Last updated: January 18, 2025
Sverdlovsk, located in the Russian Federation, exhibits a humid continental climate classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Dfc and Dfb. Characterized by significant seasonal temperature variation, the region experiences extreme cold in January with a minimum recorded temperature of -42°C (-43°F), while July brings warmer conditions, reaching a maximum of 39°C (102°F). The annual average temperature hovers around 3°C (37°F), indicating a climate that presents both harsh winters and warm summers, underscoring the diversity and complexity of Sverdlovsk’s climatic conditions.
Sverdlovsk experiences pronounced seasonal temperature patterns, characterized by harsh winters and warm summers. January and February are the coldest months, with minimum temperatures plunging to around -40°C (-40°F) and average temperatures remaining below -12°C (11°F). As early spring arrives in March, temperatures rise significantly, with averages reaching -5°C (24°F), and maximums soaring up to 16°C (61°F). The transition into April and May continues this warming trend, showcasing average temperatures climbing to 11°C (53°F) and maximums peaking at 36°C (96°F). By July, the summer heat establishes itself, with average temperatures around 19°C (66°F) and peaks hitting an impressive 39°C (102°F). However, as the seasons shift into August and September, there is a gradual cooling, reflecting average temperatures dropping to 9°C (49°F) by September. The onset of autumn brings further decline, with October and November resuming winter-like conditions, where averages dip below zero again, before culminating in December's chilling return to -10°C (14°F). This cyclical pattern underscores the stark contrast between Sverdlovsk's winter and summer, revealing a climate that is both extreme and diverse.
Yekaterinburg experiences a wide temperature range throughout the year, with January plunging to a minimum of -34°C (-29°F) and July soaring to a maximum of 36°C (98°F), illustrating its diverse climate. For a detailed overview of the monthly temperatures in Yekaterinburg, visit monthly temperatures in Yekaterinburg.
Precipitation in Sverdlovsk follows a distinct seasonal pattern, with a gradual increase from winter through spring and peaking in the summer months. January starts with a modest 21 mm (0.8 in) of precipitation over about 5 days, with February slightly increasing to 27 mm (1.1 in). As spring approaches, March sees an uptick to 30 mm (1.2 in), followed by April and May, which experience further increases with 40 mm (1.6 in) and 44 mm (1.7 in) respectively. This pattern highlights the transition from the drier winter months to a more robust spring climate.
The summer months of June and July are the wettest periods, reporting 72 mm (2.8 in) and 79 mm (3.1 in) respectively, showcasing a peak in both total precipitation and rainy days, averaging around 11-12 days of rainfall. August remains consistent with 79 mm (3.1 in), while September marks a decrease to 52 mm (2.1 in), reflecting the onset of autumn. The fall continues this downward trend, with October and November recording 44 mm (1.7 in) and 30 mm (1.2 in) respectively. Rainfall then tapers off again in December, leading back into the cycle of winter, underscoring Sverdlovsk's characteristic oscillation between wet and dry seasons throughout the year.
Sverdlovsk's sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with a noticeable increase from the dark winter months to the brighter days of summer. In January, the city receives only 98 hours of sunshine, gradually rising to 175 hours in February as days begin to lengthen. March continues this upward trajectory with 267 hours, signaling the approach of spring. By April, the number of sunshine hours increases significantly to 324, and as May arrives, residents enjoy 404 hours of bright sunlight, setting the stage for the height of summer.
The peak sunshine period occurs in July, when Sverdlovsk basks in an impressive 441 hours of sunshine. Even August retains a substantial total at 363 hours, highlighting the summer's lingering warmth and light. However, as autumn sets in, sunshine hours decrease swiftly, with September recording 280 hours and dropping further to 203 hours in October. The transition back to winter is marked by significant reductions, with November and December bringing only 126 and 113 hours of sunlight, respectively. This cyclical pattern emphasizes the region's variability in daylight, offering a sharp contrast between the sun-soaked summers and the subdued, wintry months.
In Sverdlovsk, the UV Index exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, changing significantly throughout the year. During the winter months, the UV Index remains low, with values of 1 in January and December, and 2 in February, indicating a minimal risk for sunburn and requiring only limited sun protection. As spring arrives, the UV Index shows marked increases, reaching 4 in March and escalating to 5 in April, where the exposure category shifts to moderate, suggesting a burn time of only 30 minutes. This gradual rise signals a growing need for awareness regarding sun exposure as winter fades.
The peak values occur during the summer months, with the UV Index reaching 7 in June and July, categorized as high, which necessitates protective measures such as sunscreen or clothing for a burn time of just 25 minutes. August sees a slight decrease to 6, yet it still falls within the high exposure category. As autumn approaches, the UV Index drops back to 5 in September and 3 in October, highlighting a return to moderate levels. By November, the Index falls to 2 and dips back to 1 in December, concluding the year with minimal UV exposure. This seasonal variability underscores the importance of adjusting sun safety practices in response to changing UV levels throughout the year.
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In Sverdlovsk, daylight duration varies significantly throughout the year, reflecting the stark contrast between winter and summer. January is characterized by just 7 hours of daylight, which increases to 9 hours in February as spring begins to approach. This gradual increase continues through March, where days lengthen to 11 hours. By April, the length of daylight rises to 14 hours, culminating in 16 hours in May as the region transitions into the vibrant summer months.
The peak daylight duration occurs in June and July, where Sverdlovsk enjoys the longest days of the year at 17 hours each. However, as autumn sets in, daylight gradually diminishes, with August recording 15 hours and dropping to 12 hours by September. This downward trend continues through the fall, resulting in 10 hours in October, followed by a sharp decline to only 7 hours in November, and further dwindling to 6 hours in December. This cyclical pattern underscores the pronounced seasonal variations in daylight, with long summer days contrasting sharply to the brief winter daylight.
Yekaterinburg experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. January and February witness the lowest temperatures, averaging around -11°C and -13°C, while July and August are the warmest months, reaching averages of 19°C and 16°C, respectively. Precipitation is relatively moderate, peaking in summer, particularly in July and August, with about 74 mm and 75 mm of rainfall. Sunshine is abundant during the summer months, with July receiving up to 442 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Yekaterinburg climate.
In conclusion, Sverdlovsk, Russian Federation, experiences a pronounced climate characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The transition from harsh, snowy winters with minimal daylight to warm, sun-soaked summers highlights the region's dynamic weather patterns and the importance of adapting to these changes. With sufficient sunshine and increased UV exposure during the summer months, residents and visitors alike must remain vigilant about sun safety, while also embracing the unique beauty of each season. Understanding these climatic trends is essential for both urban planning and individual health strategies, ensuring that the community can thrive throughout the year in this diverse environment.