Weather in Chelyabinsk

Planning your day in Chelyabinsk or already enjoying the city? In this section, you will find the latest information on weather conditions, including up-to-date forecasts and useful charts.

The climate in Chelyabinsk, located in Russia, is characterized as temperate continental. This means the city experiences significant temperature fluctuations between seasons, with clearly defined periods of heat and cold. Travellers should be prepared for a variety of weather conditions depending on the time of year.

In Chelyabinsk, four seasons are clearly distinct. Winter is typically long and frosty, with average temperatures significantly below freezing, especially in January and February. Summer, by contrast, is warm and at times hot, with the highest temperatures occurring in July. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons when the weather can be changeable: spring sees a gradual warming, while autumn brings cooling temperatures.

One of the characteristic features of the climate in Chelyabinsk, based on the provided data, is the relatively small amount of precipitation throughout the year. Even during the summer months, when the number of rainy days increases slightly, the total volume of precipitation remains low. This indicates a prevalence of dry weather throughout most of the year.

The temperature regime in Chelyabinsk demonstrates clearly expressed seasonality, typical of a temperate continental climate. The annual temperature range is quite significant. The coldest month is traditionally January, when the average air temperature is around -14.0°C. During this period, night temperatures can drop on average to -17.3°C, and daytime highs rarely exceed -10.7°C. Conversely, the hottest month is considered to be July, with an average temperature of +20.3°C. During the day, the air warms up to an average of +25.5°C, while at night it cools down to a comfortable +15.2°C.

The summer months in Chelyabinsk, especially June, July, and August, gift residents and guests of the city with warm and sunny weather. Average daytime temperatures in July reach +25.5°C, while in June and August, they hold at levels of +21.9°C and +22.9°C respectively. A characteristic feature of the summer period is noticeable daily temperature fluctuations. For example, in May, the difference between the daily maximum (+19.2°C) and the nightly minimum (+6.6°C) can be more than 12 degrees, ensuring cool evenings even after a hot day. A similar trend is observed in other summer months, with variations of around 10 degrees.

Winter in Chelyabinsk is frosty and long. From December to February, the thermometer confidently stays at negative marks. Average temperatures in December (-11.4°C), January (-14.0°C), and February (-11.5°C) attest to the severe character of the winter season. At night, the air temperature regularly drops below -14°C, and in January, it can reach -17.3°C. Daytime highs in these months usually range from -7.9°C to -10.7°C. Daily temperature fluctuations in winter are less pronounced than in summer but are still present, averaging 6-7 degrees.

In Chelyabinsk, a relatively small total amount of precipitation is observed throughout the year. Although the summer months bring more days with precipitation and a slightly larger volume, there is no clearly defined rainy season or dry season here. In winter, precipitation falls primarily as snow, and in the warm season, as rain.

The greatest amount of precipitation falls during the summer period. Thus, in June, July, August, and September, the average monthly precipitation volume is 2 mm. At the same time, June and July are the months with the highest frequency of precipitation — about 11 days in each. In August, there are approximately 10 days with precipitation, and in September, about 9. Given such a small total volume, summer precipitation likely consists of non-intensive rains, possibly of a drizzling nature, despite their relatively frequent occurrence.

In the remaining months of the year, from October to May, the average monthly amount of precipitation is even lower, totaling just 1 mm. In winter, from December to March, this is predominantly light snow. The lowest number of days with precipitation — 6 days each — is registered in January, March, and April. In February and November, there are about 7 such days, and in December, 8. October is interesting: with a total precipitation volume of 1 mm, precipitation is noted on average for 10 days, which suggests frequent but very light precipitation, such as drizzling rain or the first wet snow.

Thus, Chelyabinsk is characterized by a moderate number of days with precipitation, but an extremely small total volume. The "driest" months in terms of total precipitation (1 mm) are all except the summer ones, while January, March, and April stand out for the lowest frequency of occurrence. Travellers should expect predominantly dry weather, with small and non-intensive precipitation that happens slightly more often during the summer period.

When planning a trip to Chelyabinsk, it is important to consider the distinct change of seasons and significant temperature fluctuations. The key principle when packing your suitcase should be layering in clothing, which will allow you to feel comfortable both in the cool morning hours and during the warmer daytime. Regardless of the season, be sure to bring comfortable shoes for walking around the city. Considering that even in the months with the most precipitation, the volume is small (1-2 mm), a light umbrella or a compact raincoat might be useful, especially in summer and the shoulder seasons, when the number of days with precipitation reaches 9-11.

In winter (from December to February), real Ural frosts prevail in Chelyabinsk, with average temperatures around -14.0°C in January and night-time drops to -17.3°C. Therefore, your luggage must include: very warm outerwear (a down jacket or fur coat), insulated trousers, thermal underwear, woollen jumpers, as well as a hat, scarf, and mittens/gloves. Do not forget warm, non-slip shoes, as snow is possible (6-8 days with precipitation in winter months). In summer (from June to August), the weather delights with warmth; the average temperature in July reaches +20.3°C, and during the day, the air warms up to +25.5°C. For summer walks, light t-shirts, shorts, dresses, and sandals are suitable. However, even in summer, evenings can be cool (minimum temperatures around +11.6°C - +15.2°C), so a light jacket or jumper will not be amiss. Sunscreen and a hat will also be useful on clear days.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) in Chelyabinsk are transitional periods with changeable weather. In March, it is still cold (average temperature -4.7°C), so warm clothes remain relevant. By May, it becomes significantly warmer (average temperature +12.9°C). In autumn, starting from September (average temperature +11.4°C) and especially in October-November (+4.3°C and -4.5°C respectively), the temperature drops noticeably. In these seasons, you will need a mid-season jacket, jumpers, closed shoes, and possibly a hat and gloves, especially in late autumn. The principle of layering is especially important here: a t-shirt, a shirt or light pullover over it, and a jacket on top that can be removed if necessary. A small umbrella may also be useful, as there are between 6 and 10 days with precipitation per month during these periods.