The climate of Kiev
Kiev, the capital city of
Ukraine, experiences a Humid Continental climate (classified as Dfb in the Köppen system). Located in the northern part of the country, this indicates no dry season and warm summers. A closer look at the climatological data reveals intricacies of the weather.
Detailed analysis of the weather data indicates a range of conditions throughout the year. Temperatures vary notably, from a winter average low of -6.3°C (20.7°F) in
January to a peak summer high of 27°C (80.6°F) in
July. Humidity levels also show fluctuations, starting from a high of 92% in January, then gradually reducing to 60% in
August before climbing up again towards the end of the year.
Rainfall distribution presents a unique pattern. The highest average precipitation is observed in
May. From
June to
September, the city witnesses comparatively lower rainfall, with August recording the least precipitation. Snowfall is absent from May to September but is prevalent during winter, reaching a peak level of 168mm (6.61") in
December.
The visibility in Kiev is at a maximum of 10km (6.2mi) during the summer months (from June to September) and lowers to 7km (4.3mi) in the winter months of January and December. On average, wind speed hovers around 10km/h (6.2mph), with the maximum gust speed of 20.2km/h (12.6mph) occurring in December.
The best time to visit Kiev
Considering overall weather conditions, the most agreeable time to visit
Kiev is from
June to
September. These months experience the warmest temperatures (ranging from 20.6°C (69.1°F) to 27°C (80.6°F)) and the lowest relative humidity (around 60 percent). These months also present the longest daylight hours, varying from 14.5 hours in
August to 16.4 in June, meaning more time for exploring the city. Sunshine hours also peak during this period (from 9.2 in September to 11 in August), which enhances the pleasantness of the city during these months.
The worst time to visit Kiev
Unfavorable weather conditions in
Kiev occur from
December to
February. The city experiences its coldest temperatures during these months, with average lows dropping down to -6.3°C (20.7°F) in
January. In addition to cold weather, these months also see the most significant amount of snowfall, a peak average level of 168mm (6.61") in December. The daylight hours are at the shortest in these winter months, with an average of 8.1 hours in December.
Spring weather in Kiev
Spring in
Kiev is characterized by a gradual increase in temperatures and daylight hours. Starting from an average high of 6°C (42.8°F) in
March, the temperature climbs to 15°C (59°F) by
May. Relative humidity also drops during this period, beginning at 81% in March and declining to 69% by the end of the season. A sharp increase in rainfall occurs in May, making it the rainiest month of the year. The daylight hours lengthen significantly throughout spring, from 11.9 in March to 15.5 in May.
Summer weather in Kiev
Summers in
Kiev are warm and balmy. Average high temperatures range from 21.3°C (70.3°F) in
June to a peak of 27°C (80.6°F) in
July. June also marks the onset of the lowest humidity levels of the year. Rainfall decreases significantly, with
August experiencing the least amount of rain. Longer daylight hours and more sunshine (between 9.6 hours in June and 11 in August) characterize the summer season. Wind conditions remain steady, with average speeds around 10km/h (6.2mph) throughout these months.
Autumn weather in Kiev
Autumn brings a gradual decline in temperatures from an average high of 20.6°C (69.1°F) in
September to 6.1°C (43°F) in
November. Humidity levels rise gradually during this period, reaching 83% by November. Rainfall is relatively steady, averaging around 20mm (0.79") throughout the season. The daylight hours gradually decrease from 12.6 in September to 9 in November.
Winter weather in Kiev
Winter in
Kiev is cold, with temperatures often falling below zero.
December sees the coldest average high temperature of -0.6°C (30.9°F). Predominantly high humidity levels ranging from 83% to 92% are recorded in these months. In terms of precipitation, a significant amount of snowfall occurs, particularly in December. The daylight hours are at their shortest during this season, averaging just over 8 hours.
Weather in January
The weather in
January is predominantly icy with a higher chance for snow covering
Kiev,
Ukraine. Here, winters can be severe with significant snowfall measured at 151mm (5.94") and temperatures ranging from -6.3°C (20.7°F) to -2°C (28.4°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
Despite a few degree rise from
January,
February still exhibits winter-like conditions with regular snow and below freezing temperatures. The temperature gradient starts shifting from a frigid -4.8°C (23.4°F) to -0.2°C (31.6°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
Transitioning into spring,
March brings a noticeable shift in
Kiev's weather. A significant difference can be seen with temperatures soaring up to 6°C (42.8°F), casting off the bitter cold experienced so far. It is marked by a drop in snowfall to 94mm (3.7") and an increase in rainfall to 26mm (1.02"), signaling the imminent arrival of spring showers.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Kiev,
Ukraine basks into mild spring weather during
April, bidding farewell to the snow, as temperatures reach highs of 15°C (59°F). The monthly rainfall, however, leaps to 28mm (1.1"), contributing to the city's lush flora. As winter recedes, longer daylight hours start to dominate, leading to more pleasant outings for locals and visitors alike.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May signals a complete transformation in the weather as
Kiev embraces warmer temperatures. With maximum temperatures reaching up to 21.3°C (70.3°F), the city's climate feels comfortable and inviting. The surge of warmer weather aligns with an increase in rainfall to 63mm (2.48"), ensuring the cityscape remains delightfully green.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June introduces the start of summer in
Kiev, with temperatures peaking at a warm 25.5°C (77.9°F). The frequency of rainfall sees a decline from
May to 46mm (1.81"), and the leisurely summer days stretch even longer. It's a great time for residents and tourists to enjoy outdoor activities, as pleasant temperatures stay consistent throughout the day.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings the peak of summer to
Kiev,
Ukraine, with the highest temperatures of the year climbing to 27°C (80.6°F). This period is distinct, with minimal rainfall at 40mm (1.57"), offering dry, warm days ideal for outdoor activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August still displays summer weather with temperatures nearing
July's peak, registering at 26.7°C (80.1°F). Rainfall reduces to 20mm (0.79") constituting sparse showers that hardly dampen the heat that envelops the city throughout the day.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The arrival of
September in
Kiev marks the onset of Autumn with a conspicuous drop in temperature to 20.6°C (69.1°F). It is characterized by relatively less rainfall reduced to 21mm (0.83"), leading to dry and cooler days. As layers of dense cloud reappear, the city's vistas take on an artistic appearance of grays and blues.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October witnesses a further transition into colder conditions, with temperatures diving down to 12.6°C (54.7°F). This month brings crisp and cool weather with gentle breezes that stir up fallen leaves, painting a typical autumn scene.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings colder nights to
Kiev, and the city experiences a major shift in its weather system. The maximum temperatures fall to 6.1°C (43°F), indicating the beginning of frostier conditions. It's a month that teeters between the last traces of autumn and the arrival of winter, as snowfall reappears with 25mm (0.98") of snow gracing the city by the month's end.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December introduces winter in its full potency to
Kiev, with temperatures dropping to a low 0.6°C (33.1°F). As the end of the year approaches, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, heralding a significant increase in snowfall at 168mm (6.61").
Weather in December »