Last updated: January 18, 2025
Gorj, Romania, experiences a diverse climate characterized by Köppen-Geiger classes Cfb (Oceanic) and Dfb (Warm Summer Continental). This region endures notable temperature fluctuations throughout the year, with January presenting extreme lows of -23°C (-10°F), while August basks in maximum highs of 40°C (104°F). The average annual temperature hovers around a mild 11°C (52°F), highlighting the seasonal contrasts that define Gorj's unique environmental tapestry.
Gorj, Romania, exhibits a distinct seasonal temperature pattern marked by pronounced shifts between harsh winters and warm summers. Winter months, particularly January and February, experience plunging temperatures, with minimums reaching -23°C (-10°F) and -19°C (-2°F), respectively, and average values struggling to rise above freezing. As spring unfolds in March and April, temperatures gradually climb, transforming the landscape with averages of around 5°C (42°F) to 10°C (51°F), while daily maximums flirt with the highs of the season at 29°C (85°F). The warm months of June through August bring the peak heat, characterized by highs that soar to 40°C (104°F) in August, complemented by a stable average of 22°C (72°F). As autumn approaches, temperatures begin to retreat, with September and October showing averages around 17°C (63°F) and 11°C (53°F), paving the way for the colder months that return with notable chill by late November and December. This cyclical transition creates a dynamic climate, rich in seasonal contrasts.
Poienari experiences a minimum temperature of -22°C (-8°F) in January and a maximum of 30°C (86°F) in August, making its climate quite varied throughout the year (monthly temperatures in Poienari). Targu Jiu sees a slightly milder minimum of -19°C (-2°F) in January, with a higher maximum of 36°C (97°F) in August (monthly temperatures in Targu Jiu). Meanwhile, Poiana records a minimum of -20°C (-4°F) in March and peaks at 38°C (100°F) during the summer month of August (monthly temperatures in Poiana).
Precipitation in Gorj, Romania, reveals a notable seasonal distribution, reflecting a wet spring and summer. Starting from January with 57 mm (2.2 in) of rainfall and peaking in May at 130 mm (5.1 in), the month of May marks a significant increase in precipitation, occurring over an average of 14 days. The spring months, particularly March, delivering 73 mm (2.9 in), also contribute notably to the region’s moisture, allowing for the revitalization of flora after the winter dormancy.
As the summer sets in, Gorj experiences a moderate decline in rainfall, with June bringing 109 mm (4.3 in) and July slightly reduced to 84 mm (3.3 in), yet precipitation remains frequent with 14 rainy days in June. The late summer months of August and September witness a drop to 40 mm (1.6 in) and 30 mm (1.2 in)**, respectively, indicating drier conditions as the season transitions. Autumn sees a reemergence of precipitation patterns, with November providing 80 mm (3.1 in) over 12 days, suggesting that Gorj's climate is characterized by a cyclical pattern of moisture that aligns closely with seasonal changes.
In Gorj, Romania, sunshine duration exhibits a compelling seasonal trend, reflecting the region's transition from the darker winter months to the bright summer. January begins with a modest 172 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing to 224 hours in February as days start to lengthen. This upward trajectory accelerates through spring; with March delivering 290 hours and April reaching 346 hours, culminating in the vibrant month of May, which boasts an impressive 387 hours of sunlight. The trend continues into early summer, peaking in July with 420 hours of bright days, showcasing Gorj's sunniest period.
As summer wanes into autumn, sunshine hours begin to taper, though still remain substantial. August retains a robust 403 hours, while September sees a decrease to 338 hours, signaling the onset of the fall season. The decline continues through October, which records 284 hours, and further diminishes into November and December at 206 hours and 190 hours, respectively. These trends highlight Gorj's seasonal variability, with prolonged sunshine during the warmest months contrasting sharply with the shorter days of winter, underscoring the dynamic nature of its climatic conditions.
The UV Index in Gorj, Romania, showcases a clear seasonal pattern, highlighting the varying levels of sun exposure risk throughout the year. During the winter months, January and December register a low UV Index of 2, allowing for safer sun exposure with a burn time of 45 minutes. As February rolls in, the index climbs to 4, indicating a moderate risk, and by March, it reaches 6, classifying it as high. This increasing trend signifies a shift towards stronger sunlight as spring approaches, with UV levels peaking at 7 in April—an indicator to be more cautious in sun exposure.
The summer months present the highest UV Index ratings, with values hitting 9 in June, July, and August, categorizing these months as having very high UV exposure risk and necessitating protective measures within just 15 minutes of direct sun. September still maintains a high risk at 7, but as fall settles in, the UV Index declines to 5 in October and further to 3 in November. This seasonal transition emphasizes the importance of vigilance during warmer months while allowing for more relaxed sun exposure during cooler periods. Overall, understanding these fluctuations is essential for safeguarding skin health throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
In Gorj, Romania, daylight duration follows a predictable seasonal cycle, characterized by longer days in the summer and shorter ones during winter. Starting the year with approximately 9 hours of daylight in January, the period gradually extends to 10 hours in February and 11 hours in March as spring approaches. This upward trend culminates in April with 13 hours and reaches its zenith in June and July at 15 hours, allowing for ample time to enjoy outdoor activities and the beauty of nature during the warmest months.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight hours begin to decline, signaling the onset of shorter days. August sees a decrease to 13 hours, followed by a further reduction to 12 hours in September. The decline continues through October, which records 10 hours, and further diminishes to 9 hours in November and 8 hours in December. This cyclical pattern not only impacts daily life and activities in Gorj but also influences the ecological dynamics as the region adapts to the changing light conditions throughout the year.
Poiana, Romania experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from -20°C to a maximum of 14°C, while July sees highs reaching 37°C. Precipitation peaks in May and June, with around 128 mm and 116 mm, respectively, while sunshine hours are abundant during the summer months, particularly in July with 423 hours. The overall climate makes Poiana a striking destination for both winter sports and summer leisure activities. For detailed information, visit the Poiana climate.
The climate in Poienari, Romania, is characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -22°C to 10°C, while July temperatures reach a maximum of 29°C. Precipitation peaks in May and June, with 185 mm and 189 mm respectively, contributing to lush greenery during the warmer months. Sunshine hours are abundant from May to July, with June averaging 398 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Poienari climate.
The climate in Targu Jiu, Romania, features cold winters with January temperatures dropping to a minimum of -19°C (−2°F) and mild summers where July can reach up to 35°C (95°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, with May being the wettest month at 112 mm (4.4 in), while August experiences the least rainfall at just 29 mm (1.1 in). Sunshine hours peak in July with 418 hours, contributing to the region's warm summer climate. For more detailed information about the weather patterns, visit Targu Jiu climate.
In conclusion, Gorj, Romania, is defined by a dynamic climate characterized by marked seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The region transitions smoothly from cold winters with low UV exposure and shorter daylight to vibrant summers featuring high temperatures, extended daylight, and increased UV radiation. These climatic factors play a crucial role in shaping the local ecosystem, agricultural patterns, and the daily lives of residents. Understanding these seasonal trends not only enhances awareness of the region's environmental characteristics but also encourages mindful outdoor activities in accordance with changing weather patterns and sunlight exposure throughout the year.