Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Astrakhan, Russian Federation, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as BSk (semi-arid) and Dfa (humid continental). This unique climatic combination results in significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Winter temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) in February, while summer months can reach scorching highs of 42°C (108°F) in July. The average annual temperature hovers around 12°C (53°F), highlighting the stark contrasts that define Astrakhan's diverse weather patterns.
Astrakhan experiences distinct seasonal temperature patterns, characterized by cold winters and hot summers. January and February are the coldest months, with minimum temperatures dropping to -26°C (-14°F) and averaging around -2°C (29°F). As spring approaches, March marks a gradual warming, with average temperatures rising to 3°C (38°F), and by April, the region sees a noteworthy increase, reaching averages of 11°C (53°F). The transition to summer is marked by significant warmth, peaking in July when average temperatures reach 27°C (82°F) and maximums soar to 42°C (108°F). August maintains similar warmth before a gradual cooldown occurs in September. By autumn, temperatures decline precipitously, with November and December returning to chilly averages and minimums, reinforcing the stark climatic contrasts that define Astrakhan throughout the year.
Astrakhan experiences extreme temperature variations throughout the year, with February witnessing a frigid minimum of -22°C (-7°F) and July soaring to a scorching maximum of 41°C (107°F). This stark contrast makes it essential for residents and visitors alike to be prepared for the diverse climate conditions. For more details, you can check the monthly temperatures in Astrakhan.
Precipitation in Astrakhan follows a distinct seasonal pattern, with the winter months of January and February receiving a modest amount of rainfall, averaging 14 mm (0.5 in) and 20 mm (0.8 in), respectively. The early spring months begin to see a gradual increase in precipitation, peaking at 29 mm (1.1 in) in March, followed closely by April, which receives 25 mm (1.0 in). Notably, May also contributes a similar amount of 24 mm (1.0 in), showcasing a period of relative wetness before the summer months set in.
As summer approaches, June experiences a significant decrease in rainfall to 12 mm (0.5 in), while July yields a slightly higher total of 18 mm (0.7 in). August, however, is marked by a notable dry spell with only 5 mm (0.2 in) recorded. The trend of limited precipitation continues into early autumn, with September and October receiving amounts of 18 mm (0.7 in) and 15 mm (0.6 in), respectively. Throughout the year, total precipitation occurs over varying numbers of days, with the driest month being August, which does not record any rainy days, highlighting the continental climate's characteristic dry spells.
In Astrakhan, the duration of sunshine exhibits a distinct seasonal trend, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from the cold winter months into the warm summer. January begins the year with only 127 hours of sunshine, which reflects the prolonged darkness typical of winter. However, as February arrives, sunshine hours climb to 199, signaling the onset of more favorable weather. The real transition occurs in spring; March sees a significant jump to 277 hours, and by April, sunlight reaches 344 hours, heralding the arrival of longer days and brighter skies.
The peak sunshine months arrive during the height of summer, with June capturing 423 hours and July slightly surpassing with 429 hours. This period represents the zenith of sunlight exposure, offering extended outdoor opportunities for residents and visitors alike. As summer wanes into August, sunshine remains substantial at 402 hours, but a gradual decline begins, leading to 333 hours in September. The sunny days retreat further as autumn progresses, with October recording 291 hours and November dropping to 201 hours—finally concluding the year in December with only 146 hours. This clear pattern underscores Astrakhan's sunny disposition in summer, contrasting sharply with the shorter days and diminished sunlight characteristic of winter, providing a vivid illustration of the region's climatic shifts.
The UV Index in Astrakhan exhibits significant seasonal variation, which influences the necessary precautions for sun exposure throughout the year. During the winter months, January and December register low UV Index values of 2, indicating minimal risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure and a burn time of 45 minutes. As winter transitions into spring, February and March see increases to 3 and 5, respectively, marking a shift into the moderate exposure category, where it's advisable to take precautions after just 30 minutes of direct sunlight.
The most intense UV experiences are recorded in the summer months, with the UV Index peaking at 9 in both June and July, classified as very high. During this period, experts recommend limiting sun exposure to just 15 minutes to avoid potential skin damage. August slightly reduces to 8 but continues to pose a significant risk. As autumn approaches, September and October see a decline in the UV Index to 7 and 5, respectively, returning to moderate levels and extending burn times back to 25-30 minutes. This seasonal progression emphasizes the need for greater sun safety awareness during the summer months, when UV radiation levels are at their highest.
UV Risk Categories
In Astrakhan, the duration of daylight showcases a clear seasonal pattern, beginning with shorter days in the winter months. January offers only 9 hours of daylight, while December sees the least, with just 8 hours. As February rolls in, daylight gradually increases to 10 hours, and by March, it reaches 11 hours. This early spring uplift continues to accelerate, with April gaining another 2 hours to provide a total of 13 hours of daylight. The increase reflects the transition toward warmer weather, contributing to more activities being conducted outdoors.
The summer months are characterized by prolonged daylight, with May, June, and July all enjoying 15 hours of sunshine. This peak in daylight not only enhances the potential for outdoor pursuits but also promotes a lively atmosphere among residents. As the seasons change again, daylight begins to taper off, dropping to 14 hours in August and gradually decreasing to 12 hours in September. The descent into autumn is felt more significantly in October and November, where daylight falls to 10 hours and then 9 hours, echoing a return to the shorter days of winter. This cyclical pattern underscores the dramatic variations in daylight that influence daily life in Astrakhan throughout the year.
Astrakhan, located in the Russian Federation, experiences a continental climate with significant temperature variations between seasons. January and February are notably cold, with average temperatures around -2°C (28°F) and -1°C (30°F) respectively, while summer months see highs exceeding 40°C (104°F) in July and August. Precipitation levels remain relatively low, particularly in summer, with August recording only 5 mm (0.2 in). The region enjoys ample sunshine, peaking at 426 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Astrakhan climate.
In conclusion, the climate, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight patterns in Astrakhan, Russian Federation, collectively underscore the region's distinct seasonal variations. With significant temperature fluctuations from harsh winters to scorching summers, residents experience a wide array of climatic conditions that dictate lifestyle and activities year-round. The increase in sunshine hours during the spring and summer months, coupled with heightened UV Index readings, calls for careful sun safety awareness, particularly in peak seasons. As autumn and winter approach, shorter days and reduced sunlight reflect the cyclical nature of Astrakhan's climate, creating a dynamic environment that shapes both the landscape and the daily lives of its inhabitants.