Last updated: August 27, 2025
In January, Smolensk experiences a challenging winter climate marked by average temperatures around -4°C (24°F), with extremes dipping as low as -29°C (-19°F). The month brings a maximum temperature of just 4°C (40°F), painting a stark picture of the cold. With approximately 44 mm (1.7 in) of precipitation over 12 days, the air remains laden with 96% humidity, enhancing the chill. This combination of low temperatures and high humidity creates a formidable winter environment, characteristic of the region.
In January, Smolensk experiences its coldest temperatures of the year, with a minimum plunging to a biting -29°C (-19°F) and an average hovering around -4°C (24°F). Daytime highs barely rise above freezing, reaching only 4°C (40°F). This chill sets the stage for a winter landscape where layers of snow blanket the ground, creating a serene yet frosty atmosphere. As the month transitions into February, the days gradually warm, but the temperatures remain frigid, with lows around -24°C (-11°F). Notably, the average temperature stays consistent at about -4°C (25°F). By March, the arrival of spring begins to thaw the harsh winter, with temperatures moving closer to the zero mark as the averages become more pleasant. This gradual warming trend continues into April and May, where temperatures rise significantly, making way for a lush and vibrant landscape as winter recedes.
In January, Smolensk experiences a moderate precipitation level of 44 mm (1.7 in), typically spread over 12 days of the month. This solidifies January as part of the city’s relatively balanced winter precipitation pattern. Following closely in February and March, each month sees approximately 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, underscoring a consistency in winter moisture that characterizes the region during the early part of the year. As the season progresses into spring, precipitation begins to increase slightly, peaking in July, when the city receives 120 mm (4.7 in), indicating a shift to a more humid, lush environment. Overall, January sets the tone for the rest of the colder months, hinting at the gradual increase in rainfall that accompanies the transition to spring and beyond.
In January, Smolensk experiences a notably high humidity level of 96%, making it one of the most humid months of the year. This trend of increased moisture continues into early spring, with February and March showcasing humidity levels of 92% and 90% respectively. As the seasons transition into April, there’s a noticeable decline to 84%, indicating a gradual shift toward drier conditions. The following months, particularly from May to July, experience a dip as humidity falls to the more moderate range of 71% to 79%. However, the humidity begins to rise again in August and retains a steady foothold through the autumn months, hovering around 78% to 94% until year’s end. Overall, Smolensk’s humidity showcases a distinct pattern—knitted tightly with the ebb and flow of the seasons, transitioning from winter dampness to a more temperate summer before cycling back to moisture-laden winter air.
In January, Smolensk experiences a low UV Index of 1, allowing for a generous burn time of 45 minutes under the sun. As the month transitions to February, the UV Index slightly increases to 2, maintaining that low exposure category. The onset of March heralds a notable shift, with the UV Index rising to 4, signaling a moderate level of sun exposure and a decreased burn time of 30 minutes. This pattern of increasing UV levels continues through April and into the warmer months, peaking in June with a striking UV Index of 8—classified as very high. Here, sun safety becomes paramount, as burn time dwindles to just 15 minutes. The trend shows a gradual decrease in UV intensity as summer fades, culminating in December where the Index returns to a low of 1. For a comprehensive seasonal overview, including month-by-month details, visit Smolensk UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In January, Smolensk experiences a mere 53 hours of sunshine, making it one of the gloomiest months of the year. However, the light begins to surge dramatically as the seasons change, with February offering a notable increase to 134 hours. The trend continues upward, culminating in March with 244 hours of sunlight, hinting at the arrival of spring. By April, the city basks in 325 hours of sun, paving the way for the vibrant months that follow. May and June shine the brightest, offering 400 and 427 hours respectively, perfect for outdoor activities. As summer fades into autumn, sunshine hours gradually decline, with July and August maintaining over 400 hours. However, September marks the beginning of a significant drop, ultimately leading to December’s return to a low of just 55 hours of daylight, as Smolensk transitions back into winter's embrace. The rhythmic ebb and flow of sunshine through the year paints a vivid picture of the region's seasonal charm, making each month uniquely captivating.
In Smolensk, Russian Federation, January heralds the height of winter with a mere 4% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the least sunny months of the year. As winter gives way to spring, the likelihood of sunshine gradually improves, jumping to 9% in February, and nearly tripling to 33% by March. This upward trend continues into April and May, where the chances of basking in sunshine stabilize around 34% and 33%, respectively. By June and July, residents can finally embrace the warmth of summer, with the probability of sunny days soaring to 59% and 55%. However, as autumn approaches in August, the sunshine chances dip to 32%, followed by a steady decline through the fall months. Thus, January stands as a pivotal reminder of winter's cloud cover, while the subsequent months gift a gradual return to brighter skies.
In Smolensk, January marks the beginning of a gradual increase in daylight, starting with just 7 hours. As the month transitions into February, the days begin to lengthen, ultimately reaching 9 hours of daylight. This upward trend continues remarkable through the spring, with daylight peaking at 17 hours in June, offering residents a vibrant atmosphere. As summer fades into autumn, days start to shorten, dropping back to 12 hours in September and further declining to 7 hours by December. This cyclical pattern highlights the distinctive rhythm of Smolensk's daylight, characterized by bright, long summer days followed by the crisp, shorter days of winter.
In January, Smolensk experiences a gentle average wind speed of 3.5 m/s (8 mph), setting the stage for a serene winter atmosphere. As the year progresses into February, the winds pick up slightly to 4.1 m/s (9 mph), hinting at the transition to spring. Notably, throughout the spring months, wind speeds fluctuate, with a slight dip in April at 3.6 m/s (8 mph) and a rise in March and May at 3.8 m/s (8 mph). Summer brings calmer conditions, particularly in June and July, where wind speeds fall to 2.6 m/s (6 mph) and 2.5 m/s (6 mph), inviting a more tranquil outdoor experience. However, as autumn sets in, the winds begin to gain momentum again, peaking in November at 4.5 m/s (10 mph). This gradual increase in wind speed from summer to winter reflects the dynamic interplay of seasonal changes in Smolensk, creating a captivating narrative of the region's climate throughout the year.
Weather in Smolensk varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Smolensk, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
January typically experiences harsher weather compared to February. While both months have an average temperature around -4°C (24°F), January's minimum temperature plunges to -29°C (-19°F), significantly colder than February's -24°C (-11°F). Precipitation levels remain quite similar, with January receiving 44 mm over 12 days and February slightly less with 43 mm over 11 days. Additionally, January's humidity is higher at 96%, compared to February's 92%, suggesting a slightly less oppressive atmosphere in February. For more specific information about weather patterns during this month, you can refer to Smolensk weather in February.
In January, temperatures are significantly colder, with a minimum of -29°C (-19°F) and an average of -4°C (24°F), while March sees a notable warming trend with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -18°C (0°F) to an average of 0°C (32°F) and a maximum of 17°C (62°F). Both months experience similar levels of precipitation, around 44 mm (1.7 in), and the number of rainy days stays constant at 12. However, January's humidity is slightly higher at 96%, compared to 90% in March, indicating that March tends to feel a bit drier. For more details, check out Smolensk weather in March.
In January, the weather in Smolensk is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -29°C (-19°F) and an average of -4°C (24°F), while the maximum reaches only 4°C (40°F). Precipitation is moderate at 44 mm (1.7 in), occurring over 12 days, and the humidity remains notably high at 96%. In contrast, April brings a significant shift in conditions. The minimum temperature increases to -9°C (17°F), and the average rises to 6°C (43°F), with a warmer maximum of 23°C (74°F). Although precipitation is slightly higher at 47 mm (1.8 in), the number of rainy days remains the same at 12, and the humidity drops to a more comfortable 84%. For more details on Smolensk's climate during April, visit Smolensk weather in April.
In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -29°C (-19°F) and an average of -4°C (24°F), making it a month dominated by cold conditions and high humidity at 96%. The precipitation levels are relatively low, with about 44 mm (1.7 in) over 12 days, yet the biting cold makes it feel even harsher. In contrast, May brings a striking transformation, featuring warmer temperatures with a minimum of -3°C (28°F), an average of 12°C (54°F), and a maximum of 28°C (83°F). While May experiences more precipitation at 71 mm (2.8 in) over the same number of days, the humidity drops to a more comfortable 71%, creating a much more pleasant atmosphere. For a detailed look at the weather in May, visit Smolensk weather in May.
January and June offer stark contrasts in weather, reflecting the extremes of winter and summer. In January, temperatures can plunge as low as -29°C (-19°F), with an average of -4°C (24°F) and a maximum of 4°C (40°F). The month is characterized by abundant precipitation of 44 mm (1.7 in) over 12 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 96%, creating a chilly and damp atmosphere. In contrast, June brings much warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a scorching maximum of 35°C (95°F), and an average of 17°C (64°F). This month also experiences increased precipitation, totaling 73 mm (2.9 in) over the same number of days, but with a significantly lower humidity of 76%. For a detailed look at June's weather, visit Smolensk weather in June.
In January, the weather in Smolensk is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -29°C (-19°F) and an average of -4°C (24°F), peaking at a maximum of 4°C (40°F). The month sees significant humidity at 96% and experiences 44 mm (1.7 in) of precipitation over approximately 12 days. In stark contrast, July brings a warm climate with a minimum temperature of 6°C (43°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F), reaching a high of 32°C (91°F). July also has higher precipitation, totaling 120 mm (4.7 in) over 15 days, accompanied by a lower humidity level of 79%. For a more detailed look at the weather patterns, you can check Smolensk weather in July.
In January, Smolensk experiences frigid temperatures, with averages around -4°C (24°F) and nighttime lows plummeting to -29°C (-19°F). The high humidity of 96%, paired with 44 mm (1.7 in) of precipitation spread over 12 days, contributes to the biting winter chill. In stark contrast, August brings a warming trend, where temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a comfortable maximum of 30°C (86°F), averaging at 17°C (63°F). With 72 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over 11 days and lower humidity at 78%, August offers a much more pleasant and welcoming climate. For more details on the weather in this month, check Smolensk weather in August.
January and September showcase striking contrasts in weather. January is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -29°C (-19°F) and an average around -4°C (24°F), whereas September enjoys milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -3°C (28°F) to a pleasant average of 12°C (55°F). While January experiences significant humidity at 96% and light precipitation spread over 12 days, September has a lower humidity of 85% and slightly higher precipitation at 64 mm (2.5 in) over just 10 days. This seasonal shift not only affects the temperatures but also creates a noticeable difference in the overall atmosphere of Smolensk. For more detailed information about September weather in Smolensk, visit Smolensk weather in September.
In January, the weather in Smolensk is characterized by harsh winter conditions, with temperatures ranging from a chilling -29°C (-19°F) to a maximum of 4°C (40°F) and an average of -4°C (24°F). The high humidity of 96% and frequent precipitation over 12 days contribute to the cold, snowy landscape. In contrast, October offers a milder climate, where temperatures range from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a pleasant high of 20°C (69°F), averaging around 7°C (45°F). Although October sees increased precipitation, totaling 64 mm (2.5 in) over the same number of days, the lower humidity at 92% makes the cooler temperatures feel more comfortable. For more detailed insights into October's weather, you can check Smolensk weather in October.
January and November present contrasting weather conditions, with January typically being much colder. In January, temperatures drop to a minimum of -29°C (-19°F) with an average of -4°C (24°F), while November sees milder temperatures ranging from a minimum of -14°C (6°F) to an average of 1°C (35°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in November at 49 mm (1.9 in) compared to January's 44 mm (1.7 in), but both months experience similar numbers of rainy days. Humidity levels remain high in both months, with January at 96% and November at 94%. For more specific insights into November's weather patterns, you can refer to Smolensk weather in November.
In comparing the weather between January and December, January tends to be colder with average temperatures around -4°C (24°F), while December exhibits slightly milder conditions with an average of -2°C (28°F). The minimum temperature in January plunges to a chilling -29°C (-19°F), contrasting with December's min of -17°C (2°F). Additionally, January experiences less precipitation at 44 mm (1.7 in) over 12 days compared to December’s 67 mm (2.6 in) across 15 days. Despite these differences, humidity remains consistently high, peaking at 96% in January and slightly lower at 95% in December. For more details about December weather, you can visit Smolensk weather in December.
January in Smolensk presents a stark contrast to the milder months of the year. With its chilly average temperature hovering around -4°C, the month showcases the coldest spells that can plunge to as low as -29°C. The high humidity of 96% combined with frequent precipitation over 12 days adds a damp chill to the air, setting January apart from the drier summer months. This time of year often requires warm clothing and a good attitude towards unpredictable weather. For those interested in a deeper dive into Smolensk's climate nuances, check out Smolensk Climate.