Harghita Climate

Last updated: January 18, 2025

Harghita, Romania, exhibits a Dfb Köppen-Geiger climate classification, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Temperature variations are notable, with a minimum plunging to -26°C (-15°F) in February, while summer peaks can reach a sweltering 35°C (96°F) in August. The annual average temperature hovers around a mild 8°C (46°F), reflecting the region's distinct seasonal transitions and contributing to its unique ecological and cultural landscape.

Harghita temperature by month

Harghita, Romania, experiences pronounced seasonal temperature patterns, characterized by harsh winters and warm summers. The coldest months, January and February, see minimum temperatures plummet to -26°C (-15°F), with average highs only reaching around 14°C (58°F) and 17°C (62°F), respectively. As spring unfolds, March marks a gradual shift to milder conditions, with temperatures starting to rise as highs reach 24°C (75°F). The onset of May brings a further warming trend, with average temperatures reaching 12°C (54°F) and maximums soaring to 29°C (85°F). Summer months, particularly July and August, showcase the region's peak warmth, with average temperatures around 18°C (64°F) and highs frequently hitting 34°C (93°F) to 35°C (96°F). As autumn approaches, September and October usher in cooler days, while November brings a stark drop, returning the region to its frigid winter temperatures by December, when lows again dive to -25°C (-13°F). This fluctuation contributes significantly to Harghita's dynamic climate and rich biodiversity throughout the year.

Monthly Temperatures in Harghita, Romania

The chart illustrates Harghita's temperature patterns throughout the year, with values aggregated from various locations across the region. It highlights seasonal variations and temperature changes across the months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec243035455462646556473830
Data source: Harghita temperature data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

In Borsec, temperatures range from a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) in January to a maximum of 29°C (85°F) in August, while Baile Tusnad experiences slightly milder fluctuations, with lows of -23°C (-9°F) and highs of 32°C (90°F). Praid displays a similar trend, facing minimum temperatures of -20°C (-3°F) in winter and rising to 33°C (91°F) in summer. For detailed monthly temperature insights, visit monthly temperatures in Borsec, monthly temperatures in Baile Tusnad, and monthly temperatures in Praid.

Precipitation Patterns in Harghita

Precipitation in Harghita, Romania, illustrates a distinctive seasonal pattern, with a marked increase during the warmer months. January begins the year with relatively low rainfall at 30 mm (1.2 in), expanding to 49 mm (1.9 in) in February. As spring progresses into March and April, precipitation remains consistent, with averages around 53 mm (2.1 in) and 51 mm (2.0 in), respectively. However, the region sees a significant surge in May, where rainfall peaks at 106 mm (4.2 in), and continues into June with 133 mm (5.2 in), highlighting the transition to the summer season.

Throughout the summer, Harghita experiences high levels of precipitation, with July recording 103 mm (4.0 in), followed by a drop to 78 mm (3.1 in) in August. The trend of decreasing rainfall continues into the fall, with September and October experiencing lower totals of 51 mm (2.0 in) and 44 mm (1.7 in), respectively. As the year concludes, November and December return to wetter conditions with 31 mm (1.2 in) and 61 mm (2.4 in), along with an increase in the number of rainy days, peaking at 19 days in June. This seasonal variability plays a crucial role in Harghita's ecology and agricultural practices.

Monthly Average Precipitation in Harghita, Romania

The average monthly precipitation in Harghita, providing insights into seasonal rainfall patterns and the region's precipitation trends throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec314954511071331037952443161
Data source: Harghita precipitation data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.
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Sunshine Duration in Harghita

In Harghita, Romania, sunshine duration follows a clear seasonal progression, with a noticeable increase from winter to summer. The year begins with a modest 159 hours of sunshine in January, gradually climbing to 217 hours in February. However, the trend accelerates into spring, as March marks a significant jump to 286 hours and April continues the ascent with 340 hours. This upward trajectory culminates in May and June, where sunshine hours peak at 386 hours and 394 hours, respectively, setting the stage for the sunniest months of the year.

The summer months of July and August maintain high levels of brightness, with 414 hours and 404 hours, respectively. As the year progresses into autumn, sunshine begins to wane, with September recording 331 hours before falling to 282 hours in October and further diminishing to 226 hours in November. December rounds out the year with 172 hours of sunlight, emphasizing the stark contrast between the sun-drenched summer and the darker days of winter. This seasonal variation in sunshine not only impacts the local climate but also influences the outdoor activities and agricultural patterns within the region.

Monthly Sunshine in Harghita, Romania

Monthly sunshine duration represents the total hours of direct sunlight Harghita receives each month, excluding periods when the sun is obscured by clouds or other obstructions.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec159h217h286h340h386h394h414h404h331h282h226h172h
Data source: Harghita sunshine duration data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.

Harghita UV Index Trends

The UV Index in Harghita, Romania, exhibits significant fluctuations throughout the year, reflecting seasonal changes in sun exposure. During the winter months, January and December register a low UV Index of 2, with a burn time of 45 minutes, indicating minimal risk of harm from solar radiation. February sees a slight rise to an index of 3 (moderate exposure) with reduced burn time of 30 minutes. As spring approaches, there is a marked increase, with March reaching a 6 (high) index and a decreased burn time of just 25 minutes, followed by April escalating to 7 (high) as well.

The summer months, particularly from May to July, are when the UV Index peaks, with readings of 8 (very high) in May and August, and escalating to 9 (very high) in June and July, necessitating a mere 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure before burns occur. As autumn arrives, the index gradually decreases, settling at 7 in September, 5 in October, and returning to 3 in November. This underscores the importance of sun protection during the summer, while also highlighting the year-round variations that residents and visitors in Harghita should be mindful of.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Harghita, Romania

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Harghita. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec236789987532
Data source: Harghita UV Index data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Daylight Hours in Harghita

In Harghita, Romania, daylight duration exhibits a distinctive seasonal pattern, with significant variations from winter to summer. The year begins in January with just 9 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to 10 hours in February. As spring progresses, March brings another hour of daylight, reaching 11 hours, and April sees a notable jump to 13 hours, reflecting the longer days associated with the transition to warmer weather. The trend continues into May, where daylight peaks at 15 hours, a duration that remains consistent during June and July, providing ample time for outdoor activities.

As summer fades into autumn, daylight starts to diminish, with August recording 14 hours before tapering off to 12 hours in September. This decline continues into October, where daylight reduces further to 10 hours, and the year concludes with shorter days, dropping to 9 hours in November and 8 hours in December. This cyclical variation in daylight duration not only influences the daily rhythm of life in Harghita but also affects local ecosystems and agricultural practices throughout the year.

Average Monthly Daylight Hours in Harghita, Romania

This chart shows the total daylight hours Harghita receives each month, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec542h618h716h815h900h943h920h845h749h651h563h517h
Data source: Harghita daylight hours, calculated based on aggregated data for various regional locations, determined by the times between sunrise and sunset.

Climate Highlights of Harghita's Popular Destinations

Baile Tusnad, Romania experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -23°C to a maximum of 11°C, while July sees highs of up to 30°C. Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in June with 145 mm, and sunshine is abundant in the summer months, reaching up to 410 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Baile Tusnad climate.

Borsec, Romania, experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and mild summers. January and February record the lowest temperatures, averaging around -6°C (21°F) and -3°C (26°F) respectively, while July and August reach pleasant highs of around 27°C (81°F). Precipitation peaks in the spring and early summer, especially in May and June, with totals of 137 mm (5.4 in) and 156 mm (6.1 in). Sunshine is abundant during the summer months, with July boasting 417 hours, providing a warm and bright environment. For more detailed information, visit Borsec climate.

Paltinis-Ciuc, Romania experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January sees frigid temperatures averaging -5°C (23°F), with lows reaching -24°C (-11°F), while summer months like July and August average around 17°C (62°F) with maximum temperatures near 31°C (87°F). Precipitation is highest during late spring and early summer, particularly in June with 158 mm (6.2 in). The area enjoys significant sunshine, peaking in July with 417 hours, contributing to its warm summer ambiance. For more detailed information, visit Paltinis-Ciuc climate.

Praid, Romania experiences a varied climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -20°C to a maximum of 11°C, while July sees averages between 8°C and 31°C. Precipitation peaks in late spring and summer, with May and June receiving approximately 112 mm and 121 mm, respectively. The region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in the summer months, with July receiving up to 414 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit the Praid climate.

Tusnad, Romania experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures can drop to as low as -24°C (-11°F), while July sees warm highs around 29°C (85°F). Precipitation peaks in June at 153 mm (6.0 in), contributing to lush greenery in the warmer months. The area enjoys significant sunshine, reaching up to 417 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Tusnad climate.

The climate in Vacaresti, Romania, features cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a frigid -23°C to a milder max of 9°C, while July enjoys averages around 17°C. Precipitation peaks in June at 129 mm, contributing to the region's lush vegetation. Sunshine hours are plentiful in summer, with July receiving around 410 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Vacaresti climate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Harghita, Romania, presents a captivating climate characterized by its distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight. With cold winters and warm summers, the region undergoes significant changes that influence both the environment and local lifestyle. From the peak sunshine hours of summer to the pronounced UV exposure, residents and visitors alike must adapt to the seasonal rhythms inherent to Harghita. As the region transitions through each season, understanding these climatic nuances not only enhances appreciation for its natural beauty but also informs crucial decisions related to outdoor activities and agriculture, ultimately contributing to a resilient and thriving community.

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