The climate of Magadan
Magadan, situated in the northeastern part of
Russia, falls under a Dfc Köppen climate classification. The town experiences a Subarctic climate, marked by severe winters, no dry season, and cool summers. Through the year, weather patterns fluctuate, presenting a vast contrast between extremely cold winters and pleasantly cool summers.
Temperature highs range from -14.9°C (5.2°F) in
January, gradually increasing to a peak of 14.9°C (58.8°F) in
August, and then descending back to -13.4°C (7.9°F) by
December. Similarly, temperature lows vary from -18.8°C (-1.8°F) in January to 10.4°C (50.7°F) in August, and again dipping to -17°C (1.4°F) by December. This suggests a significant temperature variation throughout the year, due to Magadan's geographical location and the influence of a Subarctic climate.
Humidity average throughout the year shows relatively uniform values, fluctuating around 80 to 86%. During the year, average monthly rainfall varies from 9mm (0.35") in
February, the lowest, to 72mm (2.83") in August as the highest. Notably, snowfall dominates during seven months of the year, from
October through to
April. The extensive snowfall period is due to Magadan's position within the permafrost zones.
The best time to visit Magadan
Summer, between
June and
August, could be an optimal period to visit
Magadan. Temperature highs during this period are around 10.9°C (51.6°F) to 14.9°C (58.8°F). Cool summer weather is significantly more comfortable, especially considering the severe cold in the remaining part of the year. Rainfall peaks at 72mm (2.83") in August, adding a lush green touch to the landscape, even as humidity levels hover around 80%. Days are longer, with daylight ranging from 17.1 hours in
May to a maximum of 18.6 hours in June.
The worst time to visit Magadan
Magadan's harsh winters, which typically span from
November to
April, can be challenging for visitors. During this period, temperature highs hover around -7.6°C (18.3°F) to -14.9°C (5.2°F), and lows drop to between -17°C (1.4°F) to -20°C (-4°F). Snowfall is extensive, starting to accumulate from
October, and continuing until April, reaching significant depths during
January. In the depths of winter, daylight hours dramatically shrink to a low of 6.2 in
December, making outdoor activities more limited.
Spring weather in Magadan
In
Magadan, spring months of
April and
May experience gradual warming, with temperature highs rising from -2.1°C (28.2°F) in April to 4.4°C (39.9°F) in May. Total rainfall increases from 21mm (0.83") in April to 39mm (1.54") in May, as the weather starts shifting from the severe winter conditions. However, snowfall continues until May with an average of 59mm (2.32"). Daylight hours also extend from 14.5 in April to 17.1 in May, indicating longer and brighter days ahead.
Summer weather in Magadan
Summers in
Magadan, from
June to
August, are relatively mild. Temperature highs range from 10.9°C (51.6°F) in June, approximating to 14.9°C (58.8°F) in August, while lows transition from 6.3°C (43.3°F) to 10.4°C (50.7°F) during this period. Rainfall increases to 72mm (2.83") in August from 33mm (1.3") in June. Despite the increase in rains, summer is the only period without snowfall.
Autumn weather in Magadan
Autumn in
Magadan, encompassing
September to
November, witnesses a marked decrease in temperatures. Highs decline from 10.3°C (50.5°F) in September to -7.6°C (18.3°F) in November, while lows decrease from 5.9°C (42.6°F) to -11.4°C (11.5°F) in the same period. Rainfall drops to 39mm (1.54") in both September and November from 56mm (2.2") in
October. However, snowfall begins again in October with 93mm (3.66"), escalating to 186mm (7.32") in November.
Winter weather in Magadan
Magadan winter, from
December through to
March, is notorious for its severe cold. Temperature highs from December to March vary from -13.4°C (7.9°F) to -14.8°C (5.4°F), and lows range between -17°C (1.4°F) to -20°C (-4°F).
January and
February are the coldest months. Snowfall is in abundance, particularly in December and January with 186mm (7.32") and 75mm (2.95"), respectively. The cold is intensified with limited daylight, from a low of 6.2 hours in December to 9.2 hours in March.
Weather in January
Weather conditions for
Magadan,
Russia in
January, tend to kick off the year with frosty conditions. Following the coldest month of the year, there's a continuance of the teeth-chattering temperatures of
December. Snowfall reaching up to 75mm (2.95") along with high wind gusts of up to 30.5km/h (19mph) enhances the winter season's brutality.
Weather in January »Weather in February
While
February has a reputation for being the shortest month, the intensity of chilly conditions persists in
Magadan. The temperatures remain largely similar to
January's whilst the city witnesses a noticeable drop in snowfall from 75mm (2.95") to 54mm (2.13").
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals the approach of warmer weather in
Magadan. There's a notable rise in the average temperature from -14.8°C (5.4°F) in
February to -8.6°C (16.5°F) in this month. As winter's grasp starts to weaken, the city undergoes a transformation from a snow-white blanket to visible traces of early spring.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's entrance marks the peak of spring's thawing stage in
Magadan, with the highest snowfall of the year reaching 132mm (5.2"). The transition from winter to spring witnesses an evident shift in weather patterns. Although the remaining snow and chill linger, long gone are the biting sub-zero temperatures of winter.
Weather in April » Weather in May
With
May comes the promise of milder weather and blossoming landscapes in
Magadan. The temperatures continue to inch higher, marking the end of the snowfall season. This period is characterized by the city’s transformation from a white winter wonderland to a colorful spring milieu.
Weather in May »Weather in June
The arrival of
June means the beginning of the warmest part of the year in
Magadan. As the city warms up, snow turns into a distant memory, replaced by the lively hues of summer. The longer daylight hours offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July represents the height of summer in
Magadan, bearing witness to the highest temperature of the year at 14.8°C (58.6°F). Summer in its prime blankets the city in warmth, while the sea temperature becomes comfortable enough for swimming at 11°C (51.8°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the summer season in
Magadan, with temperatures still at a comfortable high. The difference in temperature from
July is insignificant, maintaining a pleasant warmth during the day. As the summer season reaches its closure, the weather showcases slight fluctuations in daylight and sunshine hours.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September announces the arrival of autumn and the transition from the warm months to cooler ones in
Magadan. While the city undergoes a gradual change, occasional showers become more frequent as rainfall increases to 56mm (2.2").
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings a noticeable shift to cold weather in
Magadan. The once blue skies start to grow overcast, and the temperatures plunge from
September's 10.3°C (50.5°F) to a near-freezing 1.1°C (34°F). The colors of autumn fade into hues of white as snowfall makes a bold comeback, dusting the city with a fresh layer of soft snow.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Magadan signifies the swift onset of winter. In this month, the average temperature drops sharply from the previous month, from 1.1°C (34°F) to -7.6°C (18.3°F). Winter outfits become mandatory as residents face the chilly temperatures and the heavy snow that starts to blanket the city.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Concluding the year,
December in
Magadan continues the chilly legacy of
November. Weather patterns remain in the dominion of winter, with an average low temperature of -17°C (1.4°F). Expect to see plenty of layering against the freezing temperatures as residents combat the winter chill.
Weather in December »