Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Crimea, Ukraine, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Cfa and Cfb, indicative of a humid subtropical and an oceanic climate. This region experiences an extensive temperature range, with winter lows plunging to a minimum of -17°C (2°F) in January. In contrast, summer brings the heat, where maximum temperatures can soar up to 40°C (104°F) in August. The annual average temperature hovers around a moderate 13°C (55°F), highlighting the distinct seasonal variations that characterize this unique geographic area.
Temperature patterns in Crimea, Ukraine, reveal a distinct seasonal progression characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January and February witness the coldest conditions, with minimum temperatures dropping to -17°C (2°F) and average values hovering just above freezing. As spring approaches, March ushers in milder weather, with temperatures gradually rising and daily maximums reaching 25°C (78°F) by the month's end. The transition to summer is marked by a significant uptick in warmth, peaking in July and August when maximum temperatures can soar to 38°C (100°F) and even reach 40°C (104°F), coupled with pleasant average temperatures around 24°C (76°F). Autumn brings cooler conditions, with notable drops in temperature, especially in October and November, creating a contrasting backdrop against the preceding summer heat. By December, the cycle returns to winter, with temperatures again dipping to -16°C (4°F), encapsulating the year in a rhythm of dramatic seasonal shifts.
Sudak experiences a minimum temperature of -7°C (20°F) in January and a maximum of 30°C (87°F) in August, as outlined in the monthly temperatures in Sudak. In contrast, Simferopol faces colder winters with a minimum of -17°C (2°F) in February and hotter summers, reaching up to 38°C (100°F) in August, detailed in the monthly temperatures in Simferopol. Meanwhile, Feodosiya sees a range from -8°C (19°F) in January to a maximum of 32°C (90°F) in August, as indicated by the monthly temperatures in Feodosiya.
Precipitation patterns in Crimea, Ukraine, exhibit noticeable seasonal variations, with the highest rainfall typically concentrated in the winter and early spring months. January leads with an average of 40 mm (1.6 in) over approximately 8 days, closely followed by December with 50 mm (2.0 in) and February with 35 mm (1.4 in). As spring progresses, precipitation decreases slightly; March records 30 mm (1.2 in), while April sees a marginal uptick to 32 mm (1.3 in). May experiences a small rise to 37 mm (1.5 in), indicating a trend towards increased rainfall before the dry warmth of summer.
Summer months are characterized by reduced precipitation, with June marking a peak of 58 mm (2.3 in) but distributed over 8 days—a significant source of moisture before temperatures climb. July and August record lower levels, with 40 mm (1.6 in) and just 22 mm (0.9 in) respectively, highlighting a drying trend. As autumn arrives, September and October see a slight revival, with precipitation measuring 24 mm (1.0 in) and 25 mm (1.0 in), respectively. November brings a resurgence of rainfall with 37 mm (1.4 in), setting the stage for the wetter winter months that follow.
In Crimea, Ukraine, sunshine duration showcases a clear seasonal progression, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing as winter transitions into spring and summer. January begins the year with just 140 hours of sunshine, which gradually rises to 208 hours in February. As the days lengthen, March experiences a significant leap to 306 hours, paving the way for April's 352 hours, and May's 411 hours. The onset of summer peaks in July, where sunshine extends to an impressive 438 hours, offering ample daylight for outdoor activities. August also sees substantial sunshine with 406 hours, although a slight decline signals the impending end of the summer season.
As autumn approaches, a gradual decrease in sunshine hours becomes evident. September still enjoys a considerable 348 hours, but October sees a further reduction to 298 hours, marking the transition into shorter days. November and December experience the shortest daylight hours, recording just 209 and 178 hours respectively. This seasonal cycle reflects Crimea's climatic shifts, where the vibrant abundance of sunlight in the summer contrasts sharply with the subdued daylight of winter, offering a varied experience throughout the year for residents and visitors alike.
The UV Index in Crimea, Ukraine, reveals distinct seasonal patterns, highlighting varying levels of sun exposure risk throughout the year. Beginning in winter, January and December show low UV Index values of 2, indicating minimal risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with burn times extending to 45 minutes. As February approaches, the index rises to 3, marking a moderate level of exposure before transitioning to March, where it increases to 5, maintaining a moderate risk. This gradual escalation prepares residents and visitors for higher sun exposure risks as spring unfolds.
The summer months experience the highest UV Index readings, with values reaching 9 from June to August, categorized as very high risk, necessitating heightened sun protection measures as burn time drops to just 15 minutes. Even in September, as the summer sun begins to wane, the UV Index remains high at 7. As autumn progresses, the index dips back to moderate levels in October and November before returning to low levels in January. This fluctuation underscores the importance of sun safety practices, particularly during the peak summer months, when the intensity of UV radiation can pose significant risks to skin health.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Crimea, Ukraine, exhibits a clear seasonal rhythm, with distinct variations throughout the year that reflect the changing balance between day and night. January begins with just 9 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to 10 hours in February and extending to 11 hours by March. The arrival of spring marks a further surge in daylight, with April experiencing 13 hours, and May reaching 14 hours, as longer days usher in the warmth of the season. The summer solstice sees daylight peak at 15 hours in both June and July, offering ample opportunity for outdoor activities and enjoyment of the sun.
As summer fades into autumn, daylight duration starts to decline, with August showcasing a decrease to 13 hours. This trend continues into September, with 12 hours of daylight, before further dropping to 10 hours in October. A return to shorter days is evident in November, with just 9 hours, and by December, daylight plummets to its annual low of 8 hours. This cyclical pattern highlights Crimean residents' adaptability to the seasonal shifts, ensuring they capitalize on the longer daylight hours in spring and summer while preparing for the shorter, darker days of winter.
Alupka, Ukraine, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -11°C (13°F) to a maximum of 12°C (55°F), while July enjoys milder conditions, with averages reaching up to 23°C (74°F). Precipitation is relatively consistent throughout the year, peaking in December at 62 mm (2.4 in). The region boasts a substantial amount of sunshine, particularly in summer, with July averaging 438 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Alupka climate.
Alushta, Ukraine experiences a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -13°C to a maximum of 12°C, while July sees much higher temperatures between 13°C and 31°C. Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in January with 47 mm and dropping to as low as 26 mm in September. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in the summer months, with July basking in approximately 439 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Alushta climate.
Bakhchysarai, Ukraine, experiences a continental climate with significant seasonal variations. Winters are cold, with January temperatures averaging around 2°C (36°F) and frequent lows of -13°C (9°F). Summers are warm, peaking in July and August with averages of 23°C (74°F) and 24°C (75°F), respectively. Precipitation is fairly even throughout the year, with the highest levels in June (57 mm) and December (65 mm). For more detailed information, visit Bakhchysarai climate.
Feodosiya, Ukraine, experiences a temperate climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to a minimum of -8°C (19°F), while July sees averages around 25°C (76°F) and highs reaching up to 32°C (89°F). Rainfall is relatively low, peaking at 44 mm (1.7 in) in December, and sunshine hours peak in July with 439 hours. The city enjoys a gradual warming trend from spring through summer, making it a pleasant destination for visitors. For more detailed information, visit Feodosiya climate.
Gurzuf, Ukraine experiences a diverse climate marked by warm summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from a winter low of -10°C (15°F) in March to a summer high of 32°C (90°F) in August. Precipitation is relatively moderate, with January seeing the highest at 50 mm (2.0 in) and August the lowest at 22 mm (0.9 in). Sunshine hours peak during the summer months, particularly in July with 439 hours, contributing to a pleasant coastal environment. For more detailed information, visit Gurzuf climate.
Kerch, Ukraine, experiences a varied climate, with cold winters and warm summers. January sees average temperatures around 4°C (39°F), while July peaks at 25°C (77°F). Precipitation is relatively moderate, with January receiving the highest at 43 mm (1.7 in) and July the lowest at 22 mm (0.9 in). Sunshine is abundant in summer months, with July enjoying 437 hours, compared to just 145 hours in January. For more detailed information, visit Kerch climate.
Koktebel, Ukraine experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to -10°C (15°F), while July peaks at around 33°C (91°F). Precipitation is relatively modest, ranging from a high of 39 mm in January to just 14 mm in August. The area benefits from substantial sunshine, particularly in summer, with July enjoying up to 438 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Koktebel climate.
Simferopol, Ukraine experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -16°C to 15°C, while July offers much milder conditions with averages around 23°C. Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking at 71 mm in June, contributing to relatively humid summers. The region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in June and July, with over 420 hours of sunlight each month. For more detailed information, visit Simferopol climate.
Sudak, Ukraine experiences a temperate climate with a range of temperatures throughout the year. The coldest months are January and February, with average temperatures around 4°C (40°F) and 5°C (41°F), while July and August are warmest, averaging 24°C (75°F) and 24°C (76°F) respectively. Precipitation is relatively low during summer months, with only about 15 mm (0.6 in) in July and August, contrasting with wetter winter months like November and December, which see up to 51 mm (2.0 in). This region enjoys considerable sunshine, especially in summer, peaking at 439 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Sudak climate.
Yevpatoriya, Ukraine, experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January is particularly chilly with average temperatures around 3°C (38°F), while July sees highs of up to 31°C (89°F). Precipitation is moderate throughout the year, peaking in December at 60 mm (2.4 in) and lowest in August with just 14 mm (0.6 in). Sunshine hours are abundant in summer, reaching up to 441 hours in July, making it a bright and pleasant time to visit. For more detailed information, check out the Yevpatoriya climate.
In conclusion, Crimea, Ukraine, experiences a dynamic interplay of climate, sunshine duration, UV Index, precipitation, and daylight hours that together shape the region's unique seasonal characteristics. From the chilly winters with minimal sunlight and low UV exposure to the vibrant summers laden with abundant daylight and substantial sun intensity, the seasonal transitions profoundly influence daily life, outdoor activities, and health considerations for residents and visitors alike. Understanding these climatic and environmental patterns is essential for making informed decisions regarding outdoor planning, sun safety practices, and water conservation efforts, ultimately enhancing the quality of life in this picturesque region throughout the year.