Last updated: January 18, 2025
Stavropol’ Kray, situated in the Russian Federation, showcases a diverse climate characterized by three distinct Koppen-Geiger climate classes: Dfb, Cfa, and Dfa. This region experiences a wide temperature range, with winter minimums plunging to -25°C (-13°F) in February, whereas the summer months can soar to a sweltering 42°C (108°F) in July. The annual average temperature rests around 12°C (54°F), reflecting the dynamic and fluctuating weather patterns of this unique geographical area.
The temperature patterns in Stavropol’ Kray reveal a marked seasonal variation, with harsh winters giving way to hot summers. In January, the region sees frigid conditions with minimum temperatures dropping to -21°C (-5°F), gradually warming throughout February, which records its coldest minimum at -25°C (-13°F) but also experiences a daytime peak of 22°C (71°F). As spring approaches, March and April see a steady rise in temperatures, culminating in May where maximums reach a scorching 38°C (100°F). The summer months of June and July are the warmest, consistently showcasing daytime highs around 39°C (103°F) to 42°C (108°F), while nighttime temperatures rarely drop below 7°C (44°F). As autumn sets in, temperatures begin to decline, with October and November recording averages of 12°C (54°F) and 5°C (40°F), respectively, before returning to winter's grasp in December, where chilly conditions resume with min temperatures hitting -18°C (0°F). This climatic cycle underscores the region’s distinct seasonal contrasts, from bitter cold to sweltering heat.
Kislovodsk experiences a minimum temperature of -22°C (-7°F) in February and reaches a maximum of 34°C (94°F) in July, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Kislovodsk. Similarly, Pyatigorsk also has a February minimum of -22°C (-7°F) and climbs to a warmer maximum of 37°C (98°F) in July, which can be referenced in the monthly temperatures in Pyatigorsk. Yessentuki shares the same February minimum of -22°C (-7°F) but aligns with Kislovodsk's July maximum of 34°C (94°F), as shown in the monthly temperatures in Yessentuki.
Precipitation in Stavropol’ Kray exhibits a varied distribution throughout the year, with noticeable fluctuations aligning with seasonal changes. The winter months, particularly January and February, experience relatively low rainfall, recording 31 mm (1.2 in) and 41 mm (1.6 in), respectively. As spring arrives, there is a substantial increase in precipitation, with March peaking at 59 mm (2.3 in). This wetter trend continues into May, which typically sees the highest monthly rainfall at 84 mm (3.3 in). The frequency of rainy days also rises during this period, with March experiencing up to 12 days of precipitation.
As summer approaches, the rainfall begins to diminish slightly, with June and July seeing 54 mm (2.1 in) and 50 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation, respectively. August brings a further decline to 38 mm (1.5 in), as summer conditions prevail. The transition into autumn shows a return to moderate levels of rainfall, with September and October averaging 43 mm (1.7 in) and 39 mm (1.5 in), maintaining a consistent rhythm of about 5 to 7 rainy days each month. Overall, Stavropol’ Kray experiences a Mediterranean climate influence, marked by distinct wet and dry phases, significantly impacting its agricultural practices and water availability.
Stavropol’ Kray experiences a distinct seasonal variation in sunshine duration, reflecting the region's transition from winter to summer. Starting the year in January with 147 hours of sunshine, the days begin to lengthen noticeably as February sees an increase to 204 hours. March marks a significant shift, with sunshine hours climbing to 278 hours, further emphasizing the gradual arrival of spring. As the season progresses into April and May, daily sunlight is abundant, peaking at 373 hours in May, laying the groundwork for the sunnier summer months ahead.
The summer period truly shines in Stavropol’ Kray, with June reaching 404 hours and July topping the charts at 423 hours of sunshine. This peak signifies the region's sunniest period, creating ideal conditions for agriculture and outdoor activities. As summer transitions to autumn, sunshine hours begin to wane, with August maintaining a robust 394 hours, but September shows a sharp decrease to 329 hours. By October, the region descends into the darker months, with sunshine dropping to 289 hours. The shorter winter days re-emerge in November at 212 hours, followed by December’s 163 hours, ultimately illustrating a seasonal cycle that alternates between sun-drenched days and the quieter, darker months.
The UV Index in Stavropol’ Kray exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, reflecting changes in solar intensity throughout the year. During the winter months, January and December maintain a low exposure category with UV Index values of 2, allowing for safer outdoor activities with a burn time of up to 45 minutes. As February approaches, a notable increase occurs, reaching a moderate UV Index of 4, which reduces the recommended safe exposure time to 30 minutes. This rising trend continues into spring, with March registering a high UV Index of 6 and burn time decreasing further to 25 minutes, signaling the onset of stronger solar radiation.
The summer months reveal the highest levels of UV exposure, with both June and July peaking at a UV Index of 10 categorized as very high, necessitating a burn time of just 15 minutes. Even in August, the UV Index remains robust at 9, demonstrating the persistent intensity of sunlight. As summer transitions to autumn, the UV Index begins to taper off, with September and October showing values of 8 and 5, respectively, thus returning to a moderate exposure classification. By the end of the year, the UV Index returns to lower levels, with November at 3 and a conclusion in December at 2, indicating a seasonal cycle where UV exposure fluctuates dramatically, warranting increasing caution during the sunniest months.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Stavropol’ Kray reveals a striking seasonal rhythm, with notable variations that highlight the region's transition from winter to summer. Beginning the year in January, daylight lasts for only 9 hours, gradually increasing to 10 hours in February. As spring approaches, the daylight hours rise steadily, reaching 11 hours in March and 13 hours in April, ultimately paving the way for the longer days of late spring and early summer. By May, the region enjoys 14 hours of daylight, culminating in a peak of 15 hours during both June and July, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities under the abundant sunshine.
As summer wanes, daylight duration begins to decrease, with August witnessing a slight drop to 13 hours. The transition into autumn sees a gradual decline, with September reducing to 12 hours of daylight, followed by a sharp decrease in October to 10 hours. This downward trend continues into the winter months, with November offering 9 hours and December hit by the shortest daylight duration at just 8 hours. This cyclical fluctuation of daylight hours not only emphasizes the region’s diverse climate but also signals seasonal changes that profoundly impact daily life and cultural practices in Stavropol’ Kray.
Kislovodsk experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -17°C (1°F), while July sees averages around 20°C (69°F) and maxes up to 34°C (94°F). Precipitation is heaviest in May with 149 mm (5.9 in), contributing to lush vegetation during the warmer months. The region enjoys ample sunshine, especially in June and July, reaching over 400 hours. For more detailed information on the weather patterns, visit Kislovodsk climate.
The climate in Pyatigorsk, Russian Federation, is characterized by distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cold, with January temperatures ranging from -16°C to 14°C, while summers can be quite warm, particularly in July, with temperatures reaching up to 37°C. Precipitation is significant in spring and early summer, peaking at 126 mm in May, while sunshine is abundant during the summer months, particularly with 424 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Pyatigorsk climate.
The climate in Pyatigorskiy, Russian Federation, features a wide temperature range, with January lows around -14°C (7°F) and July highs peaking at 39°C (102°F). Precipitation is highest in May, averaging 106 mm (4.2 in), while the sunniest months are June and July, with over 400 hours of sunshine. Seasonal variations are prominent, as winter months experience significant chill and summer offers warmth. For more detailed information, consult Pyatigorskiy climate.
Stavropol', Russian Federation experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -19°C to a maximum of 13°C, while July exhibits a broader spectrum with minimums of 11°C and maximums reaching 38°C. Precipitation peaks in May at 113 mm, with summer months seeing moderate rainfall, and abundant sunshine hours in July (428 hours). The region enjoys a gradual increase in both temperature and sunshine from winter to summer, making it an interesting locale for climate study. For more information, visit Stavropol' climate.
Yasnaya Polyana experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -17°C to 15°C, while July can reach high averages of around 20°C. The region receives significant precipitation in the spring and summer months, peaking in May with 149 mm. Additionally, sunshine hours are abundant from late spring to early summer, with June boasting 401 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Yasnaya Polyana climate.
Yessentuki experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Temperatures in January can plummet to -22°C (-7°F) while July averages around 20°C (69°F) with maximums reaching 34°C (94°F). Precipitation peaks in May at 149 mm (5.9 in) and generally decreases towards the end of the year, contributing to the region's varied seasonal conditions. The city enjoys substantial sunshine, particularly in June and July, with over 400 hours of sunshine each month. For more details, visit Yessentuki climate.
Zheleznovodsk, located in the Russian Federation, experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can dip as low as -22°C (-7°F), while July can reach highs of up to 40°C (105°F). Precipitation is highest in May, totaling 93 mm (3.6 in), and significant sunshine is recorded in July with 422 hours. The region is characterized by a gradual increase in temperature and sunshine from winter to summer months, making it an appealing destination year-round. For more details, visit Zheleznovodsk climate.
In conclusion, Stavropol’ Kray demonstrates a dynamic climate characterized by seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The cold winters give way to warm summers, with notable peaks in sunshine and UV exposure during the height of the growing season. These climatic patterns play a crucial role in shaping the region's agriculture, lifestyle, and recreational activities. Understanding these elements is essential for residents and visitors alike, as it not only influences daily planning but also highlights the ecological balance and biodiversity that thrive within this unique Russian landscape. The interplay of these climatic factors enriches the cultural tapestry of Stavropol’ Kray, making it a fascinating area for both study and exploration.