Weather in Kostroma

Stay up to date with actual weather conditions in Kostroma. In this section, you will find fresh weather data, as well as forecasts and useful charts for planning your day.

The climate of Kostroma is of the temperate continental type, which means a clearly defined change of four seasons. Travellers should expect significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, so the choice of time for the trip can significantly affect impressions of the city.

Winters in Kostroma are quite cold and snowy, with average monthly temperatures in January and February around -7°C...-8°C, while night-time minimums often drop to -10°C and below. Spring arrives gradually: March still carries echoes of winter with an average temperature of around -3°C, April brings noticeable warming (averaging +4.8°C), and May already delights with pleasant warmth when the thermometer rises to +11°C...+16°C. Summer in Kostroma is warm and comfortable. The hottest month is July, with an average temperature of +18.7°C and daily highs reaching +23°C. Autumn is characterised by a gradual decrease in temperature: from a mild September (about +12°C) to cooler and wetter October and November, when the city prepares for the onset of winter.

Precipitation in Kostroma falls relatively evenly throughout the year, although the total amount is not very large – on average 2-3 mm per month. The number of days with precipitation varies from 10 to 15 per month, suggesting frequent but, as a rule, not too intense rains in the warm season and snowfalls in winter. This creates a certain atmosphere in each season, making Kostroma attractive to visit at any time of the year, depending on your preferences.

The winter period in Kostroma, covering December, January, and February, is characterised by steady frosts. Average monthly temperatures in January (-8.0°C) and February (-7.4°C) are the lowest of the year. During the day, the thermometer usually stays in the range of -4°C to -6°C, and at night regularly drops to -10°C and below. Even December, preceding the peak of cold weather, brings an average temperature of about -6.0°C, with night frosts reaching an average of -7.9°C.

Summer in Kostroma, especially in July and August, offers comfortable warmth. July is the hottest month with an average temperature of +18.7°C. At this time, daily highs often reach +22°C...+23°C, and sometimes higher, creating pleasant conditions for outdoor activities. Nights bring refreshing coolness, with temperatures dropping on average to +13°C...+14°C. June and August are also warm, with average temperatures of +16.1°C and +17.4°C respectively, and daily highs typically exceeding +20°C, while night-time minimums are around +11°C...+13°C.

Transitional seasons – spring and autumn – demonstrate significant temperature fluctuations, especially between day and night readings. For example, in April the average temperature is +4.8°C, but the difference between daytime warming (up to +9.8°C) and night-time cooling (on average to -0.1°C) can be quite perceptible, about 10 degrees. Similar daily swings are characteristic of May, when it is already summer-warm during the day (average maximum +16.3°C), but still fresh at night (average minimum +6.2°C). In autumn, for example in October, the daytime temperature holds on average around +8°C, and the night temperature drops to +2.9°C, indicating the gradual approach of cold weather. It is important to consider these fluctuations when planning activities and choosing clothes.

Precipitation in Kostroma is characterised by a moderate amount, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, without a pronounced rainy season or arid period in terms of total volume. In most months, about 2 mm of precipitation falls. July stands out as the month with the highest amount of precipitation, reaching 3 mm, while March is the driest, when this figure drops to 1 mm.

The nature of precipitation in Kostroma changes noticeably depending on the season. The winter months, from December to February, when average temperatures remain steadily below freezing, bring precipitation mainly in the form of snow. In January and December, as well as in October, the highest number of days with precipitation is observed – on average 15 days per month. In spring, especially in March and April, the number of days with precipitation decreases to 10. In March, with an average temperature of about -3.0°C, snowfalls are still possible, but as it warms up in April, precipitation turns into rain. In summer, from June to August, precipitation falls exclusively in the form of rain. Notably, July, being the warmest month, also has quite a lot of days with precipitation – about 14.

Despite the fact that the total amount of precipitation in Kostroma is small, it can be quite frequent. The highest probability of encountering precipitation (whether snow in winter or rain in the warm season) falls on January, October, and December. The "driest" months in terms of the number of days with precipitation are March and April, when their number is about 10. This means that when planning a trip, it is worth considering the likelihood of frequent, but usually not too heavy precipitation at any time of the year.

When planning a trip to Kostroma, it is important to choose the right wardrobe, considering the distinct change of seasons. In winter (December-February), you cannot do without very warm clothing: a down jacket or fur coat, insulated trousers, thermal underwear, a hat, a scarf, and mittens or gloves. Waterproof and warm shoes with non-slip soles are mandatory, as snowfalls and icy conditions are frequent. In the off-season, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather is changeable. March can still be winter-cold, so warm things are relevant. In April and May, as well as in September, when the temperature rises, the principle of layering will come in handy: a sweater or fleece, a mid-season jacket (preferably waterproof), and comfortable boots. An umbrella or raincoat will be useful, as precipitation is possible.

In summer (June-August), Kostroma is usually warm; during the day, the temperature is comfortable for walking in light clothing – t-shirts, shorts, dresses. However, evenings can be cool, so it is worth taking a light jacket, cardigan, or sweater with you. Considering that even in summer there are rainy days (especially in July), a compact umbrella will not be superfluous. Regardless of the time of year, to explore Kostroma and its sights, you will need comfortable shoes for long walks. In the summer months, also do not forget sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun during outdoor excursions.

In general, Kostroma is characterised by a temperate climate with clearly defined seasons, so the key to a comfortable trip is preparation for possible weather changes. The principle of layering in clothing will allow you to easily adapt to temperature fluctuations during the day, especially in spring and autumn. Do not forget to check the weather forecast closer to the date of the trip to make final adjustments to your luggage.