Weather in Magadan

Are you planning a trip or simply interested in the weather in Magadan? In this section, you will find up-to-date meteorological data, detailed forecasts, and clear charts that will help you stay informed about all changes.

The climate in Magadan is harsh and subarctic, with distinct seasons. The city is known for its long and very cold winters. From November to March, average temperatures stay significantly below zero, often dropping to -20°C and lower, especially in January and February. Snow cover is a common occurrence during these months, although the amount of precipitation in the form of snow, judging by the data, is not very high.

Summer in Magadan is short and cool. Only in July and August do average temperatures rise above +10°C, reaching maximum values around +17°C. Spring and autumn are transitional periods with rapid temperature changes, remaining quite cold. Precipitation is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, with a slight increase in amount and the number of rainy days in May and September. Overall, the weather is characterized by significant annual temperature fluctuations and a low amount of precipitation.

The annual temperature trend in Magadan demonstrates a significant contrast between seasons, which is characteristic of a subarctic climate. The coldest month is January, when the average monthly temperature drops to an impressive -22.9°C, and nightly lows average -25.7°C. February is slightly warmer with an average temperature of -20.4°C. Conversely, the warmest month is considered to be July: at this time, the air warms up on average to 13.7°C, and daytime highs can reach 17.4°C. Thus, the annual amplitude of average monthly temperatures is quite substantial and exceeds 35 degrees Celsius.

Winter in Magadan is long and distinguished by harsh, steady frosts. Already in November, the average air temperature is -13.3°C, and by December it drops to -20.8°C. The peak of the cold occurs in January and February, when even average daytime maximum temperatures do not rise above -20.1°C (in January) and -16.8°C (in February). In March, the frosts begin to gradually weaken, but the average temperature still remains at a low mark of -14.0°C. Daily temperature fluctuations in winter are usually in the range of 4-7°C, which indicates consistently freezing weather throughout the entire day.

The summer period in Magadan is short and characterized by cool weather. In June, the average temperature is only 9.2°C, with nightly values dropping to 5.4°C, and daytime temperatures rarely exceeding 13.0°C. The most comfortable conditions, by local standards, are observed in July and August. In July, the average temperature reaches its annual maximum of 13.7°C, and in August it is 12.9°C. Daytime highs in these months can reach 16-17°C, however, the nights remain quite fresh, with temperatures around 9-10°C. Transitional spring and autumn months, such as May (average temperature 2.7°C) and September (7.5°C), are distinguished by rapid changes in weather conditions and the persistence of low temperatures, especially during the night hours.

Precipitation in Magadan is distributed throughout the year with small fluctuations, yet the total amount remains low. The city is not characterized by a pronounced rainy season or a drought period in the classical sense, but one can distinguish months with slightly more or less precipitation and days featuring it.

The winter months, from November to April, are distinguished by very low temperatures, so any precipitation falls primarily as snow. Despite the long winter, the amount of snow, judging by the data, is small. The driest month of the year is February, when on average there is no precipitation (0 mm) and only about 3 days with it. January, March, April, and December also have a minimal amount of precipitation – just 1 mm each.

With the arrival of warmth, from May to September, precipitation falls as rain. The greatest amount of precipitation occurs in September, when an average of 4 mm falls, and this month is also the leader in the number of days with precipitation – about 13. In May and November, an increased frequency of precipitation is also observed (about 12 days), although their volume is less than in September (2 mm). The summer months, June, July, and August, receive 2 mm of precipitation each, with the number of days with precipitation varying from 8 to 9.

Overall, it can be noted that precipitation in Magadan is not abundant in any season. The frequency of precipitation is somewhat higher in May, September, and November, but even during these periods, it is generally not intense. Thus, when planning a trip, it is worth considering that the probability of encountering precipitation exists in practically any month, but it is rarely prolonged or very heavy.

When planning a trip to Magadan, especially in the period from October to April, pay primary attention to very warm clothing. Harsh winters with temperatures regularly dropping to -20°C and lower require serious preparation. Be sure to bring: thermal underwear, a warm sweater (wool or fleece), a windproof and waterproof winter jacket or down jacket, insulated trousers, a hat that covers your ears well, a bulky scarf, and very warm gloves or mittens. Do not forget insulated, waterproof shoes with thick soles and several pairs of warm socks. The principle of layering is your best friend here, allowing you to regulate comfort depending on whether you are outdoors or indoors.

Summer in Magadan, from June to August, is short and cool, with average temperatures rarely exceeding +15°C, and maximums around +17°C. Even at this time, it is worth being prepared for changeable weather and wind. It is recommended to bring a windbreaker or a light jacket (preferably waterproof), a fleece top or sweater, t-shirts, including long-sleeved ones, and comfortable trousers. Although precipitation is not very abundant, a small umbrella or a raincoat may come in handy, especially in May and September when the number of days with precipitation increases. Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes are an absolute necessity. Do not forget sunscreen and sunglasses, as the sun can be active even at low temperatures, especially considering the long daylight hours in summer.