Last updated: January 18, 2025
North Ossetia, located in the Russian Federation, exhibits a diverse climate characterized by its classification under the Köppen-Geiger system with Dfc, Dfa, Cfa, and Dfb categories. This region experiences a significant temperature range, with frigid winters bringing minimums as low as -26°C (-15°F) in February, escalating to sweltering summers where maximum temperatures can reach 41°C (106°F) in July. The average annual temperature is a moderate 9°C (49°F), showcasing the climatic variability that influences both the natural environment and human activities within the region.
North Ossetia experiences distinct seasonal temperature patterns, with harsh winters giving way to increasingly warmer temperatures as the year progresses. January and February are characterized by the coldest conditions, with minimum temperatures plunging to -26°C (-15°F) and average highs barely reaching above freezing. As spring approaches in March and April, there is a marked rise in temperatures; March sees averages climbing to 2°C (37°F), while April ushers in milder days with averages around 8°C (47°F). Late spring and summer months, particularly May through July, experience noteworthy warmth, with maximum temperatures soaring to 41°C (106°F) in July, showcasing the region's capacity for hot conditions. By autumn, temperatures gradually decline again, with September averaging 16°C (61°F) and October, November, and December witnessing a return to colder nights and freezing days, reinforcing North Ossetia’s pronounced seasonal temperature variability.
Gizel' experiences a minimum temperature of -23°C (-10°F) in February and a maximum of 31°C (88°F) in July, while Vladikavkaz has slightly harsher winter temperatures with a minimum of -24°C (-10°F) in February and reaches a maximum of 31°C (88°F) in August. In contrast, Mozdok enjoys milder winter temperatures, with a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) in February, but can soar to a striking maximum of 41°C (106°F) in July. For more details, you can view the monthly temperatures in Gizel' here, in Vladikavkaz here, and in Mozdok here.
Precipitation in North Ossetia exhibits distinct seasonal trends, with variability throughout the year that aligns closely with temperature fluctuations. The winter months of January and February see relatively low precipitation, with 30 mm (1.2 in) and 36 mm (1.4 in), respectively. However, as the season transitions into spring, March and April witness a dramatic increase, receiving 80 mm (3.2 in) and 81 mm (3.2 in) of rainfall, highlighting a shift towards wetter conditions. Notably, May is the peak month for precipitation, accumulating 143 mm (5.6 in) as the region prepares for the onset of summer.
Summer rainfall remains substantial, with June receiving 142 mm (5.6 in) and July slightly less at 125 mm (4.9 in). As the seasons shift towards autumn, precipitation levels begin to decline; August sees 101 mm (4.0 in), followed by September with 70 mm (2.8 in). The fall months of October and November yield further decreases, recording 54 mm (2.1 in) and 33 mm (1.3 in), respectively. December sees 35 mm (1.4 in), rounding out the year with relatively low precipitation levels compared to the summer months. Overall, the precipitation pattern in North Ossetia reflects a pronounced seasonal variability, with wettest months coinciding with warmer temperatures and the driest periods aligned with the colder winter season.
In North Ossetia, the duration of sunshine follows a distinct seasonal rhythm, showcasing a clear progression from the gloom of winter to the brightness of summer. January, with just 192 hours of sunshine, marks the beginning of the year under a veil of gray, but this gradually improves as February brings an increase to 240 hours. Spring sees a steady rise in sunlight, with March and April delivering 289 and 325 hours, respectively. As May arrives, sunshine hours further increase to 361, signaling the transition into the luminous days of summer.
The peak sunshine months in North Ossetia occur during the height of summer, with July boasting an impressive 407 hours of sunshine, closely followed by August at 382 hours. This abundance of sunlight during the warmer months contrasts sharply with the shortened days of late autumn and winter. September retains a solid 322 hours, but as the year progresses into October, the sunshine begins to wane once again, culminating in just 223 hours by December. This pattern highlights the pronounced seasonal variations in sunshine duration, with longer days in summer illuminating the landscapes of North Ossetia, while winter yields shorter, more subdued daylight hours.
The UV Index in North Ossetia illustrates significant seasonal variation, reflecting both the intensity of sunlight and the associated risks of UV exposure throughout the year. During the winter months of January and February, the UV Index is relatively low, registering at 3 and 5, respectively, both indicating moderate exposure levels with a burn time of about 30 minutes. However, as spring approaches, there is a dramatic rise in UV levels, with March and April experiencing very high indices of 8 and 9, which necessitate more cautious sun exposure practices as burn times decrease to just 15 minutes.
The summer months mark the peak of UV intensity, with the index reaching an extreme level of 11 in May, June, and July, where only 10 minutes of unprotected exposure can lead to skin damage. Even in August, the UV Index remains notably high at 10, gradually transitioning back down to 9 in September. As autumn sets in, the index drops to 6 in October, indicating a lower but still significant risk, before returning to moderate levels with UV Index readings of 4 in November and 3 in December. This seasonal trend emphasizes the importance of sun protection strategies, particularly during the late spring and summer months, when UV exposure poses the greatest risk to skin health.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in North Ossetia exhibits a remarkable seasonal cycle, with significant variations throughout the year. In the depths of winter, January offers only 9 hours of daylight, slowly increasing to 10 hours in February as the region begins to emerge from the cold months. As spring unfolds, daylight continues to extend, reaching 11 hours in March and further expanding to 13 hours in April. By May, the days become noticeably longer, with 14 hours of daylight, peaking in June at 15 hours—the time when North Ossetia experiences its most generous sunlight.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight duration begins to wane, but the decline is gradual. In July, the daylight remains robust at 14 hours, tapering to 13 hours in August. This trend continues into September, when the daylight shortens to 12 hours, setting the stage for the return of shorter days. By October, daylight drops back to 10 hours, and the winter months see a return to 9 hours in both November and December. This cyclical pattern illustrates the contrast between the long, sun-filled days of summer and the brief sunlight of winter, encapsulating the seasonal changes characteristic of North Ossetia.
Alagir, Russian Federation experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to -19°C, while July sees averages of about 19°C. Precipitation peaks in late spring and early summer, with May receiving the highest rainfall at 190 mm. Sunshine hours are abundant in summer, reaching up to 406 hours in July, while winter months enjoy significantly less sunlight. For more details, visit Alagir climate.
The climate in Ardon, Russian Federation, is characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to a minimum of -13°C (8°F) and reach up to 13°C (56°F), while July sees highs of 37°C (99°F). Precipitation is highest in May at 133 mm (5.2 in), and the region enjoys a significant amount of sunshine, particularly in July with 406 hours. Overall, the climate exhibits a distinct seasonal variation, making it suitable for various activities throughout the year. For more detailed information, visit Ardon climate.
Arkhonskaya, located in the Russian Federation, experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures drop to a minimum of -17°C (1°F) while reaching a maximum of 12°C (53°F), while July brings warm averages of 19°C (66°F) and highs of 31°C (88°F). Precipitation peaks in late spring and early summer, with May receiving up to 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain. The region enjoys considerable sunshine, especially in July, with a total of 406 hours. For more information, visit Arkhonskaya climate.
The climate in Beslan, Russian Federation, experiences significant seasonal variation, with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can dip as low as -12°C (11°F), while July sees highs of up to 37°C (99°F). Precipitation peaks in May at 103 mm (4.1 in), and the region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly from June to August, with July receiving around 406 hours of sunlight. For more detailed climate information, refer to Beslan climate. Overall, Beslan's climate offers a striking contrast across the year, making it a unique location for experiencing both harsh winters and warm summers.
Chermen, Russian Federation experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to a minimum of -12°C (10°F) while soaring to a maximum of 13°C (55°F), whereas July sees more pleasant conditions with an average temperature around 23°C (74°F). Precipitation peaks in May at 107 mm (4.2 in), with summer months receiving generally less rainfall. The area enjoys considerable sunshine, especially in July with up to 405 hours, enhancing the warm summer experience. For more details, visit Chermen climate.
Chikola, Russian Federation experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -14°C (7°F) to a maximum of 13°C (55°F), while July sees averages between 10°C (50°F) and 34°C (93°F). Precipitation is highest in May at 286 mm (11.3 in) and decreases towards the end of the year, with January receiving 47 mm (1.9 in). The region enjoys substantial sunshine, peaking in July with 407 hours, contributing to warm summer days. For more details, visit Chikola climate.
Dachnoye, Russian Federation, experiences a continental climate with cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures can drop to a chilly -18°C, while July averages around 19°C, highlighting significant seasonal variation. Precipitation peaks in the summer months, particularly in May and June, with 171 mm and 196 mm respectively, making this period the wettest. Sunshine hours are abundant from May to July, reaching up to 405 hours in July, which contributes to the warmer temperatures. For more detailed information, visit Dachnoye climate.
The climate in Digora, Russian Federation, features a significant temperature range throughout the year. Winters are characterized by cold temperatures, with January averages around 0°C (32°F) and lows dropping to -13°C (8°F). Summers are warm, reaching average highs of 23°C (74°F) in July. Precipitation peaks in May with 133 mm (5.2 in), while the sunniest months are June and July, boasting over 400 hours of sunshine. For more detailed climate information, visit Digora climate.
Gizel', Russian Federation experiences a stark climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -17°C to a maximum of 12°C, while July sees averages around 19°C and peaks at 31°C. Precipitation is heaviest in May and June, with about 170 mm and 188 mm respectively, contributing to a yearly total that favors the warmer months. The area enjoys considerable sunshine, especially from April to July, offering up to 406 hours in July alone. For more detailed information, visit Gizel' climate.
Kambileyevskoye experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. January sees average temperatures around -3°C (27°F) and significant snowfall, while July can reach up to 31°C (88°F). Precipitation peaks in late spring and early summer, notably in May with 171 mm (6.7 in), contributing to the region's lush greenery. The area enjoys a considerable amount of sunshine, especially in July with around 405 hours. For a detailed overview, visit Kambileyevskoye climate.
Kardzhin, located in the Russian Federation, experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a frigid -13°C to a maximum of 13°C, gradually warming to an average of 22°C in July. Precipitation is highest in May at 133 mm, with August and September also experiencing considerable rainfall. Sunshine peaks in July with 406 hours, contributing to the warm summer climate. For more detailed information, visit Kardzhin climate.
Khumalag, Russian Federation experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from -12°C to 13°C, while July sees highs reaching 37°C. Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in May at 103 mm, contributing to its lush landscapes. Sunshine is abundant, with July receiving approximately 406 hours of sunlight. For detailed information about the climate, visit Khumalag climate.
Kizlyar, located in the Russian Federation, experiences a continental climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cold, with January temperatures averaging around 1°C (33°F) and significant snowfall, while summers can be quite warm, reaching average highs of about 27°C (80°F) in July. Precipitation is higher during the spring and summer months, notably in May with 71 mm (2.8 in), while sunshine hours peak in July at 410 hours, providing a bright summer. For more details, visit Kizlyar climate.
Mikhaylovskoye experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -18°C to a maximum of 12°C, while July sees averages between 19°C and 31°C. The region receives significant precipitation, peaking in May and June with over 170 mm monthly, while sunlight hours reach their highest in summer, especially in July with 405 hours. For more detailed information, visit Mikhaylovskoye climate.
Mizur, located in the Russian Federation, experiences a harsh climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February feature the lowest temperatures, with averages around -9°C (17°F) and -7°C (19°F), respectively, while summer months like July see averages reaching 13°C (56°F). Precipitation peaks in late spring and early summer, with May receiving 165 mm (6.5 in) and June 173 mm (6.8 in), contributing to a lush environment despite the chill. Sunshine hours are highest in July with 411 hours, providing a bright contrast to the long winter months. For more detailed information, visit Mizur climate.
Mozdok, located in the Russian Federation, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -14°C (8°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F), while July sees averages around 27°C (81°F) and highs reaching up to 41°C (106°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in May at 65 mm (2.6 in) and generally declining towards the drier winter months. Sunshine hours are highest in summer, with July enjoying 409 hours of sun. For more detailed climate information, visit Mozdok climate.
The climate in Nogir, Russian Federation exhibits a continental pattern, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -18°C to a maximum of 12°C, while July sees averages of 19°C with highs reaching 31°C. Precipitation peaks in late spring and summer, with May and June recording 171 mm and 196 mm, respectively. Sunshine is abundant during the summer months, with July receiving 405 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Nogir climate.
Pavlodol'skaya experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to -19°C (-2°F), with a maximum of 21°C (70°F) in February, while summer months like July see highs of 41°C (106°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in May at 71 mm (2.8 in), and the region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in June and July, with over 390 hours of sun. This seasonal variation significantly influences both lifestyle and agriculture in the area. More details can be found at Pavlodol'skaya climate.
The climate in Sadon, Russian Federation, is characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February see the lowest temperatures, averaging around -8°C to -7°C, with significant precipitation peaking in May and June at approximately 165 mm and 173 mm, respectively. Sunshine hours are plentiful from late spring to mid-summer, reaching a maximum of 411 hours in July. As autumn approaches, temperatures gradually decline, accompanied by a drop in sunshine and precipitation levels. For more detailed information, visit Sadon climate.
Sunzha, Russian Federation experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to a minimum of -18°C, while July sees averages around 19°C. Precipitation peaks in May and June, with May receiving approximately 171 mm of rainfall. The area enjoys long sunshine hours during summer, peaking at 405 hours in July, while winter months are notably sunnier than average. For more detailed climate information, visit Sunzha climate.
Tarskoye experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to a minimum of -18°C, while July can reach up to 31°C, showcasing the seasonal extremes. Precipitation peaks in late spring and early summer, with May recording 171 mm and June 196 mm, contributing to a lush landscape. Sunshine hours are abundant during the summer months, with July averaging 405 hours. For more detailed information, visit Tarskoye climate.
Terskaya, Russian Federation experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -19°C (-2°F), while July sees highs around 41°C (106°F). Precipitation is fairly consistent throughout the year, with the highest levels occurring in May at 65 mm (2.6 in). Sunshine hours peak in summer months, particularly in July with 409 hours of sunshine. For more details, visit Terskaya climate.
The climate in Troitskoye, Russian Federation, exhibits significant seasonal variation, with winter temperatures ranging from a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) in February to a maximum of 41°C (106°F) in July. Rainfall is heaviest in May (65 mm) and tapers off during the colder months, while sunshine peaks during the summer, reaching up to 409 hours in July. January to March sees a gradual increase in precipitation, suggesting a transition into the wetter spring months. For more detailed information, visit Troitskoye climate.
The climate in Verkhniy Fiagdon, Russian Federation, is characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February see temperatures ranging from -26°C to 7°C, paired with significant snowfall and precipitation. As spring unfolds, temperatures gradually rise, peaking in July with averages around 14°C to 25°C, while the area experiences its highest rainfall in May and June. Sunshine is abundant during the summer months, with over 400 hours of sunlight in July. For more details, visit Verkhniy Fiagdon climate.
Vladikavkaz experiences a continental climate, marked by cold winters and warm summers. January sees average temperatures around -3°C (27°F) with significant winter precipitation, while July boasts warmer conditions with averages of 19°C (66°F) and maximums reaching up to 31°C (88°F). The region receives most rainfall between May and July, with June recording about 196 mm (7.7 in). Sunshine is abundant in summer, peaking at 405 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Vladikavkaz climate.
Zmeyskaya, Russian Federation, experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -13°C (8°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F), while July shows a significant rise with temperatures averaging 23°C (74°F) and peaking at 37°C (99°F). Precipitation is highest in May, totaling 133 mm (5.2 in), contributing to a lush environment during the spring. The region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in summer months, with July boasting 406 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Zmeyskaya climate.
In conclusion, North Ossetia's climate and environmental characteristics, from temperature fluctuations and precipitation patterns to sunshine duration and UV Index trends, elucidate the region's distinct seasonal dynamics. The marked transitions from the frigid winters with limited daylight and moderate UV levels to the warm, sun-drenched summers highlight the need for appropriate adaptation strategies throughout the year. Understanding these climatic variations not only enhances awareness of the environmental conditions but also underscores the importance of implementing effective health precautions and agricultural practices that align with the seasonal changes, ensuring the well-being of both the local population and the natural ecosystems within this unique region of the Russian Federation.