Last updated: January 18, 2025
Murmansk, located in the Russian Federation, exhibits a subarctic climate classified under the Dfc Köppen-Geiger system. Characterized by long, severe winters, temperatures can plummet to a chilling minimum of -32°C (-26°F) in January. In contrast, the region experiences a moderate average temperature of 1°C (34°F), with summers bringing a brief respite as maximum temperatures can rise to a bustling 33°C (91°F) in July. This stark contrast in seasonal temperatures shapes the unique environmental and cultural landscape of Murmansk.
In Murmansk, temperature patterns reveal a pronounced seasonal cycle, beginning with harsh winter conditions in January and February, where minimum temperatures plunge to -32°C (-26°F) with average highs only reaching around 5°C (41°F). As spring approaches in March and April, a slight warming occurs, evidenced by March's average of -6°C (22°F) and the first significant thaw in April, which sees average temperatures rise to around -1°C (31°F) and maximums peaking at 16°C (61°F). The transition into summer brings more dramatic changes; by June, average temperatures climb to 10°C (50°F), and July experiences the warmest conditions, with highs reaching up to 33°C (91°F). However, as autumn sets in, temperatures begin to drop again, with September still holding on to a mild average of 8°C (46°F) before the onset of pronounced cold in October and November, where averages fall back below freezing. This cyclical pattern highlights the stark contrast between the frigid winters and the fleeting warmth of Murmansk's brief summers.
In February, temperatures in Teriberka can drop to a minimum of -20°C (-4°F), while in Kirovsk and Murmansk, they plummet even further, reaching -31°C (-24°F) and -30°C (-22°F) respectively. By July, Teriberka experiences a maximum of 23°C (74°F), Kirovsk sees highs of 29°C (85°F), and Murmansk records the warmest temperatures at 31°C (89°F). For more detailed climate information, visit monthly temperatures in Teriberka, monthly temperatures in Kirovsk, and monthly temperatures in Murmansk.
Murmansk experiences a relatively consistent distribution of precipitation throughout the year, with the winter months of January and February receiving around 38 mm (1.5 in) each, typically over 9 to 10 days of precipitation. As spring unfolds, precipitation gradually increases, peaking in May with about 63 mm (2.5 in), while the number of rainy days rises to 14. This trend continues into the summer, where June records the highest monthly precipitation at 78 mm (3.1 in), followed closely by August with 90 mm (3.5 in), both featuring a higher frequency of rainfall days.
This seasonal pattern indicates a shift from the drier winter months to a more pronounced wet period in late spring and summer. Particularly notable is August, which emerges as the wettest month with 16 rainy days, while autumn months, such as September and October, also experience substantial rainfall, recording 64 mm (2.5 in) and 66 mm (2.6 in) respectively. The overall climate profile of Murmansk reflects a balance between the reprieve of summer rains and the predominantly dry, cold winters that define this subarctic region.
In Murmansk, sunshine duration displays a striking seasonal pattern, marked by a notable transition from the bleak winter months to the vibrant summer. January provides minimal sunlight with just 10 hours, transitioning to a modest 105 hours in February. However, the arrival of spring heralds a dramatic increase in daylight: March sees 248 hours, while April further enhances this warmth with 311 hours. May culminates this upward trend, offering 391 hours of sunshine as days become longer and brighter, signaling the region's awakening from winter's grasp.
As summer progresses, Murmansk shines its brightest, with July boasting the highest sunshine duration at 465 hours. This peak illuminates the city's landscape, contrasting sharply with the dark winter months. The sunshine hours begin to taper off in August, dipping to 295 hours, and continue to decrease through September and October. Notably, November suffers a significant reduction, with only 30 hours, while December sees the sun vanish entirely, returning the city to darkness. This cyclical pattern highlights the extremes of northern latitude living, illustrating how the residents of Murmansk experience both abundant summer light and long, sunless winter months.
The UV Index in Murmansk demonstrates a clear seasonal variation, reflecting the changes in sunlight exposure throughout the year. During the winter months, from January to February, the UV Index remains low at 1, indicating minimal risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a comfortable burn time of 45 minutes. March marks a slight increase to 2, still categorized as low, and remains safe for outdoor activities. As spring progresses into April, the UV Index rises to 3, reflecting a moderate exposure category, where individuals are advised to consider sun protection after about 30 minutes in the sun.
The shift toward summer brings more significant changes, with the UV Index peaking at 6 in July, categorized as high. During this month, the burn time shortens to 25 minutes, emphasizing the need for additional caution against sunburn. August sees a modest decline to 4, while September and October return to moderate levels of 3 and low 1 respectively, with burn times of 30 to 45 minutes. Notably, once winter settles in by November and December, the UV Index drops back to 1, indicating a safe environment for skin exposure in these dark months. This clear seasonality underlines the importance of adjusting sun safety practices in response to fluctuating UV levels throughout the year.
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In Murmansk, daylight duration varies significantly throughout the year, reflecting the city's subarctic climate and northern latitude. During the depths of winter, daylight is remarkably limited, with only 6 hours in January and a slight increase to 7 hours in February. As spring approaches, the sun begins to linger longer, with March witnessing 11 hours of daylight. April sees this trend continue, extending to 15 hours as the days grow warmer and brighter, culminating in May with an impressive 21 hours of sunlight.
Summer in Murmansk is characterized by almost continuous daylight, peaking in June with up to 23 hours, before slightly tapering off to 22 hours in July. As autumn sets in, the sunlight duration begins to decline, reflecting the impending winter as daylight contracts to 17 hours in August and further down to 13 hours in September. By October, only 9 hours remain, and the descent into winter continues, resulting in just 6 hours in November and a mere 3 hours by December. This dramatic fluctuation in daylight not only shapes the local environment but also influences the lifestyle of its residents throughout the seasons.
Kirovsk, located in the Russian Federation, experiences a subarctic climate with extreme temperature variations throughout the year. Winters are harsh, with January and February seeing minimum temperatures falling to -31°C (-24°F) and average highs around -12°C (10°F). Summer months, particularly June and July, bring milder weather, with average temperatures reaching up to 14°C (58°F) and maximums of 29°C (85°F). Precipitation is heaviest in summer, peaking at 106 mm (4.2 in) in August, while sunshine is most abundant in July, with a total of 469 hours. For more details, visit Kirovsk climate.
Murmansk experiences a subarctic climate, characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February are particularly frigid, with average temperatures around -10°C (14°F) and maximums only reaching 5°C (41°F) in January. As temperatures warm in May and June, averages climb to 5°C (41°F) and 10°C (50°F), respectively, with July being the warmest month at an average of 15°C (59°F). Precipitation peaks in summer, particularly in June with 83 mm (3.3 in), while sunlight hours dramatically increase from 8 hours in January to a high of 465 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Murmansk climate.
Teriberka, located in the Russian Federation, experiences a subarctic climate characterized by cold winters and cool summers. January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures around -5°C (23°F) and significant snowfall. Summers, particularly from June to August, are milder, with average temperatures reaching around 11°C (52°F) to 11°C (53°F) and a high of 23°C (74°F). Precipitation is relatively consistent throughout the year, peaking in October with 94 mm (3.7 in), while the sunniest months are from May to July, offering up to 458 hours of sunshine. For more information, visit Teriberka climate.
In conclusion, Murmansk's climate is defined by its striking seasonal contrasts, evident in temperature, precipitation, sunshine, UV index, and daylight duration. The harsh, frigid winters give way to brief but intense summers, characterized by significant variations in sunlight and UV exposure. With long hours of daylight in the summer months and an extended transition through spring, the region experiences a vibrant awakening, while the dark winter months challenge its residents. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential not only for appreciating the unique environmental conditions of Murmansk but also for guiding lifestyle choices and outdoor activities throughout the year.