Weather in Elista

Find out everything about the current weather in Elista! In this section, we have collected up-to-date weather reports, detailed forecasts, and clear charts so that you are always informed.

The climate of Elista can be characterised as continental, with arid features. The city experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, which is typical for this type of climate. Visitors should be prepared for pronounced seasonal weather changes.

Winter in Elista is quite cold, with average temperatures below zero, especially in January and February. Summer, on the contrary, is hot and sunny, with peak temperatures in July and August, when the thermometer can rise above 30°C. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with more moderate temperatures.

One of the most notable features of the weather in Elista is the low level of precipitation throughout the year. Even in the "wettest" months, the amount of rainfall is minimal, and in August, there is practically none. This makes the city's climate quite dry, with a small number of rainy days, especially during the summer period.

Throughout the year, a significant temperature range is observed in Elista, which is characteristic of a continental climate. The hottest months are July and August. In July, the average temperature is +26.0°C, and in August — +25.6°C, while maximum daily values in both months can reach +32.0°C. The coldest period falls in January, with an average temperature of -2.0°C and minimum night frosts down to -4.9°C, and February, where the average temperature is -0.8°C.

Summer in Elista, from June to August, is characterised by hot and predominantly dry weather. The average temperature in June is about +23.9°C, with daily highs up to +30.0°C. In July and August, the heat intensifies, and daytime temperatures regularly rise above +30°C. It is worth noting substantial diurnal fluctuations: for example, in July, night lows drop to +20.0°C, while day highs reach +32.0°C, providing relative coolness at night. A similar picture is observed in August, where the difference between night (+19.1°C) and day (+32.0°C) temperatures is also significant.

Winter months in Elista, from December to February, are distinguished by freezing weather. Monthly average temperatures range from -0.3°C in December (with lows down to -2.5°C and highs up to +2.0°C) to -2.0°C in January. In January, night temperatures can drop to -4.9°C, and daytime temperatures rarely rise above +1.0°C. February is slightly milder than January, with an average temperature of -0.8°C, night lows around -4.3°C, and day highs up to +2.7°C. Diurnal temperature fluctuations in winter are less pronounced than in summer but are still present.

A characteristic feature of Elista's climate is the extremely low level of precipitation throughout the year. The city does not have a clearly defined rainy season or dry season in the usual sense, as the amount of falling moisture remains minimal almost constantly. In most months, only about 1 mm of precipitation is recorded, which highlights the aridity of the local climate.

The driest month of the year is August, when the amount of precipitation tends towards zero (0 mm), and the number of days with any precipitation is minimal – only about 2. In other summer months, such as June and July, precipitation is also rare (4 and 6 days with precipitation respectively) and, most likely, consists of very light, short rains that do not bring significant moisture.

The greatest number of days with precipitation, although with the same minimal total volume of 1 mm, is observed during the cold season and the off-season. Thus, in January, March, and December, there are approximately 9 days with precipitation each. Given the winter temperatures (average temperature in January is -2.0°C, in December -0.3°C), in these months precipitation most likely falls in the form of light snow or drizzle. In the transitional seasons, spring (April, May) and autumn (September, October, November), days with light rains also occur; their frequency varies from 5 to 8 days per month.

When planning a trip to Elista, it is important to consider the features of its continental climate with significant annual and diurnal temperature fluctuations. Regardless of the season, comfortable shoes for walking around the city are your best friend. Although precipitation is rare here, a small folding umbrella or a light raincoat may come in handy, especially in the transitional seasons and winter, when light snow or drizzle is possible. The principle of layering in clothing is your main ally in Elista. It will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day, from morning coolness to daytime warmth or vice versa. Given the dryness of the air, especially in summer, do not forget lip balm and moisturiser.

If your trip to Elista falls during the summer months (June-August), prepare for hot and sunny weather. Average temperatures can exceed +25°C, and maximums reach +32°C. Your suitcase must include light, breathable clothing made of natural fabrics (cotton, linen), shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses. Do not forget a head covering (hat or cap), sunglasses, and sunscreen with high SPF, as the sun here is very active, and there is practically no precipitation, especially in August. Evenings can be a bit cooler, so a light cardigan or wrap will not be amiss.

Winter travels to Elista (December-February) require thorough preparation for cold weather, with average temperatures around 0°C and lower, and night frosts down to -5°C. You will need warm outerwear (a down jacket or winter coat, preferably windproof, as steppe winds can be strong), sweaters, fleece jackets, thermal underwear, as well as a hat, scarf, and gloves. Warm and waterproof shoes are also very important, as light snow is possible. In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather is changeable: from cool to moderately warm. During these periods, the principle of layering is especially relevant: take a mid-season jacket, jumpers, t-shirts, and trousers with you to combine them depending on the temperature, which can vary from +3°C in March to +17°C in May, or from +18°C in September to +3°C in November.