These months receive the highest rainfall and least daylight, with snow being largely contained to
January and February. Therefore, it sets a cooler and more serene mood in the city. The sea temperature also decreases significantly, limiting water-based activities for tourists.
Weather in January
January in
Sochi,
Russia, ushers in the New Year with colder weather as temperatures drop to 3.7°C (38.7°F) at night and rise up to 7.3°C (45.1°F) during the daytime. The city experiences the bone-chilling embrace of winter, accompanied by a modest amount of snowfall.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February continues the winter season in
Sochi with an ever-so-slight increase in temperature, ranging from 4.1°C (39.4°F) to 8.4°C (47.1°F). Holding onto the thick of winter, February experiences a greater snowfall of 19mm (0.75") in comparison to the previous month.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As the city moves from
February into
March, temperatures start to gradually elevate from 4.9°C (40.8°F) to 9.8°C (49.6°F). The weather slowly begins to transition into spring, saying a final goodbye to the snowfall that marked the prior months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April welcomes a clearer change in
Sochi's weather, with the mercury oscillating from 7.9°C (46.2°F) to 13.6°C (56.5°F). This period marks the definitive end of winter temperatures, bringing about more amicable weather. But
May, just around the corner, teases with the promise of higher temperatures.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Sochi experiences a considerable increase in temperature, ranging from 12.7°C (54.9°F) to 18.8°C (65.8°F), marking the gateway to summer. The city abandons the remnants of spring as it embraces the brighter and warmer days to come.
Weather in May »Weather in June
The advent of
June brings peak summer conditions to
Sochi,
Russia with temperatures between 17°C (62.6°F) to 23.6°C (74.5°F). Hotter weather prevails, emphasizing the seasonal contrast with the chillier months. But as
July looms, the heat intensifies further, making June seem favorable in comparison.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July displays the height of
Sochi's summer, achieving soaring temperatures from 19.1°C (66.4°F) to 25.9°C (78.6°F). This is the zenith of the hot season, turning the city into a veritable summer paradise.
August may bring similar weather, but can't quite match the intense heat of July.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August experiences a tad higher temperatures in
Sochi compared to
July, ranging from 19.6°C (67.3°F) to 26.8°C (80.2°F). This month, while certainly part of the sun-drenched summer period, signals the eventual diminishing of the heat.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September, temperatures in
Sochi begin to recede, varying between 16.2°C (61.2°F) and 23.2°C (73.8°F). The month becomes the bridge transitioning from the hot summer to cooler autumn season.
October hangs in the wings with promises of decidedly cooler days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
During
October, temperature in
Sochi falls significantly, ranging from 12.6°C (54.7°F) to 18.6°C (65.5°F). The city is enveloped in the clutches of autumn, and the remnants of summer are but a memory.
November is upcoming, bringing with it a sharper coolness and visual changes in the landscape.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November sees a pronounced decrease in
Sochi's temperature with 9.4°C (48.9°F) at the lower end and 14.1°C (57.4°F) at the higher end. The month firmly reinforces the arrival of winter, as the last traces of the warmth fade.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December, temperatures in
Sochi range from 5.8°C (42.4°F) to 9.6°C (49.3°F) marking the onset of winter. The frigid weather that began in
November strengthens its hold over the city, gearing up for the intensity of the upcoming
January.
Weather in December » [Resources]