Last updated: January 18, 2025
Kyiv, Ukraine, experiences a humid continental climate classified as Dfb under the Köppen-Geiger system. The city's temperature fluctuations are notable, with winter lows plunging to a stark minimum of -25°C (-13°F) in January. Conversely, summer brings warmth, as average temperatures reach 10°C (50°F), peaking in June with a significant maximum of 35°C (96°F). This diverse climate not only shapes urban life in Kyiv but also affects local ecosystems and cultural practices throughout the year.
Kyiv's temperature patterns exhibit significant seasonal variation, characterized by harsh winters and warm summers. January and February are the coldest months, with minimum temperatures often plunging below -20°C (-4°F) and average highs barely exceeding 11°C (52°F). As spring arrives in March and April, temperatures gradually rise, with averages reaching 9°C (49°F) by April and maximums soaring to 26°C (79°F). The transition into summer unfolds in May and continues through July and August, where temperatures peak at a maximum of 35°C (96°F) in June, providing balmy conditions ideal for outdoor activities. Autumn sees a swift decline in temperatures, with September still experiencing mild averages of 16°C (61°F) before November brings chilling lows around -14°C (7°F). Throughout the year, Kyiv's diverse climate presents a dynamic interplay between cold and warmth, shaping the city's unique character.
Prolisky experiences a minimum temperature of -24°C (-12°F) in January and a maximum of 35°C (96°F) in June, while Kyiv has slightly colder January temperatures, reaching a minimum of -25°C (-13°F) and matching June's maximum of 35°C (95°F). Similarly, Kotsiubynske also records a January minimum of -25°C (-12°F) and a June maximum of 35°C (95°F). For more detailed monthly temperatures, visit monthly temperatures in Prolisky, monthly temperatures in Kyiv, and monthly temperatures in Kotsiubynske.
Kyiv experiences a distinct seasonal pattern in precipitation, reflecting the city's humid continental climate. Winter months such as January and February see moderate rainfall, with January receiving 39 mm (1.5 in) and February slightly higher at 43 mm (1.7 in). Precipitation levels remain relatively stable in early spring, with March delivering 38 mm (1.5 in) and April experiencing slightly less at 33 mm (1.3 in). This pattern indicates a transition into wetter conditions as the city moves toward summer.
As temperatures rise, Kyiv's late spring and summer months witness the highest precipitation levels. May records a significant increase to 76 mm (3.0 in), followed by July, which peaks with 88 mm (3.5 in), signaling the city's wettest period. Although August sees a decline to 49 mm (1.9 in), the overall summer months contribute notably to Kyiv's annual rainfall. Interestingly, while precipitation is abundant in summer, the distribution of rainy days varies, with May and December also featuring a higher frequency of rainy days, suggesting a complex interplay between temperature and moisture throughout the year.
In Kyiv, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, marked by a steady increase from the bleak winter months to the bright summer days. January starts with a mere 101 hours of sunlight, which gradually rises in February to 166 hours as the days lengthen. By the time spring sets in, March welcomes 269 hours, further increasing to 343 hours in April. This buildup culminates in May, when sunshine hours reach 392, setting the stage for the sunniest months of the year.
June and July shine the brightest for Kyiv, both clocking in an impressive 431 hours of sunlight each, perfectly illustrating the peak of summer. As summer transitions to autumn, the sunshine begins to wane, with August still enjoying a substantial 399 hours, but September drops to 319 hours, marking the beginning of the decline. The fall months continue this trend, notably October with 259 hours and November witnessing a sharp drop to 153 hours. By December, the sunshine duration is reduced to just 91 hours, highlighting the stark contrast between Kyiv’s sunlit summers and its dim winters. This fluctuation not only affects local weather patterns but also plays a significant role in the lifestyle and well-being of the city's inhabitants.
In Kyiv, the UV Index demonstrates a notable seasonal progression, reflecting the changing intensity of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year. During the winter months, specifically January and February, the UV Index remains low at 2, indicating minimal risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure, with respective burn times of 45 minutes. As the days begin to lengthen in March, the UV Index increases to 4, categorized as moderate, while the burn time shortens to 30 minutes. This trend continues into April and May, where the UV Index escalates to 6 in April and 7 by May, both classified as high, reflecting increased sunshine and stronger solar rays.
The peak UV intensity occurs during the summer months of June and July, with a very high UV Index of 8, resulting in a much shorter burn time of just 15 minutes. This pattern continues into August, where the Index slightly decreases to 7 but remains in the high range. September sees a return to a UV Index of 6, indicating a gradual reduction as autumn approaches. Eventually, the UV Index decreases significantly in autumn and winter, falling back to 4 in October and down to 2 in November before reaching a low of 1 in December. This seasonal fluctuation not only highlights the necessity for sun protection during the summer but also reminds residents of the lower UV risks during the winter months.
UV Risk Categories
In Kyiv, the daylight duration experiences significant seasonal shifts, reflecting the dramatic changes in sunlight throughout the year. During the winter months, particularly in January and December, residents can expect only 8 hours of daylight, creating a stark contrast to the longer days ahead. As February rolls in, daylight increases to 10 hours, marking the beginning of a gradual transition toward spring. By March, this duration rises further to 11 hours, and by April, Kyiv enjoys about 13 hours of sunlight, signaling the arrival of longer, more vibrant days.
The peak of daylight duration occurs during the summer months, with June reaching an impressive 16 hours of sunlight, which begins to taper slightly in July at 15 hours. As autumn approaches, daylight begins its descent again, with August providing 14 hours before falling to 12 hours in September. The decline continues into October, where daylight reduces to 10 hours, and returns to the winter pattern by November with 8 hours. This cyclical change not only impacts daily life and activities in Kyiv but also fosters a deep connection to the rhythmic patterns of nature throughout the seasons.
Kotsiubynske, Ukraine experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January sees average temperatures around -3°C (28°F) and substantial snowfall, while July boasts averages of 21°C (70°F), making it the warmest month. Precipitation is highest in July at 89 mm (3.5 in), contributing to a lush summer environment. The region enjoys a significant amount of sunshine, peaking at 431 hours in June. For more details, visit Kotsiubynske climate.
Kyiv experiences a continental climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cold, with January temperatures averaging -3°C (28°F) and notable lows reaching -25°C (-13°F), while summers are warm, peaking in July with averages around 21°C (70°F). Precipitation is moderate, with the wettest month being July at 90 mm (3.5 in). Sunshine hours peak in June and July, contributing to pleasant weather, especially in late spring and summer. For more detailed information, visit Kyiv climate.
Prolisky, Ukraine, experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -24°C to 9°C and modest sunshine, while July averages 21°C, peaking at 34°C with ample sunshine hours. Precipitation is heaviest in July at 86 mm, contributing to the region's summer lushness. The transition seasons of spring and autumn bring moderate temperatures and variable rainfall. For detailed information, visit Prolisky climate.
In conclusion, Kyiv's climate is characterized by its vibrant seasonal changes, with notable variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours. The city's cold winters give way to warm, sunny summers, creating a dynamic environment that shapes the lifestyles and activities of its residents throughout the year. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for both locals and visitors, enabling them to adapt to the character of each season, prepare for fluctuations in sunlight and weather, and enjoy the unique charm that each time of year brings to Kyiv. As climate change continues to influence global weather patterns, monitoring these climatic attributes will be increasingly important in preserving the natural and cultural heritage of this historic city.