Last updated: January 18, 2025
Ida-Virumaa, located in Estonia, exhibits a Dfb Köppen-Geiger climate classification, characterized by its distinct seasonal variations. The region experiences a striking temperature range, with winter lows plummeting to a bitterly cold -25°C (-13°F) in February, while summer months can soar to a sweltering 33°C (92°F) in June. The average temperature hovers around a mild 7°C (45°F), illustrating the dynamic climate and providing a unique backdrop for the local ecosystems and communities.
Ida-Virumaa experiences a distinct seasonal temperature pattern that reflects the harshness of its winters and the warmth of its summers. The winter months of January and February are particularly frigid, with minimum temperatures dropping to -25°C (-13°F), while average temperatures hover around -2°C (28°F) and -3°C (27°F) respectively. As March arrives, the region begins to thaw, and by April, temperatures climb to an average of 4°C (40°F), signaling the transition into spring. The warming trend continues into May, with temperatures reaching up to 27°C (81°F), and summer peaks in June and July see maximums of 33°C (92°F) and 33°C (91°F), creating a brief but robust warm season. As autumn approaches, temperatures gradually decline, with November averages dropping to 3°C (38°F), and by December, the cold returns with minimums sinking back to -23°C (-9°F), setting the stage for another cycle of winter chill.
Narva experiences a minimum temperature of -25°C (-13°F) in February and a maximum of 33°C (92°F) in June, making it a city with a diverse climate range throughout the year. In contrast, Narva-Joesuu has slightly milder conditions, with February temperatures dipping to -22°C (-8°F) and peaking at 30°C (86°F) in July. For more details, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Narva here and in Narva-Joesuu here.
Ida-Virumaa's precipitation patterns reflect a moderate climate that contributes to its lush landscapes. Throughout the winter months, January and February receive relatively low precipitation, at 45 mm (1.8 in) and 49 mm (1.9 in) respectively, with 11 and 13 rainy days. As spring approaches, precipitation levels remain steady, with March and April both recording about 48 mm (1.9 in) and 49 mm (1.9 in), suggesting consistent moisture during the transition of seasons. Notably, May experiences a slight uptick to 62 mm (2.4 in), heralding the arrival of summer.
The summer months see a significant increase in rainfall, particularly in August which receives the highest monthly total of 92 mm (3.6 in) over 15 days. July also contributes to this trend with 74 mm (2.9 in), while June records 54 mm (2.1 in). Autumn brings a shift in precipitation dynamics, where October stands out with 90 mm (3.5 in) and 17 rainy days, leading into a wet November that adds another 63 mm (2.5 in). Overall, the region experiences balanced precipitation throughout the year, facilitating robust vegetation growth and a rich local ecosystem.
In Ida-Virumaa, the sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with a marked increase as the year progresses from winter to summer. The year begins with a starkly low 49 hours of sunshine in January, reflecting the region's long, cold winters. However, as February approaches, the days lengthen somewhat, resulting in 124 hours of sunshine. By March, this upward trajectory continues, with sunlight reaching 264 hours, signaling the start of spring and the anticipation of brighter days ahead.
The summer months in Ida-Virumaa are characterized by peak sunshine, with June standing out at 482 hours, just slightly less in July with 476 hours and August at 403 hours. This period of abundant sunlight is critical for supporting local ecosystems and agriculture. As fall sets in, sunshine hours begin to wane, dropping to 303 hours in September and plummeting to 109 hours in November. December marks the year's low with merely 48 hours of sunshine, closing out the year with a reminder of the region's return to winter's grasp. Overall, the dramatic fluctuations in sunshine duration not only define the seasons in Ida-Virumaa but also profoundly influence the local climate and agricultural cycles.
In Ida-Virumaa, the UV Index demonstrates a clear seasonal variation, reflecting the changing intensity of solar radiation throughout the year. During the winter months, from January to February, the UV Index remains low, peaking at 1 and 2, which corresponds to low exposure risk and a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring unfolds, the UV levels begin to rise, with March seeing an increase to 3 on the UV Index scale, classified as moderate, reducing safe exposure time to 30 minutes. This upward trend continues into April and May, where the Index reaches 4 and 5, maintaining moderate risk but emphasizing the need for sun protection as outdoor activities become more common.
The summer months usher in a notable spike in UV radiation, with both June and July recording a UV Index of 7, indicating high exposure levels and a reduced burn time of just 25 minutes. As August approaches, the Index slightly decreases to 6, but still presents a high risk for sunburn, necessitating protective measures. In the fall, UV levels start to decline again, with September reverting to a moderate 4, and the following months of October through December reflect low UV Index values of 2 and 1. Overall, understanding the UV Index throughout the year in Ida-Virumaa is essential for ensuring health and safety during outdoor activities across varying seasonal conditions.
UV Risk Categories
Ida-Virumaa experiences significant fluctuations in daylight duration throughout the year, mirroring the seasonal transitions that define the region. In January, residents enjoy only about 6 hours of daylight, a situation that improves slightly in February with 9 hours. As spring arrives, March brings 11 hours of daylight, and this continues to increase, reaching 14 hours in April and a robust 17 hours in May, heralding the arrival of warmer weather and longer days.
The peak of daylight is observed in June, where inhabitants benefit from approximately 18 hours of sunlight, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities and a vibrant natural landscape. This extended daylight persists in July at 17 hours but begins to wane in August with 15 hours. As autumn approaches, daylight decreases further to 12 hours in September, dropping to 10 hours by October. The decline continues into the winter months, with November offering only 7 hours and returning to 6 hours in December, effectively bringing the annual cycle full circle as the region braces for the next winter season.
Narva, Estonia, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February see minimum temperatures as low as -25°C (-13°F), while average temperatures remain around -3°C (26°F). As spring arrives, temperatures rise to a pleasant 10°C (51°F) in May, peaking in summer with averages of 18°C (65°F) in July. Precipitation is relatively high from August to October, with August receiving the most at 99 mm (3.9 in). For more information, visit Narva climate.
Narva-Joesuu, Estonia experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February are particularly frigid, with average temperatures ranging from -3°C (27°F) to -2°C (28°F), while July sees warmer averages around 18°C (65°F). Rainfall peaks in late summer, especially in August with 104 mm (4.1 in) of precipitation, complemented by significant sunshine during the summer months, reaching up to 483 hours in June. For detailed climate information, visit Narva-Joesuu climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Ida-Virumaa, Estonia, is characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The region experiences harsh winters with frigid temperatures and minimal sunlight, transitioning into mild spring and vibrant summer months that offer extended daylight and significant sunshine. The shift in climatic conditions not only influences local ecosystems and agriculture but also underscores the importance of adapting to varying UV exposure and weather patterns throughout the year. As such, understanding these climatic dynamics is essential for residents and visitors alike to make informed decisions about outdoor activities and health precautions throughout the changing seasons.