Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of the Karachayevo-Cherkesiya Republic in the Russian Federation is characterized by a diverse range of temperature fluctuations across its Köppen-Geiger climate classes, namely Dfb, Dfc, and Cfb. The region experiences a stark minimum temperature of -30°C (-22°F) in February, reflecting its continental climate. In contrast, July brings peak warmth with average highs reaching 37°C (100°F). The overall annual average temperature hovers around 8°C (47°F), illustrating the unique climatic conditions that impact both the environment and lifestyle of its inhabitants.
The temperature patterns in the Karachayevo-Cherkesiya Republic reveal a distinct seasonal cycle, marked by frigid winters and warm summers. January and February are characterized by extreme cold, with minimum temperatures dropping to -30°C (-22°F) in February and average highs remaining below 20°C (68°F). As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures begin to rise, with averages climbing from 2°C (36°F) in March to 8°C (46°F) in April, while maximums can reach up to 29°C (85°F). The transition to summer brings warmer weather, peaking in July with an average of 19°C (67°F) and highs hitting 37°C (100°F), before gradually cooling down in August and September. Fall marks a return to cooler temperatures, as October experiences a significant drop with averages at 9°C (49°F), ultimately leading back to the cold conditions of winter. The fluctuation between extremes showcases the continental climate's dramatic influence on the region's weather throughout the year.
Arkhyz experiences a temperature range with minimums of -28°C (-18°F) in February and maximums of 27°C (80°F) in July, while nearby Nizhniy Arkhyz has slightly milder extremes, with minimums at -25°C (-12°F) in February and maximums reaching 30°C (86°F) in July. For more detailed monthly temperatures, visit monthly temperatures in Arkhyz and monthly temperatures in Nizhniy Arkhyz.
Precipitation patterns in the Karachayevo-Cherkesiya Republic exhibit notable seasonal variation throughout the year. January and February experience relatively low rainfall, with monthly totals of 44 mm (1.7 in) and 53 mm (2.1 in), respectively, and an increase in precipitation days to 9 in February. The spring months see a marked rise in rainfall, particularly in March, which averages 104 mm (4.1 in) over 15 days, as the region transitions to warmer weather. April retains a substantial precipitation level at 77 mm (3.0 in), contributing to the region's burgeoning spring flora.
The onset of summer continues to bring significant precipitation, with May leading the way at 184 mm (7.2 in) over 18 days, followed by June and July with 149 mm (5.8 in) and 118 mm (4.6 in), respectively. This wet season supports the growth of lush vegetation in the region. As summer wanes, precipitation begins to taper off, with recorded totals of 88 mm (3.5 in) in August and 86 mm (3.4 in) in September. The fall months also see a decrease, culminating in 46 mm (1.8 in) in November and 59 mm (2.3 in) in December, highlighting a transition back to drier conditions as winter approaches.
In the Karachayevo-Cherkesiya Republic, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, marked by an increase in daylight hours as the year progresses. January starts the year with 177 hours of sunshine, gradually rising to 223 hours in February. This upward trajectory continues into spring, with March experiencing 287 hours and April reaching 334 hours. By May, the region enjoys an impressive 368 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for the summer months.
The peak sunshine period unfolds in the height of summer, with July boasting the highest total at 429 hours. August follows closely at 397 hours, ensuring that residents bask in the sun's warmth. As summer begins to fade, sunshine hours start to decline, falling to 335 hours in September and continuing to decrease through the fall months, with October at 303 hours, November at 245 hours, and December at 217 hours. This pattern underscores the contrast between the sunlit vibrancy of summer and the more subdued, shorter days of winter, reflecting the dynamic climate of the region.
The UV Index in the Karachayevo-Cherkesiya Republic reveals a pronounced seasonal variation in sun exposure risk, significantly influenced by the changing intensity of sunlight throughout the year. During the winter months, January and February present a moderate UV Index of 3 and 4, respectively, allowing for a safer outdoor experience with a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring approaches in March and April, the UV Index escalates sharply to 8 and 9, classified as very high, with burn times decreasing to just 15 minutes. This transition signals the need for increased sun protection as outdoor activities become more prevalent.
The peak UV Index occurs during the summer months, reaching a striking 11, categorized as extreme, from May through July. During this time, the burn time drops to a mere 10 minutes, emphasizing the urgent need for protective measures against sun exposure. As summer wanes, the UV Index decreases to 10 in August and 9 in September, yet remains at very high levels that require caution. By October, the UV Index lowers to 6 (high), allowing for a burn time of 25 minutes, before dipping further to moderate levels of 4 in November and a low of 2 in December, where burn time extends to 45 minutes. This annual fluctuation highlights the importance of sun safety practices tailored to the changing UV risks throughout the seasons.
UV Risk Categories
In the Karachayevo-Cherkesiya Republic, daylight duration reveals a distinct seasonal rhythm, starting the year with limited hours of sunlight. January offers just 9 hours of daylight, which gradually increases to 10 hours in February and 11 hours in March as winter transitions to spring. This upward trend continues through April, reaching 13 hours, and peaks in May with 14 hours of daylight, marking a significant shift toward longer days as warmer weather sets in.
Summer months provide the maximum exposure to daylight, with both June and July boasting 15 hours each day, allowing ample time for outdoor activities. As summer progresses into late August, daylight decreases to 13 hours, followed by a slight reduction to 12 hours in September. The trend further diminishes in October to 10 hours, and by November, daylight dwindles to 9 hours. Ultimately, December experiences the shortest days of the year, with only 8 hours of daylight, underscoring the cyclical nature of light exposure throughout the seasons in this region.
Arkhyz, located in the Russian Federation, experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February see the lowest temperatures, with averages of around -7°C (20°F) and -6°C (22°F) respectively, while July often reaches up to 27°C (80°F). Precipitation is highest in spring, especially in May, averaging 188 mm (7.4 in), contributing to lush greenery in summer. The region enjoys considerable sunshine, peaking in July with 433 hours. For more comprehensive details, visit Arkhyz climate.
Nizhniy Arkhyz experiences a diverse climate characterised by cold winters and warm summers. January and February are particularly frigid, with average temperatures around -4°C and -2°C, while summer months like July see averages of 16°C. Precipitation peaks from May to July, with May receiving the highest amount at 252 mm. The area enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in the summer, with July featuring around 432 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Nizhniy Arkhyz climate.
In conclusion, the climate and environmental patterns of the Karachayevo-Cherkesiya Republic are marked by distinct seasonal variations that significantly influence daily life and outdoor activities. The interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours provides valuable insights into the region's unique ecological dynamics. From the harsh cold of winter to the vibrant warmth of summer, each season brings its own set of characteristics that demand adaptability from both the natural environment and its inhabitants. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for fostering effective environmental management, enhancing agricultural practices, and promoting safe outdoor recreation, particularly during periods of high UV exposure and extended daylight.