Last updated: January 18, 2025
Brest, Belarus, is characterized by a Dfb Koppen-Geiger climate classification, known for its distinct four seasons. Winter temperatures can plunge to a chilling minimum of -26°C (-15°F) in February, while summer brings warmth, with average highs reaching up to 38°C (100°F) in June. Overall, the average annual temperature hovers around a mild 9°C (48°F), illustrating the region's significant seasonal temperature variation and its unique climatic identity.
Brest, Belarus experiences pronounced seasonal temperature patterns that reflect the harshness of its winters and the warmth of its summers. The year begins with frigid temperatures in January and February, where minimums plummet to -26°C (-15°F) and average readings hover just below freezing. As spring arrives, temperatures gradually rise; March sees a shift to milder conditions, with averages reaching 3°C (37°F) and highs of nearly 19°C (66°F). April and May further herald the warming trend, with April averaging 8°C (47°F) and reaching a maximum of 28°C (83°F). The summer months of June, July, and August showcase the peak warmth, with average highs reaching upwards of 35°C (95°F) and maximums hitting 38°C (100°F) in June. As autumn settles in, temperatures begin to decline again, transitioning from the summer warmth to the cooler evenings of September and October, before descending into the chilly temperatures of November and December. Overall, Brest’s climate is marked by a stark contrast between cold winters and warm summers, with significant fluctuations within the transitional seasons.
Brest experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with a minimum of -24°C (-11°F) in January and a maximum of 36°C (97°F) in July. This significant temperature variation highlights the city's continental climate, making it important for residents and visitors to prepare for both extremes. More details can be found at monthly temperatures in Brest.
Brest, Belarus experiences a relatively consistent distribution of precipitation throughout the year, punctuated by notable seasonal variations. Winter months, specifically January and February, receive around 41 to 42 mm (1.6 to 1.7 in) of precipitation, primarily in the form of light snow, with an average of 9 days of precipitation each month. Moving into spring, March and April maintain similar levels of precipitation at 43 mm (1.7 in), while May sees a significant increase to 80 mm (3.2 in) over 12 days, as full bloom brings heavier rainfall.
The summer months are the wettest in Brest, with July leading the pack at 96 mm (3.8 in) over 13 days, closely followed by August with 80 mm (3.1 in). June also contributes to this trend, featuring 71 mm (2.8 in) of rainfall. As autumn approaches, precipitation levels gradually decline, with September and October reporting 64 mm (2.5 in) and 55 mm (2.2 in), respectively. November marks the onset of the drier season once more with 40 mm (1.6 in), setting the stage for the return to winter conditions as December rounds out the year with 57 mm (2.2 in) over 14 days.
In Brest, Belarus, sunshine duration varies markedly throughout the year, reflecting the seasonal transitions from the long, dark winters to the bright, sun-soaked summers. January sees a modest 91 hours of sunshine, which gradually increases to 163 hours in February as days begin to lengthen. This trend continues into spring, with March experiencing 261 hours and April jumping to 342 hours. The increasing sunlight promotes a sense of renewal, culminating in May, which records 396 hours of sunlight, setting the stage for the summer months.
The peak sunshine hours occur during the summer, with June and July boasting 421 and 422 hours of sunshine, respectively. This is the time when daylight is most abundant, fostering a vibrant landscape and outdoor activities. As summer transitions to fall, sunshine begins to wane, with August still providing a generous 391 hours, but September sees a significant drop to 295 hours. October and November further reflect this decline with 233 and 142 hours, respectively, as the days grow shorter once more. December again registers a low point with only 94 hours, illustrating the stark contrast to the lush light of summer. Overall, the annual cycle of sunshine in Brest reveals a clear pattern of seasonal change, highlighting both the vibrant summer glow and the subdued winter light.
In Brest, Belarus, the UV Index demonstrates a distinct seasonal pattern, reflecting the variation in sun intensity throughout the year. During the winter months, specifically January and February, the UV Index remains low at 2, with a comfortable burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches, March marks an increase to a moderate UV Index of 4, indicating a need for some sun protection with a reduced burn time of 30 minutes. This upward trend continues into April and May, where the index reaches 6 and 7 respectively, signifying high levels of UV radiation and requiring careful sun exposure management.
The summer months see the UV Index peak, with both June and July registering at 8, categorized as very high and necessitating minimal sun exposure times of just 15 minutes to avoid burns. In August, the index remains high at 7, before tapering off in September to 6. As autumn sets in, the levels of UV radiation decrease again, with October dropping to 3, and November and December returning to lower levels of 2 and 1, respectively. This seasonal fluctuation highlights the importance of being mindful of sun exposure during the sunnier months, particularly in summer when the risk of UV-related skin damage is significantly elevated.
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In Brest, Belarus, daylight duration varies significantly throughout the year, showcasing the dramatic seasonal changes characteristic of the region. January begins with a mere 8 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to 9 hours in February as winter loosens its grip. The arrival of spring brings more sunlight, with March offering 11 hours and April further extending this to 13 hours. By May, daylight reaches 15 hours, heralding the onset of summer when days are at their longest.
The pinnacle of daylight occurs during the summer months, with both June and July enjoying 16 hours of sunlight each day. As summer transitions to fall, sunlight begins to wane, decreasing to 14 hours in August and further down to 12 hours in September. October sees a decline to 10 hours, signaling the retreat into shorter days, which continue into November at 8 hours, and culminate in December with just 7 hours of daylight. This clear progression illustrates how Brest experiences prolonged daylight in summer while enduring the shorter, darker days of winter.
Brest, Belarus experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. January's average temperature is around -2°C (30°F), while July sees much warmer averages near 20°C (68°F). Precipitation is fairly distributed throughout the year, peaking in late spring and summer, with May and August both receiving around 88 mm (3.5 in). Sunshine hours increase significantly from winter to summer, with July enjoying up to 424 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Brest climate.
Overall, the climate of Brest, Belarus, is marked by distinct seasonal patterns that influence temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours throughout the year. The region experiences cold winters with limited daylight and low UV exposure, transitioning to warm summers with extended daylight and elevated UV levels. Understanding these climatic characteristics is essential for both residents and visitors as they navigate the varying weather conditions, plan outdoor activities, and implement appropriate sun protection strategies. As Brest showcases the beauty of each season, these insights into its climate help to appreciate the unique natural rhythms of this captivating location.