Be prepared for any natural surprises when planning a visit to Dikson. In this section, we have collected the most up-to-date information on the current weather, detailed forecasts, and clear charts for you.
Weather in Dikson
Current Weather
General Weather Character
Located on the coast of the Arctic Ocean, Dikson possesses a harsh Arctic climate that will be a true adventure and a unique experience for travellers. The weather here is entirely governed by the laws of the Far North: winter rules for most of the year, and the concept of an off-season is practically non-existent. This is a land of permafrost, where even in the "hottest" months, the temperature rarely rises to levels familiar to summer in temperate latitudes.
The winter period here is prolonged and cold, with temperatures consistently staying below zero from October to May. In the frostiest months, such as January and February, average indicators drop to -20°C...-23°C. Summer in Dikson is very short and cool: it arrives only in June, and the peak warmth occurs in August, when the air warms up on average to just +9°C. For tourists, this means the necessity of having warm winter gear regardless of the travel date.
A characteristic feature of the local climate is the stability of the temperature regime and the specific nature of precipitation. Although the total amount is small, humid and cloudy days happen quite often, especially in late summer and early autumn. Thanks to the influence of the sea, there are no extreme temperature spikes within a month here, but piercing winds and high humidity can intensify the sensation of cold.
Temperature
The climate of this Arctic port is severe and uncompromising, fully corresponding to its location at the edge of the earth. Dikson welcomes travellers with a long and frosty winter that lasts for the majority of the year. The coldest month is January, when the average temperature drops to -22.8°C, and night-time figures often reach the -25.2°C mark. Even in spring months, such as March, the air remains icy, maintaining stable sub-zero values around -20°C.
Summer comes late here; it is very short and distinguished by a restrained character, reminding one more of deep autumn in milder regions. The warmest and most comfortable month of the year is August with an average indicator of +8.9°C, while even on the "hottest" days, the temperature rarely exceeds +11°C. June and July also do not spoil visitors with heat, showing average values from +2.2°C to +7.0°C, so warm clothing is necessary here in any season.
A characteristic feature of the local climate is the small amplitude of daily temperatures: the difference between daily highs and nightly lows is usually only 2–3 degrees, which is due to the influence of the sea. This creates a sensation of stable, piercing cold in winter and steady, damp coolness in summer. The transition to winter happens rapidly: already in September, the temperature falls to +3.5°C, and in October, stable sub-zero values set in.
Precipitation
When planning a trip to Dikson, it is important to consider that this is one of the northernmost settlements, and precipitation here has a clearly defined Arctic character. For most of the year, from October to May, moisture falls exclusively in the form of snow. Due to low temperatures, the snow cover is stable, and blizzards are a frequent phenomenon, although the actual volume of falling precipitation in millimetres remains extremely low throughout the year.
Summer and early autumn bring a change in weather: in July and August, when the air warms up to positive values, snow gives way to rain and drizzle. The cloudiest month in terms of the frequency of inclement days is September — precipitation can be observed up to 15 days a month. During this transitional period, rains often alternate with wet snow, creating a damp and windy atmosphere.
The least cloudy period can be called the beginning of spring: March is statistically the "driest" month with the fewest days with precipitation (about 7). Nevertheless, when preparing for this unique corner of Russia, it is worth relying on high-quality waterproof equipment, capable of protecting not so much from heavy downpours as from high humidity and piercing northern winds.
What to Pack
When packing for Dikson, the country's northernmost settlement, one should remember that the climate here is harsh and Arctic. Winter lasts for most of the year, so the foundation of your wardrobe should be high-quality thermal underwear, thick wool sweaters, and a windproof down jacket with a deep hood (parka). Be sure to take insulated trousers, an ear-flap hat (ushanka), a scarf, and mittens, as they preserve heat better than gloves. Considering the strong winds and frosts, which often drop below -20°C, the principle of layering in clothing is an absolute necessity for staying comfortable outdoors.
Even if your trip is planned for summer, do not count on heat: in July and August, the temperature rarely rises above +9°C. Light clothes will not be useful here — it is better to stock up on fleece jackets, thick windbreakers, and transitional season jackets with a membrane for protection against dampness. Footwear must be reliable, warm, and waterproof: for winter, special polar boots or high fur boots are ideal, and for the "warm" season — sturdy trekking boots with thick soles.
Do not forget about important small items that will make the journey more pleasant. Polarized sunglasses are mandatory, as in spring and summer, the bright sun reflecting off snow and ice can strongly dazzle the eyes. Due to the cold wind and dry frosty air, it is worth taking a rich nourishing cream for face and hands, as well as lip balm. A small thermos for hot tea will also become a faithful companion during walks along the coast of the Arctic Ocean.
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