Weather in Khatanga

Planning your day or preparing for a journey? In this section, you will find the latest meteorological updates, charts, and the current weather forecast awaiting Khatanga.

The climate in this region is subarctic and distinguished by its extreme severity. Khatanga is one of the northernmost settlements, where winter reigns for the majority of the year. Extremely low temperatures characteristic of the forest-tundra zone prevail here, and the concept of "shoulder seasons" is practically non-existent: the transition from winter to summer and back occurs very rapidly.

The winter period here is prolonged and frosty. From November to March, the thermometer consistently stays below -20°C, and in January, average readings drop to -31°C. Summer is very short and cool, falling mainly in July and August, when the air warms up to an average of +11...+12°C. Despite the warming, the weather remains crisp even in the summer months, and one should not expect heat.

A characteristic feature of the local climate is low precipitation throughout the year—rain and snowfall are not very abundant here. However, travellers should remember that even with low humidity, the cold is felt very intensely. A trip to this remote corner of Russia requires serious preparation and warm, windproof clothing regardless of the season.

The climatic conditions in which Khatanga is located are particularly severe and require thorough preparation from travellers. Winter here is long and frosty, dominating most of the year. The coldest month is traditionally January with an average temperature of -31.2°C, while nighttime readings often drop to -34°C. Even in December and February, average values hover in the range of -26°C to -28°C, so high-quality warm equipment is vital here.

Summer in these parts is short and cool, which is typical for the northern latitudes where Russia is situated. The most comfortable month is considered to be July, when the air warms up to an average of +12.1°C. During the day, temperatures can reach maximum marks of around +15°C, creating pleasant conditions for outdoor activities without exhausting heat. However, even at the height of summer, nights remain crisp: the thermometer drops to +9°C, so you will need warm clothes in any season.

Transitional periods here are rapid and perceptible. Spring arrives late: even in May, the average temperature remains negative (-3.1°C). Autumn begins as early as September, when the air sharply cools to +3°C before the prolonged cold sets in. The annual temperature amplitude is very large—the difference between January frosts and July warmth is more than 40 degrees, which vividly illustrates the sharply continental nature of the local climate.

The climate of such a northern settlement as Khatanga is characterized by a small volume of precipitation, but its frequency varies noticeably depending on the season. The winter period here is very long, so for most of the year, from October to May, precipitation falls exclusively as snow. The "driest" months are considered February and March, when the minimum number of days with precipitation is recorded (about 4–5 per month).

Summer and early autumn bring not only warming but also an increase in humidity. The period from June to September can be conditionally called the "wet season": during these months, the number of days with precipitation reaches a maximum—up to 12 days monthly. At this time, light rain or drizzle usually occurs, however, due to the severe climate, wet snow is possible even in the summer months during cold snaps.

It is important to note that despite the frequent overcast weather in summer, the intensity of rain is extremely low. Statistics show only 1–2 mm of precipitation even in the wettest months, which is typical for Arctic latitudes. Travellers should take care to bring waterproof clothing more for protection against dampness and wind than against torrential downpours.

A trip to this remote corner requires careful preparation, as the climate here is severe and Arctic. Khatanga welcomes travellers with long and extremely cold winters, when the temperature often drops below -30°C. The foundation of your wardrobe in the cold season is the layering principle. Be sure to take high-quality thermal underwear, wool sweaters or dense fleece jackets, as well as a windproof down parka with a hood. Do not forget a fur hat, scarf, and mittens, which retain heat better than gloves.

Summer in these parts is short and cool, reminiscent more of early autumn: even in July and August, the average temperature hovers around +12°C. Therefore, light clothing will hardly be useful to you—it is better to pack a windbreaker, a warm jumper, and trousers made of dense fabric. Considering that there are quite a few cloudy and rainy days in summer, be sure to bring a raincoat or waterproof jacket. Also, for summer walks across the tundra, powerful insect repellents are critically important.

Pay special attention to footwear: in winter, insulated boots or high fur boots (unty) with thick soles are necessary, and in summer—comfortable trekking boots with water-repellent treatment for walking on rough terrain. Among useful accessories, we recommend taking sunglasses (the bright sun reflecting off the snow in spring is very blinding to the eyes), rich cream to protect the face from windburn, and a portable charger, as electronics discharge much faster in the freezing cold.