Last updated: January 18, 2025
Sakha, located in the Russian Federation, exhibits a diverse climate characterized by Koppen-Geiger climate classes Dfd, Dwc, Dfc, and ET. This region experiences harsh winters, with January temperatures plunging to a minimum of -60°C (-75°F) and an average of -8°C (18°F). In stark contrast, the summer months bring a significant temperature rise, reaching a maximum of 39°C (102°F) in July. Such extreme temperature fluctuations underscore the unique climatic conditions of Sakha, shaped by its geographical nuances and seasonal variability.
The temperature patterns in Sakha, Russian Federation, reveal a striking seasonal contrast throughout the year. Winters are intensely severe, with January and February recording minimum temperatures around -60°C (-75°F) and -56°C (-69°F), respectively, and average lows stubbornly below -30°C (-22°F). As spring approaches, temperatures begin to rise dramatically, particularly in April, where averages reach -6°C (22°F), and by May, the region witnesses a notable transition to warmer conditions, with average highs climbing to 30°C (87°F). The summer months of June and July peak with maximum temperatures soaring to 36°C (97°F) and 39°C (102°F), offering a stark contrast to the winter chill. However, as summer wanes into autumn, temperatures progressively decline, with October and November experiencing a return to sub-zero averages, ultimately culminating in the harsh cold of December, where conditions mirror those of the preceding winter months. This cyclical shift illustrates Sakha's extreme climate variability, shaped by its geographic location and seasonal transitions.
Oymyakon experiences extreme temperatures with a chilling minimum of -60°C (-75°F) in January and a warm maximum of 32°C (90°F) in July, making it one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth monthly temperatures in Oymyakon. Similarly, Yakutsk faces severe winter conditions, with temperatures dropping to -54°C (-65°F) in January and reaching up to 35°C (95°F) in July monthly temperatures in Yakutsk. In Serebryanyy Bor, the winter minimum is slightly milder at -49°C (-56°F) in January, while summer temperatures peak at 33°C (92°F) in July monthly temperatures in Serebryanyy Bor.
Precipitation in Sakha, Russian Federation, exhibits distinctive seasonal variations, heavily influenced by the harsh climatic conditions of the region. Winter months such as January and February receive minimal rainfall, with 11 mm (0.4 in) and 13 mm (0.5 in), respectively, and limited precipitation days, averaging just 2 to 3 days. As spring emerges, April witnesses a noticeable increase in rainfall, totaling 24 mm (1.0 in) over approximately 6 days. This trend continues into May, where precipitation rises further to 41 mm (1.6 in), heralding the transition toward summer and signaling an increase in moisture.
The summer months are marked by the highest levels of precipitation, particularly in July, where the region receives 62 mm (2.4 in) over about 10 days. August and September follow closely, with contributions of 57 mm (2.3 in) and 55 mm (2.2 in), respectively. As autumn arrives, precipitation begins to taper off, with October and November receiving 35 mm (1.4 in) and 22 mm (0.9 in), respectively. By December, the cycle returns to winter with a decrease to 14 mm (0.6 in), emphasizing the stark seasonal contrasts that define Sakha's precipitation patterns.
In Sakha, Russian Federation, sunshine duration displays a clear seasonal trend, marked by a gradual increase from the dark depths of winter to the bright, vibrant days of summer. January kicks off the year with a modest 76 hours of sunshine, which dramatically shifts in February to 171 hours, signaling the slow return of daylight. This upward trajectory continues into spring, where March offers 266 hours and April increases to 312 hours. By May, daylight becomes more abundant, reaching 348 hours, laying the groundwork for the sunniest months ahead.
The pinnacle of sunshine duration occurs in June, where Sakha basks under the sun for an impressive 423 hours. Even July, while slightly lower at 366 hours, continues to provide ample sunlight. As the summer wanes, there is a noticeable decline in hours, with August offering 309 hours and September seeing a drop to 226 hours. The trend then resumes its downward path as autumn unfolds, with October at 159 hours, November further reducing to 119 hours, and December concluding the year with just 82 hours. This cycle not only highlights the region's climatic extremities but also accentuates the significant contrast between the long, sunlit days of summer and the brief, dimmed days of winter.
In Sakha, Russian Federation, the UV Index reveals notable seasonal fluctuations that reflect the intensity of solar radiation throughout the year. During the winter months of January and February, the UV Index remains relatively low at 1 and 2, respectively, indicating minimal exposure risk for skin and allowing for a burn time of 45 minutes. As the seasons transition into spring, there is a marked increase in UV radiation, with March reaching an index of 4 and April at 5, placing them in the moderate exposure category, where burn times decrease to 30 minutes. This shift underscores the growing strength of the sun as the days get longer and warmer.
The summer months bring the highest UV levels, peaking in July with an exceptional 8, categorized as very high exposure, necessitating a significantly reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. June sees a UV Index of 7, maintaining a high exposure level, while August also remains at 7. As autumn approaches, radiation levels begin to decline, with the index dropping back to moderate readings of 4 in September and 3 in October. Eventually, by November and December, the UV Index returns to low levels, mirroring the conditions at the year's beginning. This dynamic pattern highlights the importance of sun protection during the peak summer months, while also reminding residents of the lower UV risks during the cold winter season.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Sakha, Russian Federation, exhibits a pronounced seasonal pattern, reflecting the region's extreme latitude. In the depths of winter, January offers only 6 hours of daylight, which slightly increases to 8 hours in February. This gradual ascent continues into March as daylight extends to 11 hours, signaling the end of the long, dark winter months. April brings a more significant boost with 15 hours of daylight, while May further enhances the length to 18 hours, preparing for the approach of summer.
As the summer solstice approaches, June boasts the longest daylight duration at an impressive 20 hours, offering nearly continuous daylight. July sees a slight decrease to 19 hours, still maintaining abundant sunlight. However, as summer gives way to autumn, daylight duration gradually diminishes, falling to 16 hours in August and 12 hours in September. The decline continues into October, where daylight is reduced to 9 hours, before descending back to 6 hours in November and a mere 5 hours in December. This cyclical daylight pattern emphasizes the dramatic shifts that occur in Sakha, profoundly affecting both the environment and daily life throughout the year.
Oymyakon, in the Russian Federation, is known for its extreme subarctic climate, featuring frigid winter temperatures that can plummet to -60°C (-75°F) in January. The average winter temperature remains chillingly low, with February averaging -38°C (-36°F). Summers, though short, can reach temperatures of up to 32°C (90°F) in July, providing a stark contrast. Precipitation is relatively low, peaking in July with 93 mm (3.6 in), while sunshine hours vary significantly, with June receiving the most at 404 hours. For detailed data, visit Oymyakon climate.
Serebryanyy Bor experiences a harsh continental climate characterized by extremely cold winters and mild summers. January and February record the lowest temperatures, with January averaging -29°C (-20°F) and February -24°C (-11°F), while July is the warmest month, averaging 17°C (64°F). Precipitation is moderate, peaking in late summer and early autumn, with August receiving about 97 mm (3.8 in) of rainfall. The area enjoys significant sunshine, particularly in June and July, which both exceed 350 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Serebryanyy Bor climate.
Yakutsk, located in the Russian Federation, experiences extreme temperatures, particularly in winter, with January averages around -37°C (-35°F) and February dropping to -32°C (-25°F). The city sees minimal precipitation, peaking in July with 40 mm (1.6 in) and averaging 40 to 55 hours of sunshine per month in the summer. Summers are considerably warmer, with averages reaching 20°C (69°F) in July, while autumn and spring show significant fluctuations. For a detailed overview, check the Yakutsk climate.
In conclusion, Sakha, Russian Federation, presents a fascinating array of climatic and environmental extremes that shape the region's weather, temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The stark contrast between harsh winters and vibrant summers not only affects the daily lives of its inhabitants but also significantly influences local ecosystems. With long periods of limited daylight in winter giving way to nearly continuous hours of sunshine in summer, understanding these seasonal dynamics becomes essential for effectively navigating the challenges and opportunities that arise in this unique and challenging environment. Overall, the interplay of these factors underscores Sakha's distinctive climatic identity and the importance of adapting to its relentless seasonal changes.