Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of the Kalmykiya Republic, located in the Russian Federation, presents a fascinating blend of arid and continental characteristics, classified under the Köppen-Geiger climate classes as BSk (semi-arid) and Dfa (humid continental). With a striking temperature range, the region experiences minimum winter temperatures plunging to -26°C (-14°F) in February, while summer peaks soar to a sweltering maximum of 42°C (108°F) in July. On average, the annual temperature rests at a moderate 12°C (53°F), underscoring the dramatic seasonal contrasts that define this unique climate zone.
The temperature patterns in the Kalmykiya Republic reveal a pronounced seasonal variability, transitioning from harsh winters to sweltering summers. January and February are characterized by frigid conditions, with minimum temperatures dropping to -26°C (-14°F), followed by a gradual warming trend as spring approaches. March marks the beginning of this transition, with average temperatures rising to 3°C (38°F) and maximums reaching 23°C (73°F). As the season progresses into April and May, the climate becomes increasingly temperate, with max temperatures soaring to 38°C (101°F) by May. The peak of summer in July brings maximums of 42°C (108°F), while August remains warm with temperatures still high. However, as autumn sets in, a noticeable decline in temperatures occurs, with September yielding an average of 19°C (66°F) before sharply dropping in October and further cooling through the late fall, culminating in December’s lows of -19°C (-2°F). This cyclical pattern emphasizes the region's stark contrasts between extreme cold and heat throughout the year.
Elista experiences extreme temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -24°C (-12°F) in February to a maximum of 41°C (106°F) in July, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Elista. Similarly, Iki-Burul records slightly colder temperatures with a minimum of -25°C (-14°F) in February and reaches the same peak of 41°C (106°F) in July, as noted in the monthly temperatures in Iki-Burul. Utta has a minimum of -23°C (-9°F) in February and can rise to a maximum of 42°C (108°F) in July, which is highlighted in the monthly temperatures in Utta.
In the Kalmykiya Republic, precipitation is relatively low and exhibits distinct seasonal fluctuations throughout the year. The winter months of January and February see some of the least rainfall, with totals of 24 mm (0.9 in) and 36 mm (1.4 in), respectively. March marks an uptick in precipitation, reaching 41 mm (1.6 in) as spring approaches, and April maintains similar levels. May experiences a slight increase in rainfall to 40 mm (1.6 in), providing some moisture before the summer months. However, June is notably drier, averaging only 18 mm (0.7 in), with a reduction in rainy days, contributing to the region’s semi-arid climate.
As summer unfolds, July sees a modest increase in precipitation to 31 mm (1.2 in), followed by an even lower in August with just 10 mm (0.4 in), indicating a brief dry spell. The onset of fall brings some recovery in precipitation with September recording 26 mm (1.0 in) and October showing 25 mm (1.0 in). The late autumn months, particularly November and December, see further rainfall, totaling 30 mm (1.2 in) and 34 mm (1.3 in), respectively. Throughout the year, the frequency of rainy days varies, peaking in February at 8 days and decreasing to as few as 1 day in August, reflecting the characteristic dry phases interspersed with wetter periods in Kalmykiya's climate.
In the Kalmykiya Republic, sunshine duration showcases a clear seasonal progression, beginning with the minimal exposure typical of winter months. January experiences just 112 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing to 189 hours in February as days begin to lengthen. This upward trend continues into spring, with March seeing 272 hours, and April further enhancing daylight to 337 hours. By May, sunshine peaks at 389 hours, heralding the arrival of summer, which is characterized by a significant increase in sunny days, culminating in June with 418 hours and peaking in July at an impressive 431 hours. This extended period of sunlight not only contributes to warmer temperatures but also highlights the Republic's vibrant summer landscape.
As summer gradually transitions into autumn, the sunshine hours remain substantial, with August still boasting 402 hours before declining in September to 330 hours. This decline in sunlight is marked by the shorter days of autumn, particularly noticeable in October with 287 hours. The trend continues into November with just 197 hours, and by December, the Republic sees a return to winter, experiencing only 117 hours of sunshine. This seasonal rhythm emphasizes Kalmykiya's climatic contrasts, where the long, bright summers contrast sharply with the brief, sun-starved months of winter, creating a unique environment reflective of its varied weather patterns.
In the Kalmykiya Republic, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal variation, closely reflecting the changing sunlight exposure throughout the year. During the winter months, notably January and December, the UV Index remains low at 2, allowing for safer outdoor activities with a burn time of 45 minutes before damage occurs. February experiences a slight increase to a moderate UV Index of 3, continuing into March at an index of 5, where the risk associated with sun exposure begins to heighten, indicating a need for protective measures as spring approaches.
As summer arrives, Kalmykiya experiences its peak UV Index levels, reaching a very high rating of 9 in May, June, and July, indicating significant potential for skin damage within just 15 minutes of exposure. August follows closely with a slightly lower but still very high UV Index of 8. The onset of fall brings a gradual reduction in UV intensity, with September registering a high level of 7, before returning to moderate levels in October and November. This seasonal trend underscores the importance of sun protection during the summer months while allowing for safer outdoor enjoyment in the winter.
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In the Kalmykiya Republic, daylight duration exhibits a distinct seasonal rhythm, beginning with shorter days in winter and gradually lengthening as spring approaches. January offers just 9 hours of daylight, a slight increase to 10 hours in February signals the transitioning seasons. By March, the days lengthen further to 11 hours, followed by April's more substantial increase to 13 hours, as the region eagerly anticipates the longer, sunnier days of spring. May sees daylight extend to 15 hours, which persists into June, affirming this month as a time of abundant sunlight.
During the summer months, Kalmykiya enjoys extended daylight, maintaining 15 hours in both June and July, before slightly tapering off to 14 hours in August as autumn encroaches. September marks the beginning of this decline with 12 hours of daylight, which continues to diminish in October to 10 hours, and further decreases to 9 hours in November. December sees the shortest days of the year, with only 8 hours of daylight, emblematic of the stark contrasts between the long, vibrant summer days and the brief, darker winter months that characterize the region’s unique climate.
Arshan', located in the Russian Federation, experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January and February see temperatures ranging from -24°C (-12°F) to 16°C (62°F), while July and August can reach up to 41°C (106°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, with the driest months in June and August, receiving only 14 mm (0.6 in) and 15 mm (0.6 in) respectively. The area enjoys significant sunshine, particularly in summer, peaking at 432 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Arshan' climate.
Elista, located in the Russian Federation, experiences a diverse climate with a significant temperature range throughout the year. Winters are harsh, with January temperatures averaging around -2°C (29°F) and dipping as low as -24°C (-12°F) in February. The summer months can be quite warm, with average temperatures peaking at 26°C (80°F) in July. Precipitation is moderate, with the wettest months being February and March, while sunshine hours peak in June and July, providing ample daylight. For more detailed climate information, visit Elista climate.
Gorodoviki, located in the Russian Federation, experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January holds the coldest temperatures, ranging from -19°C to 14°C, while July sees highs of up to 41°C. Precipitation peaks in late winter and early spring, notably in March with 52 mm, before tapering off during the summer months. Sunshine hours are abundant, especially in June and July, exceeding 400 hours per month. For more detailed information, visit Gorodoviki climate.
Gorodovikovsk experiences a continental climate characterized by significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winters are cold, with January temperatures averaging around 0°C (32°F) and dropping as low as -23°C (-9°F) in February. Summers are warm to hot, with July peaking at an average of 26°C (79°F) and highs reaching 42°C (107°F). Precipitation is moderate, peaking in May with 62 mm (2.5 in), while sunshine hours are abundant during summer months, with July receiving 434 hours of sunlight. For more information, visit Gorodovikovsk climate.
Iki-Burul, located in the Russian Federation, experiences a diverse climate with harsh winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to a minimum of -15°C (5°F), while July sees averages around 27°C (81°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in May with 40 mm (1.6 in) and dropping to just 11 mm (0.4 in) in August. Sunshine is abundant in summer months, reaching up to 428 hours in July, but declines significantly in winter. For more detailed climate information, visit Iki-Burul climate.
The climate in Kaspiyskiy, Russian Federation, is characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a low of -15°C to a high of 9°C, while July sees temperatures soar from 15°C to 40°C. Precipitation is relatively moderate throughout the year, with May being the wettest month at 28 mm. The region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in summer, with July receiving the most at 427 hours. For more detailed information, visit Kaspiyskiy climate.
Komsomol'skiy experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to -14°C (7°F), while July can reach as high as 41°C (107°F), showing a significant seasonal variation. Precipitation is relatively moderate, peaking at 35 mm (1.4 in) in May and decreasing during the drier months of August and June. The city enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in the summer months, with July having the highest sunshine hours at 425. For more details, visit Komsomol'skiy climate.
Malyye Derbety experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to a minimum of -23°C (-9°F), while July can see highs of up to 42°C (108°F). The region receives moderate precipitation, with the wettest months being March and April, totaling around 42 mm (1.7 in) and 35 mm (1.4 in) respectively. Notably, summer months boast the highest sunshine hours, with July averaging 434 hours. For more detailed climate data, visit Malyye Derbety climate.
The climate in Priyutnoye, Russian Federation, features a significant temperature range throughout the year, with January lows averaging -19°C and July highs reaching 42°C. Precipitation varies, peaking in February and March with about 45-47 mm, while June and August are relatively drier. Sunshine hours are most abundant in summer, particularly in July with 431 hours, compared to the winter months, which see less than 200 hours. Overall, Priyutnoye experiences cold winters and warm summers, making it a region with distinct seasonal contrasts. More information can be found at Priyutnoye climate.
Sadovoye, Russian Federation, experiences a continental climate with harsh winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -25°C (-13°F), while July sees highs of up to 42°C (107°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in the winter months, especially February and March, when it averages around 42-44 mm. The region enjoys ample sunshine during the summer, with July receiving about 432 hours of sunlight, but significantly less in the winter months. For more detailed information, visit Sadovoye climate.
Sovetskoye, Russian Federation experiences a continental climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winters are harsh, with January temperatures averaging -3°C (28°F) and reaching lows of -21°C (-6°F), while summer months like July peak at an average of 27°C (80°F). Precipitation is moderate, with the wettest months being February and March, accumulating around 42 mm (1.7 in) and 46 mm (1.8 in) respectively. Sunshine is abundant during the summer, with July enjoying 434 hours of sunlight, compared to only 101 hours in January. For more information, visit Sovetskoye climate.
Troitskoye, Russian Federation experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January and February often see minimum temperatures reaching as low as -24°C (-11°F), while July can peak at 41°C (106°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, with the wettest months typically being March and May, each receiving about 45 mm (1.8 in). The area enjoys considerable sunshine, especially in the summer months, with July boasting up to 432 hours of sun. For more detailed information, you can visit Troitskoye climate.
The climate in Tsagan Aman, Russian Federation, features harsh winters and warm summers, characterized by significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. In January, temperatures can drop to as low as -25°C (-12°F), while July can see highs of up to 42°C (108°F). Precipitation is relatively low in the summer months, with June experiencing just 11 mm (0.4 in), while March is typically the wettest month with 40 mm (1.6 in) of rainfall. Sunlight is abundant during the summer, peaking at 431 hours in July, which contributes to the region's warmest months. For more detailed information, visit Tsagan Aman climate.
Utta, Russian Federation, experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with July being the warmest month, averaging 28°C (82°F), and February the coldest, averaging -1°C (31°F). The climate features significant sunshine, particularly in the summer months, peaking at 429 hours in July, while winter months see less sunlight. Precipitation averages around 25 mm to 31 mm per month during spring and fall, with July and August being relatively drier. For more detailed information, visit Utta climate.
Yashalta, located in the Russian Federation, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to -23°C (-8°F) while averaging around 0°C (32°F), and July sees highs reaching up to 41°C (106°F). Precipitation is relatively consistent throughout the year, peaking in winter months, whereas sunshine hours are greatest during the summer, with July basking in about 431 hours. For more detailed information, visit Yashalta climate.
Yashkul', Russian Federation, experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with January averaging around -1°C (30°F) and July peaking at 27°C (82°F). The summer months, particularly June and July, receive the highest sunshine hours, reaching up to 429 hours, while winter months see less sunlight, particularly in December with just 113 hours. Precipitation is relatively moderate, with May experiencing the highest at 37 mm (1.4 in) and June having the lowest at 7 mm (0.3 in). For more detailed information on the local climate, visit Yashkul' climate.
In conclusion, the Kalmykiya Republic's climate is marked by striking seasonal contrasts that influence its temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. With frigid winters giving way to sweltering summers, residents and visitors alike experience a remarkable range of weather conditions throughout the year. The notable increase in sunshine and daylight from winter to summer underscores the region's vibrant seasonal dynamics, while the fluctuating UV Index highlights the necessity for sun protection during the sunniest months. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for anticipating weather conditions and planning activities in this fascinating and diverse part of the Russian Federation.