Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of the Altai region in the Russian Federation is characterized by a diverse range of Köppen-Geiger classes, including Dfc (Subarctic), BSk (Cold Semi-Arid), Dfb (Warm-Summer Continental), and Dwc (Subarctic with a dry winter). This complexity manifests in a significant temperature variation throughout the year: winter lows can plummet to an extreme -45°C (-49°F) in January, confronting residents with profound cold, while summer sees an average high of 36°C (97°F) in July, offering a stark contrast. Overall, the average annual temperature hovers around -1°C (31°F), illustrating the region's rugged climate and diverse seasonal extremes.
In the Altai region of the Russian Federation, temperature patterns exhibit marked seasonal variations. The winter months, particularly January and February, are characterized by extreme cold with minimum temperatures plunging to around -45°C (-49°F) and -44°C (-46°F), respectively, while average temperatures hover significantly below freezing. As spring arrives in March and April, the region begins to thaw, with notable increases in average temperatures reaching -7°C (20°F) in March and rising above freezing to 2°C (36°F) by April, accompanied by warmer maximums that hint at the approaching summer. The summer months of June and July present the starkest contrast, with average highs soaring to 15°C (59°F) and 15°C (59°F), peaking at a sweltering 36°C (97°F) in July. Even as August retains some of this warmth, temperatures start to decline in September, marking the onset of autumn. By October and November, colder conditions return, reminiscent of winter, with average temperatures once again slipping below zero. The transition from winter to summer and back is thus not only abrupt but also highlights the region's climatic extremes throughout the year.
Chemal and Manzherok experience extreme temperature variations throughout the year. In January, both locations can drop to a frigid minimum of -43°C (-45°F), while July brings about warmer conditions, with Chemal reaching a maximum of 31°C (87°F) and Manzherok slightly higher at 33°C (92°F). For a more detailed look at their climates, visit monthly temperatures in Chemal and monthly temperatures in Manzherok.
The precipitation patterns in the Altai region of the Russian Federation reflect a clear seasonal cycle, beginning with relatively low amounts in the winter months. January and February see minimal precipitation, measuring 22 mm (0.9 in) and 30 mm (1.2 in) respectively, and are accompanied by only 6 days of rain each month. As spring progresses, March marks a noticeable increase with 43 mm (1.7 in) of precipitation over 8 days, which continues to rise through April and May, reaching 62 mm (2.5 in) and 97 mm (3.8 in). This increase signals the transition towards the wetter months, driven by the melting snow and increasing warmth.
Summer peaks in July, where Altai experiences the highest rainfall of the year at 125 mm (4.9 in) over 17 days. Precipitation remains substantial in August at 98 mm (3.9 in), before gradually tapering off in the autumn months. September sees 83 mm (3.3 in) and October records 64 mm (2.5 in) as rainfall diminishes, while November and December see precipitation levels drop to 56 mm (2.2 in) and 36 mm (1.4 in) respectively. This seasonal shift illustrates the region's transition from the abundant moisture of summer towards the drier conditions of winter.
In the Altai region of the Russian Federation, sunshine duration exhibits a pronounced seasonal variation, reflecting the area's transition from the cold, dark winter months to the bright, long days of summer. January kicks off the year with a modest 161 hours of sunshine, which gradually increases as spring approaches. By February, the duration rises significantly to 233 hours, and by March, it further climbs to 314 hours. This trend continues into April with 347 hours, indicating that as the environment begins to thaw, residents can expect more delightful sunny days, setting the stage for the vibrant greenery of spring.
Summer months mark the peak of sunshine in Altai, with June reaching a high of 399 hours of sunshine, closely followed by 393 hours in July and 384 hours in August. This period provides the longest days, allowing for ample sunlight and warmth, crucial for agriculture and outdoor activities. However, as autumn arrives, sunshine hours begin to decline; September sees a drop to 322 hours, and by October, it further decreases to 271 hours. The year closes with November and December returning to lower levels of sunlight, at 201 hours and 198 hours respectively. This seasonal ebb and flow not only enrich the climate but also significantly influence the local ecosystem and lifestyle throughout the year.
The UV Index in the Altai region of the Russian Federation demonstrates a notable seasonal pattern, with varying levels of UV radiation throughout the year. In winter, January and December feature a low UV Index of 2, indicating minimal exposure risk and a burn time of approximately 45 minutes. As February approaches, the index rises to 3 (moderate), suggesting that sun safety precautions should begin. March signals a significant shift, with the UV Index climbing to 6 (high) and a burn time dropping to 25 minutes, indicating increased caution is necessary as spring sets in.
The peak months for UV radiation occur in late spring and summer, with May recording an extreme UV Index of 11, which necessitates strict sun protection measures with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Following closely are June and July with values of 10 and 9 (very high), respectively, where sustained sun exposure can be harmful within 15 minutes. Even August maintains a high index of 9, before a gradual decline to 7 in September, signaling the transition to autumn. This seasonal trend underscores the importance of being vigilant about UV exposure, particularly during the spring and summer months, to mitigate skin and health risks associated with high radiation levels.
UV Risk Categories
In the Altai region of the Russian Federation, daylight duration exhibits a distinct seasonal rhythm that clearly transitions from winter's short days to the long days of summer. In January, residents experience only 8 hours of daylight, which slightly increases to 9 hours in February as winter begins to wane. March sees a noticeable jump to 11 hours, heralding the arrival of spring and continuing to grow through April with 13 hours of daylight, and by May, daylight duration reaches 15 hours, allowing for longer hours of outdoor activities.
The peak daylight hours occur in June, where Altai enjoys a remarkable 16 hours of sunlight, ideal for farming and recreation. This abundance of light begins to taper off in July, with 15 hours of daylight, and continues to decrease in August to 14 hours. As autumn sets in, September provides 12 hours of daylight, but by October, the hours drop again to 10. The year concludes with shorter days in November, at 8 hours, followed by December's brief 7 hours, emphasizing the stark contrasts in daylight that define the Altai's climate and lifestyle throughout the seasons.
The climate in Chemal, Russian Federation, is characterized by severe winters and mild summers. January temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -43°C (-45°F), while July sees a comfortable average of 16°C (60°F) and maxima around 31°C (87°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in May and July with about 124 mm (4.9 in) and 147 mm (5.8 in) respectively. Sunshine is abundant in summer, reaching up to 400 hours in June, but decreases significantly during the winter months. For more detailed information, visit Chemal climate.
Manzherok, located in the Russian Federation, experiences a continental climate characterized by extreme seasonal temperature variations. Winters are frigid, with January temperatures dropping as low as -43°C (-45°F) and averaging around -14°C (7°F), while summers are mild to warm, with July peaking at 33°C (92°F). Precipitation increases through spring and summer, with July receiving the most at 132 mm (5.2 in), contributing to a lush landscape. Sunshine hours are plentiful during the warmer months, boasting up to 403 hours in June, but dwindle to around 153 hours in January. For more detailed climate information, visit Manzherok climate.
Overall, the climate of the Altai region in the Russian Federation is marked by its notable seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. From the extreme cold of winter to the extreme warmth of summer, each season brings its own distinct characteristics that influence local ecosystems and human activities. As daylight increases in spring and summer, so do the opportunities for outdoor pursuits, alongside heightened UV exposure that necessitates sun protection. Conversely, shorter days and reduced sunlight in the winter months create a contrasting landscape emphasizing the region's rugged beauty. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for residents and visitors alike, enabling them to embrace everything the Altai has to offer while considering environmental and health factors throughout the year.