Climate and monthly weather forecastNorilsk, Russia
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Norilsk
Norilsk, a Russian city situated in the Arctic Circle, falls under a chill Dfc subarctic climate on the Köppen climate classification. Fittingly, this translates to severe winters, no dry season, and cool summers. The weather throughout the year exhibits immense diversity, with temperatures spiking up to 17.1°C (62.8°F) during the summer highs in July, and plunging to a shivering low of -27.8°C (-18°F) in the winter months.The high humidity rates that prevail (ranging from 61% in July to up to 94% during the colder months) substantiate the absence of a dry season under the city's Köppen climate category. Visibility oscillates from 6km (3.7mi) to 10km (6.2mi), predominantly anchoring at 6km (3.7mi) during the onset of the icy months, whilst the number of daylight hours goes through a significant shift - from a scanty 2 hours in January to a lengthy 24 hours in June.
Norilsk experiences its maximum rainfall over the year, from 37mm (1.46") to 57mm (2.24") between July and September, whereas the snowfall is impending from October to April, leading to a substantial amount accumulating, particularly in December and March, and sees a rapid decline to 20mm (0.79") in June. A noteworthy attribute of Norilsk's climate is the poor sunlight availability, with December and January averaging as little as 0.1 hours and 0.4 hours respectively.
The best time to visit Norilsk
Despite its harsh climatic conditions, there is still an opportune time to visit Norilsk. The months leading from June to August bring a relatively warm environment, with temperatures climbing up to 17.1°C (62.8°F). The city receives its longest daylight hours in June with the sun shining for 24 hours. The humidity rate drops to a comfortable level at 61% in July, with good visibility up to 10km (6.2mi) making it an ideal time for outdoor sight-seeing. Though rainfall is moderately high, it is still manageable compared to the intense snowfall during the other months.The worst time to visit Norilsk
Unsurprisingly, the frigid conditions of the months from November to February make visiting Norilsk a daunting task for most travellers. The temperature can stoop down to a bone-chilling -27.8°C (-18°F), and the city plummets into darkness for the majority of the day, with daylight hours dwindling to a mere 2 hours in January. Add to this the heavy snowfall occurring from October to April, making these months extremely challenging for tourists unaccustomed to the cold.Spring weather in Norilsk
Spring in Norilsk, which is March through May, sees a gradual rise in weather parameters. Although temperatures remain sub-zero in March, it slowly tapers off, standing at -6.2°C (20.8°F) in April and -0.9°C (30.4°F) in May. Sunshine hours start to increase from March's 2.7 hours to May's 3.5 hours, offering some respite from the previous winter's intense darkness. Simultaneously, snowfall sees a marked reduction, from 210mm (8.27") in March to 188mm (7.4") in May.Summer weather in Norilsk
Norilsk’s summer, between June and August, experiences comparatively mild weather. The temperature peaks to an agreeable 17.1°C (62.8°F) in July before descending to 12.9°C (55.2°F) in August. Daylight hours soar to a maximum of 24 hours in June, complemented by a relatively low humidity of 61% in July. However, rainfall is fairly high during this period, with July and August witnessing rains up to 57mm (2.24") and 53mm (2.09") correspondingly.Autumn weather in Norilsk
September through November marks the autumn season in Norilsk. Temperatures commence a steady decline from 5.5°C (41.9°F) in September to a freezing -18.4°C (-1.1°F) in November. Typical to autumn, daylight hours reduce significantly from 13.3 hours in September to 4 hours in November, while cloud cover amplifies to 76% in November. Corresponding with the drop in temperatures, the city begins to witness increased snowfall, from 92mm (3.62") in September to 155mm (6.1") in November.Winter weather in Norilsk
Winter in Norilsk stretches from December through February, and is characterized by extreme weather conditions. The temperature plunges to -20.4°C (-4.7°F) in December and further descends to -27.8°C (-18°F) in January, making this the direst period of the year. Limited to virtually no sunshine occurs during this period, with January and February seeing mere fragments of 0.4 hours and 1.2 hours respectively. Snowfall rates soar, netting up to 201mm (7.91") in December and 139mm (5.47") in February. Despite the oppressive cold, the air pressure remains stable, averaging around 1015 mb to 1020 mb throughout winter.Weather in January
Norilsk weather in January is known for its harsh winter conditions. Frigid temperatures prevail, with lows reaching -27.8°C (-18°F) and highs barely hitting -22.4°C (-8.3°F). Winds are steady, and there's a heavy snowfall. It's the season of spectacular snow blanks and ice caps, but limited sunlight gives a warning shortage of daylight hours. Weather in January »Weather in February
February remains deep in winter mode, with freezing temperatures that are a bit milder than January but still below -20°C (-4°F). Snowfall continues to be abundant. Despite the cold and the snow, Norilsk can expect increased daylight, a welcome relief from the darkness of the previous month. Weather in February »Weather in March
March ushers in a transition in Norilsk's weather conditions, climate edges slowly away from deep winter. While it's far from being warm, temperatures improve slightly in comparison to the first two months. Days are also slightly longer with increased sunlight. Weather in March »Weather in April
Come April, the grip of winter loosens in Norilsk. Higher temperatures and longer hours of daylight become more evident, indicating the advent of spring. However, snowfall is still present, with occasional showers of rain. The slightly elevated win speeds differentiate this month from others. Weather in April »Weather in May
May marks the end of snowfall and the commencing of the brief summer season in Norilsk. Even though temperatures remain below freezing -8°C (17.6°F) to -0.9°C (30.4°F), a visible reduction in snow and cloud coverage and an increase in daylight and sunshine hours bring about warmer days. Weather in May »Weather in June
With the advent of June, Norilsk's summer takes on full swing. Though summer in Norilsk is far from typical hot summer temperatures, the increased temperatures see a rise in humidity. The city experiences the longest daylight hours and more sunshine days, but with the least amount of sunshine hours. Weather in June »Weather in July
July stands as the warmest month in Norilsk with average high temperatures reaching a peak of 17.1°C (62.8°F). This month experiences the maximum UV index, indicating stronger sun radiation. Despite being the summer peak, rainfall is still a frequent happening. Weather in July »Weather in August
August marks the onset of the short-lived autumn season in Norilsk. Although temperatures begin to drop, the weather remains relatively warm. It's a period of transition from the mild summer to the onset of the freezing fall season. Weather in August »Weather in September
As September rolls in, Norilsk sees a quick transition into the colder months. The significant drop in temperature signifies the beginning of the long winter. Clouds once again start to dominate the sky, bringing with them increased rainfall and the return of snowfall with 92mm (3.62"). Weather in September »Weather in October
With October, the chilling winter sets in firmly over Norilsk. With temperatures plummeting considerably, the skies turn snow-filled and wintry. Snowfall increases significantly, transforming the landscape into a winter panorama. Weather in October »Weather in November
November, in Norilsk, is commonly marked by freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. With an average high temperature of -18.4°C (-1.1°F) and towering snowfall, winter firmly establishes dominance. There's an abundant snow blanket coupled with stark decreases in daylight and sunshine hours. Weather in November »Weather in December
December carries the torch of cold and wintry conditions in Norilsk, marking peak winter season. Temperatures dive to their lowest averages, with lows at -24.9°C (-12.8°F) and highs not going beyond -20.4°C (-4.7°F). Residents experience shortest daylight hours with none to minimal sunshine. Weather in December »Updated: Jan 25, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
January, known for its average high temperature of -22.4°C (-8.3°F) and an average low temperature of -27.8°C (-18°F), is the coldest month.
The months with the highest humidity in Norilsk, Russia, are January, February, November and December, with an average relative humidity of 94%.
In Norilsk, Russia, during the entire year, the rain falls for 77.9 days and collects up to 466mm (18.35") of precipitation.
Months with snowfall are January through June, August through December.
Throughout the year, in Norilsk, Russia, there are 150.6 snowfall days, and 1587mm (62.48") of snow is accumulated.
January through April, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Norilsk.
The month with the least rainfall in Norilsk, Russia, is February, when the rain falls for 0.8 days and typically collects 24mm (0.94") of precipitation.
The months with the shortest days are June and December, with an average of 0h and 0min of daylight.
July, with its high-temperature average of 17.1°C (62.8°F) and a low-temperature average of 9.8°C (49.6°F), is the warmest month.
With an average relative humidity of 61%, July is the least humid month in Norilsk.
July is the only month when snow does not fall in Norilsk, Russia.
The month with the highest UV index is July, with an average maximum UV index of 4.
August is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 17 days and accumulates 57mm (2.24") of precipitation.
August has the longest days of the year in Norilsk, Russia, with an average of 17h and 54min of daylight.
August has the most sunshine of the year in Norilsk, with an average of 8.4h of sunshine.
The month with the most snowfall in Norilsk, Russia, is October, when snow falls for 18.4 days and typically aggregates up to 218mm (8.58") of snow.
December has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 0.1h of sunshine.
Average temperature
Norilsk, Russia
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (17.1°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (-22.4°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (9.8°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (-27.8°C).
Average pressure
Norilsk, Russia
- Average pressure in January:
1020.1mbar - Average pressure in February:
1020.5mbar - Average pressure in March:
1012.5mbar - Average pressure in April:
1010.6mbar - Average pressure in May:
1010.8mbar - Average pressure in June:
1008.2mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1008.1mbar - Average pressure in August:
1008.2mbar - Average pressure in September:
1011.6mbar - Average pressure in October:
1011.9mbar - Average pressure in November:
1015.5mbar - Average pressure in December:
1017.3mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is February (1020.5mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is July (1008.1mbar).
Average wind speed
Norilsk, Russia
- Average wind speed in January:
14.8km/h - Average wind speed in February:
13.4km/h - Average wind speed in March:
15.5km/h - Average wind speed in April:
15km/h - Average wind speed in May:
13.7km/h - Average wind speed in June:
15.1km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
14.6km/h - Average wind speed in August:
14.1km/h - Average wind speed in September:
14.6km/h - Average wind speed in October:
14.8km/h - Average wind speed in November:
12.6km/h - Average wind speed in December:
14.7km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is March (15.5km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is November (12.6km/h).
Average humidity
Norilsk, Russia
The months with the highest relative humidity are January, February, November and December (94%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is July (61%).
Average rainfall
Norilsk, Russia
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (57mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (24mm).
Average rainfall days
Norilsk, Russia
- Average rainfall days in January:
0.7 days - Average rainfall days in February:
0.8 days - Average rainfall days in March:
1.9 days - Average rainfall days in April:
3.8 days - Average rainfall days in May:
6.7 days - Average rainfall days in June:
13.5 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
12.4 days - Average rainfall days in August:
17 days - Average rainfall days in September:
15.1 days - Average rainfall days in October:
5.1 days - Average rainfall days in November:
0.3 days - Average rainfall days in December:
0.6 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (17 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (0.3 days).
Average snowfall
Norilsk, Russia
- Average snowfall in January:
139mm - Average snowfall in February:
150mm - Average snowfall in March:
210mm - Average snowfall in April:
213mm - Average snowfall in May:
188mm - Average snowfall in June:
20mm
The month with the highest snowfall is October (218mm).
The month with the least snowfall is July (0mm).
Average snowfall days
Norilsk, Russia
- Average snowfall days in January:
18.7 days - Average snowfall days in February:
16.7 days - Average snowfall days in March:
18.1 days - Average snowfall days in April:
18.3 days - Average snowfall days in May:
15.4 days - Average snowfall days in June:
3.7 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in September:
6.9 days - Average snowfall days in October:
18.4 days - Average snowfall days in November:
15.3 days - Average snowfall days in December:
18.9 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (18.9 days).
The month with the least snowfall days is July (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Norilsk, Russia
- Average daylight in January:
2h and 0min - Average daylight in February:
7h and 24min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 42min - Average daylight in April:
16h and 6min - Average daylight in May:
12h and 36min - Average daylight in June:
0h and 0min
- Average daylight in July:
4h and 54min - Average daylight in August:
17h and 54min - Average daylight in September:
13h and 18min - Average daylight in October:
9h and 6min - Average daylight in November:
4h and 0min - Average daylight in December:
0h and 0min
The month with the longest days is August (Average daylight: 17h and 54min).
The months with the shortest days are June and December (Average daylight: 0h and 0min).
- Average sunshine in January:
0h and 24min - Average sunshine in February:
1h and 48min - Average sunshine in March:
2h and 42min - Average sunshine in April:
4h and 54min - Average sunshine in May:
3h and 30min - Average sunshine in June:
0h and 30min
- Average sunshine in July:
1h and 24min - Average sunshine in August:
8h and 24min - Average sunshine in September:
4h and 48min - Average sunshine in October:
2h and 42min - Average sunshine in November:
1h and 12min - Average sunshine in December:
0h and 6min
The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 8h and 24min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 0h and 6min).
Average sunshine days
Norilsk, Russia
- Average sunshine days in January:
12.3 days - Average sunshine days in February:
12.4 days - Average sunshine days in March:
11.1 days - Average sunshine days in April:
10.2 days - Average sunshine days in May:
11.6 days - Average sunshine days in June:
12.3 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
16.2 days - Average sunshine days in August:
11.5 days - Average sunshine days in September:
9.9 days - Average sunshine days in October:
10 days - Average sunshine days in November:
14.9 days - Average sunshine days in December:
12.2 days
The month with the most sunshine days is July (16.2 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is September (9.9 days).
Average UV index
Norilsk, Russia
The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 4).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, April, October, November and December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Norilsk, Russia
The month with the most cloud cover is December (Cloud cover 82).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 43).
Average visibility
Norilsk, Russia
The month with the highest visibility is July (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, November and December (6km).
