Last updated: January 18, 2025
Magadan Oblast, located in the Russian Federation, exhibits a unique climate characterized by Koppen-Geiger classifications of Dfc (subarctic climate) and ET (tundra climate). The region's temperature extremes present a challenging environment, with minimum recorded temperatures plummeting to an astonishing -55°C (-67°F) in December, while summer months can reach a sweltering maximum of 35°C (95°F) in June. The annual average temperature hovers around -8°C (18°F), underscoring the stark contrasts that define the seasonal climate of this remote area.
Magadan Oblast experiences pronounced seasonal temperature variations, reflective of its subarctic climate. Winters from January to March are characterized by extreme cold, with minimum temperatures dropping to as low as -55°C (-67°F) in January and February, gradually moderating to -45°C (-48°F) by March. As spring arrives in April, temperatures begin to rise significantly, moving from an average of -8°C (17°F) in April to a more temperate 3°C (37°F) in May, heralding the onset of warmer months. The summer season, particularly notable in June and July, witnesses peaks of 35°C (95°F) and 34°C (94°F) respectively, alongside milder nighttime temperatures. However, the trend shifts sharply in the fall, with September seeing average temperatures of 5°C (42°F), which then plummet again as winter approaches, culminating in a return to extremes by December. This dramatic fluctuation from bitter cold to occasional warmth encapsulates the unique climatic attributes of the region throughout the year.
Seymchan experiences extreme temperature variations, with a minimum of -50°C (-58°F) in February and a maximum of 35°C (95°F) in June monthly temperatures in Seymchan. Kholodnyy records even colder winters, reaching a low of -52°C (-61°F) in December, while its warmest month, July, sees a maximum of 31°C (88°F) monthly temperatures in Kholodnyy. Meanwhile, Magadan has milder extremes, with temperatures falling to -29°C (-20°F) in January and peaking at 19°C (67°F) in July monthly temperatures in Magadan.
Magadan Oblast's precipitation patterns reflect a distinct seasonal rhythm, with snow and rain contributing to overall moisture levels throughout the year. From January to March, the region experiences relatively low precipitation, averaging between 17 mm (0.7 in) and 25 mm (1.0 in), with January and February seeing only four wet days each. As spring transitions into summer, there's a notable increase in rainfall, particularly in May, when precipitation rises to 54 mm (2.1 in), followed by a peak in July at 87 mm (3.4 in). This suggests that the summer months are critical for moisture accumulation, as they provide essential water resources for the colder seasons ahead.
As autumn approaches, precipitation remains significant, contributing to the region's climate dynamics. From August to November, precipitation gradually decreases from 78 mm (3.1 in) in August to 45 mm (1.8 in) in October, before rising again in November to 59 mm (2.3 in). While the number of rainy days fluctuates, with a peak of 12 days each in June and November, the overall trend indicates that the late spring to early autumn period is the wettest time of the year. This pattern underscores the importance of summer rainfall in maintaining ecological balance and water availability during the harsh winter months that follow.
Magadan Oblast experiences a striking seasonal variation in sunshine duration, with a clear upward trend as winter gives way to spring and summer. In January, the region sees a mere 80 hours of sunshine, reflecting the long, dark winter days. However, as February progresses to March, daylight hours begin to increase substantially—rising from 156 hours in February to 247 hours in March. This trend continues into April, as the region basks in 290 hours of sunshine. By May, the days grow even longer, with a total of 314 hours, setting the stage for the peak sunshine months.
The arrival of summer solidifies this upward trend, with June recording the highest sunshine hours at 328. This period provides optimal daylight, which sustains the region’s ecological processes. Interestingly, July maintains similar levels of sunshine at 314 hours, while August begins to signal a gradual decline, falling to 262 hours. The transition back into autumn sees further decreases, with September receiving 208 hours before dropping significantly in October (186 hours) and November (100 hours), leading into the cold, dark days of winter. Overall, Magadan Oblast showcases a pronounced seasonal cycle where long, sunlit days support the flourishing ecosystem during the summer, contrasted starkly by the severe reduction in sunlight during the cold months.
In Magadan Oblast, the UV Index exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern that reflects the region's changing exposure to sunlight throughout the year. During the winter months, particularly from January to February, the UV Index remains low, recording values of 1 and 2, respectively, with a burn time of 45 minutes for both months. As spring approaches, the Index begins to rise, reaching 3 in March, which marks the transition to moderate UV exposure and shorter burn times of 30 minutes. This trend escalates dramatically in April as the Index climbs to 6, indicating high exposure levels, echoed in the summer months with a consistent UV Index of 7 from May through July.
The high UV levels during late spring and summer underscore the importance of sun protection, as the corresponding burn time reduces to just 25 minutes across these months. As summer fades into fall, the UV Index begins to decline, with August still showing a high Index of 6, followed by a drop to 4 in September, indicating moderate exposure once again. By October, the Index returns to low levels (2) and continues to hold this status through to December, with 1 recorded in both November and December. This yearly cycle illustrates the variation in UV exposure, highlighting the significance of sun safety during the brighter months while minimizing risks during the winter.
UV Risk Categories
Magadan Oblast experiences significant variation in daylight duration throughout the year, reflecting the region's high-latitude location. In the depths of winter, January offers only 6 hours of daylight, a situation that gradually improves to 8 hours in February. As spring approaches, daylight hours increase more notably, reaching 11 hours in March and extending to 14 hours in April, showcasing the progressive lengthening of days with the approaching warmth of summer.
The peak of daylight occurs in June, when the region enjoys an impressive 19 hours of sunshine, providing an abundance of light that fosters growth and vitality in the ecosystem. July experiences slightly shorter days at 18 hours, while August sees a decline to 15 hours as summer fades. Autumn brings further reductions, with daylight hours dwindling to 12 hours in September, followed by 9 hours in October. By November, daylight dips to 7 hours, and the onset of December ushers in the winter with just 5 hours of daylight. This cyclical pattern highlights the unique challenges and adaptations required by both nature and inhabitants in Magadan Oblast.
The climate in Arman', Russian Federation is characterized by extreme cold winters and mild summers. January sees average temperatures around -20°C (-4°F) and low precipitation (22 mm), while July offers a stark contrast with an average of 13°C (56°F) and 68 mm of rainfall. Sunshine hours peak in May and June, reaching over 300 hours per month, which provides a brief respite from the harsh winter months. Overall, the region experiences significant seasonal variations, making it a unique climate. For more details, visit Arman' climate.
The climate in Atka, Russian Federation, is characterized by extremely cold winters and mild summers. January sees average temperatures around -30°C (-21°F), with lows dropping to -44°C (-47°F), while July enjoys a much milder average of 12°C (54°F) and highs reaching up to 27°C (80°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in summer months with July receiving about 73 mm (2.9 in). Sunshine hours are highest in summer, especially in July with 329 hours, while winter months experience considerably less sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Atka climate.
Burkhala, located in the Russian Federation, experiences extremely cold temperatures throughout the year, with January and February often seeing minimums of -51°C (-60°F) and average temperatures reaching as low as -35°C (-31°F). The warmest months, June and July, boast maximum temperatures around 30°C (86°F) and 31°C (88°F), respectively. Precipitation is relatively low during winter, averaging around 12-14 mm (0.5 in), but increases substantially in summer, peaking in July with 92 mm (3.6 in). Sunshine hours also vary greatly, with the longest days being in June, offering 358 hours of sunshine, while the winter months see significantly less. For more detailed information, visit Burkhala climate.
Debin, located in the Russian Federation, experiences extreme winter temperatures, with January averages around -35°C (-30°F) and occasionally plunging to -52°C (-61°F). Summer brings milder conditions, with average temperatures in July reaching 16°C (60°F) and maximums hitting 32°C (91°F). Precipitation peaks in August at 103 mm (4.0 in), contributing to a significant increase in humidity during the warmer months. Sunshine is plentiful in June with 350 hours, while winter months see much less light, particularly in December with only 71 hours. For more information about the climate in Debin, visit Debin climate.
Dukat, Russian Federation experiences a harsh subarctic climate with extremely cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -46°C (-51°F), while July peaks at an average of 13°C (55°F). Precipitation is relatively low during winter months, increasing significantly in the summer, particularly in July with 102 mm (4.0 in). Sunshine hours vary seasonally, with the longest duration occurring in May and June, reaching over 300 hours. For more information, visit Dukat climate.
Evensk, located in the Russian Federation, experiences extreme temperature variations, with January averages dipping to -19°C (-2°F) and July peaking at 13°C (56°F). Precipitation is relatively moderate throughout the year, peaking in November with 82 mm (3.2 in) and averaging around 40 mm (1.6 in) during winter months. Sunshine hours are significantly higher in summer, reaching 336 hours in June, while winter months like December see only 78 hours. For more detailed information, visit Evensk climate.
Kadykchan, located in the Russian Federation, experiences extreme temperatures, with January and December lows reaching as low as -55°C (-67°F) and summer months peaking at about 32°C (89°F) in July. Precipitation is low during the winter months, ranging from 9 mm to 11 mm, but increases significantly in summer, with July receiving up to 107 mm (4.2 in). Notably, the area enjoys substantial sunshine during the peak summer months, accumulating 367 hours in June, compared to only 89 hours in January. For more detailed information, visit Kadykchan climate.
Karamken, Russian Federation experiences extreme seasonal variations in temperature, with harsh winters where January averages -26°C (-15°F) and can drop as low as -43°C (-45°F). Summers are notably milder, with July averaging 13°C (56°F) and a maximum of 27°C (81°F). Precipitation peaks in the warmer months, especially in July with 76 mm (3.0 in), while winter months see significantly lower amounts. The region enjoys substantial sunshine, particularly in summer, with July receiving 319 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Karamken climate.
Kholodnyy, Russian Federation, experiences extreme cold temperatures in winter, with January averages around -37°C (-34°F) and February reaching lows of -50°C (-58°F). The region gradually warms in spring and summer, peaking in July with an average of 14°C (57°F) and reaching maximums of 31°C (88°F). Precipitation is relatively low in winter months, increasing significantly during summer, particularly in July, which receives about 101 mm (4.0 in). The area enjoys significant sunshine during spring and summer, with June having the most hours at 359. For more detailed information, visit Kholodnyy climate.
Magadan, Russian Federation, experiences a subarctic climate characterized by long, harsh winters and short, mild summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -29°C (-20°F) to a maximum of 1°C (33°F), while July sees much milder conditions with averages around 12°C (53°F). Precipitation peaks in September at 101 mm (4.0 in) and is relatively low during winter months. Notably, sunshine hours are highest in June, reaching 313 hours, contributing to the brief summer warmth. For more details, visit Magadan climate.
Myaundzha, located in the Russian Federation, experiences extreme temperatures, particularly in winter, with January averages around -37°C (-35°F) and an extreme minimum of -52°C (-62°F). Summer months see mild conditions, with July averaging 14°C (57°F) and a maximum of 31°C (88°F). Precipitation is relatively low in winter but peaks in July with 110 mm (4.3 in), contributing to a distinct rainy season. Sunshine hours vary greatly, with the most sun in June at 368 hours, while winter months see significantly less sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Myaundzha climate.
The climate in Ola, Russian Federation, is characterized by long, harsh winters and brief, relatively mild summers. January and February see extreme cold, with average temperatures around -19°C (-1°F) to -17°C (2°F) and minimal precipitation. As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, reaching a maximum of 20°C (69°F) in July, which is the warmest month. Rainfall peaks in the summer, particularly in July and September, while sunshine hours are highest from May to July, averaging over 300 hours. For more detailed information, visit Ola climate.
Omsukchan, located in the Russian Federation, experiences a harsh subarctic climate characterized by extremely cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -49°C (-55°F), while July boasts a maximum of 28°C (83°F). Precipitation is relatively sparse during the winter months but peaks in July with around 102 mm (4.0 in). Sunshine hours vary significantly, with May and June receiving the most sunlight, averaging over 300 hours. For detailed climate data, visit Omsukchan climate.
The climate in Orotukan, Russian Federation, is characterized by extremely cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -49°C (-57°F), with an average of -33°C (-28°F), while July sees averages around 15°C (58°F) and maximums reaching 31°C (87°F). Precipitation is relatively low in winter, around 22-24 mm, but increases significantly during the summer months, peaking at 104 mm in August. Sunshine hours vary greatly, with the coldest months receiving only about 66 hours of sunlight in January, while May and June enjoy over 300 hours. For more detailed information, visit Orotukan climate.
Palatka, Russian Federation experiences a subarctic climate characterized by long, harsh winters and short, mild summers. January temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -42°C (-43°F), while July sees a maximum of 27°C (81°F). Precipitation peaks in late summer and early autumn, with September averaging 87 mm (3.4 in). Sunshine is abundant in the summer months, particularly in July with 302 hours, contrasting with only 90 hours in January. For more information, visit Palatka climate.
Seymchan experiences a harsh subarctic climate, characterized by long, frigid winters and brief, mild summers. January temperatures can plunge as low as -50°C (-58°F), with averages around -35°C (-30°F), while summer months like July see averages of 16°C (62°F) and highs reaching 34°C (94°F). Precipitation is minimal during the winter and increases during the summer, peaking in July with 74 mm (2.9 in). The area also enjoys a significant amount of sunshine during spring and summer, with June boasting up to 352 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Seymchan climate.
The climate in Shirokiy, Russian Federation, is characterized by extreme cold temperatures, particularly in winter, where January sees averages around -35°C (-32°F) and max temperatures up to -14°C (7°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in July with 114 mm (4.5 in), while the driest months are winter. Sunshine is most abundant from June to August, with over 350 hours in June, providing a stark contrast to the dimmer winter months. Overall, Shirokiy's climate presents harsh winters and relatively mild summers. For more details, visit Shirokiy climate.
Sinegor'ye, located in the Russian Federation, experiences a harsh subarctic climate characterized by extremely cold winters and moderately warm summers. January temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -48°C (-55°F), while July brings moderate warmth with averages around 14°C (58°F). Precipitation increases through the summer months, peaking in August at 116 mm (4.6 in), with the region receiving the most sunshine in June, totaling 346 hours. For a comprehensive overview of its climate patterns, visit Sinegor'ye climate.
Sokol, located in the Russian Federation, experiences extreme seasonal variations in temperature. Winters are particularly harsh, with January and December averaging around -24°C (-10°F) and reaching lows of -41°C (-42°F). In contrast, summer months like July see average temperatures of 14°C (57°F) and maximum temperatures of 28°C (82°F). Precipitation varies, with the wettest months being September and November, each receiving over 80 mm of rain. For more detailed information, visit Sokol climate.
Spornoye, Russian Federation experiences an extreme subarctic climate characterized by harsh winters and short, mild summers. January temperatures plunge to an average of -34°C (-29°F), while July peaks at a more temperate 15°C (60°F). Precipitation is modest, with a notable increase during the summer months, peaking in August with 99 mm (3.9 in). The region enjoys the most sunlight in June, totaling around 350 hours, significantly enhancing the warmer season. For more information, visit Spornoye climate.
Susuman, located in the Russian Federation, experiences a harsh subarctic climate characterized by extreme temperatures. January and December are particularly frigid, with minimums reaching as low as -50°C (-58°F), while July is the warmest month, boasting averages around 13°C (56°F). Precipitation is modest, peaking in July with 98 mm (3.8 in), largely falling as rain in the summer months. The region enjoys significant sunshine, especially in June, with about 357 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Susuman climate.
The climate in Talaya, Russian Federation, is characterized by extremely cold winters and mild summers. January and February see average temperatures ranging from -31°C to -28°C, with January experiencing the lowest recorded temperatures of -47°C. In contrast, July, the warmest month, has an average of 14°C, peaking at 30°C. Precipitation peaks in the summer months, particularly in July with 86 mm, while sunshine hours are highest during this season as well, reaching up to 316 hours. For more details, visit Talaya climate.
Uptar, located in the Russian Federation, experiences extreme cold winters with January temperatures reaching a minimum of -41°C and an average of -24°C. Summer months are milder, with July averaging 14°C and maximums around 28°C. Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in September at 86 mm, while May and July see higher rainfall, contributing to a significant annual total. The region experiences a notable increase in sunshine during the summer, with July receiving about 302 hours. For more detailed information, visit Uptar climate.
Ust'-Omchug, located in the Russian Federation, experiences extreme temperature variations, with January lows plunging to -50°C (-58°F) and July highs reaching up to 31°C (87°F). Precipitation is highest during the summer months, peaking at 87 mm (3.4 in) in August, while winters remain relatively dry. Sunshine hours peak in July at 326 hours, significantly illuminating the region during the short summer. This harsh climate necessitates adaptability for both residents and the local ecosystem. For more detailed information, visit Ust'-Omchug climate.
Yagodnoye experiences an extreme subarctic climate, characterized by harsh winters and mild summers. January and February see temperatures plummet to lows as extreme as -51°C (-59°F), while summer temperatures can reach up to 31°C (88°F) in June and July. Precipitation is relatively low in winter months but peaks in the summer, with August receiving the highest rainfall at 108 mm (4.3 in). Despite its cold climate, Yagodnoye enjoys generous sunshine, particularly in late spring and summer, with up to 348 hours of sunlight in June. For more details, check the Yagodnoye climate.
In conclusion, Magadan Oblast's climate and daylight patterns reveal a unique and extreme environment shaped by its geographical location. The stark contrast between long, sunlit days in summer and the prolonged darkness of winter emphasizes the region's subarctic characteristics, influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities. The significant variation in elements such as temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, and UV Index underscores the necessity for adaptive strategies to cope with the changes throughout the year. As the region continues to experience the effects of climate change, understanding these patterns will be essential for promoting resilience in both environmental and societal contexts.