Weather in Murmansk

Stay up to date with the latest weather information in Murmansk. In this section, you will find current data, as well as forecasts to help you plan your day.

The climate of Murmansk is characterized as severe, with distinct features of the subarctic type. The city is known for significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Visitors should prepare for long cold periods and a short, relatively cool summer, which is typical for regions located above the Arctic Circle.

In Murmansk, the seasons are clearly defined. Winter here is long and frosty, usually covering the period from November to April. Average temperatures in the coldest months, January and February, drop to -9.5°C – -10.5°C, and maximum daytime temperatures rarely rise above -6°C. Summer, on the other hand, is short and cool, lasting from June to August. During this time, the weather becomes significantly milder, and in July, the warmest month, the average temperature reaches +14.4°C. Spring and autumn are short transitional periods with rapid changes in weather conditions.

One of the notable features of the climate in Murmansk is the low total amount of precipitation throughout the year, which usually amounts to just 1-3 mm per month. At the same time, the number of days with precipitation (rain or snow) remains quite high, around 10-16 days monthly. This suggests that precipitation, although frequent, is generally not heavy.

The temperature regime in Murmansk demonstrates significant annual fluctuations, characteristic of a subarctic climate. The coldest month is traditionally January, when the average temperature drops to -10.5°C, and minimum night-time temperatures can reach -13.2°C. February is also distinguished by severe frosts with an average temperature of about -9.5°C. Conversely, the warmest month is considered to be July, when the average temperature rises to +14.4°C, and daytime highs can reach +18.4°C, creating comfortable conditions for walks.

Winter in Murmansk is long and frosty. Already in November, the average temperature drops below zero (-3.9°C), and this cold period lasts right up until April. At the peak of winter, from December to February, the thermometer steadily stays at negative marks, while even daytime maximum temperatures rarely rise above -5°C (for example, in December -5.9°C, in January -7.7°C). It is still cold in March, with an average temperature of -6.1°C, and only in April do average figures approach zero (-0.7°C).

The summer period in Murmansk is short and relatively cool. June brings warming with an average temperature of +10.1°C, and in July, the warmest month, the air warms up on average to +14.4°C. August remains sufficiently warm (+12.7°C), after which gradual cooling begins. The summer months are characterized by noticeable daily temperature fluctuations: for example, in July the difference between the average minimum (+10.4°C) and maximum (+18.4°C) temperature is about 8 degrees, which means perceptible cooling towards the evening. Even on the warmest days, the summer weather here is refreshing rather than sweltering.

An interesting pattern of precipitation distribution is observed in Murmansk throughout the year. Their total amount is small, but they fall quite regularly. Almost every month is characterized by the presence of 10 to 16 days with precipitation. Given the temperature regime, in the cold period, which lasts approximately from October-November to April, precipitation mainly falls in the form of snow. With the onset of warmth, from May to September, when average temperatures become positive, the main form of precipitation is rain.

If we look at monthly volumes, the greatest amount of precipitation, according to statistical data, falls in August and September, when 3 mm falls. Slightly less, 2 mm each, is recorded in May, June, July, and October. The "driest" months in terms of total precipitation volume are January, February, March, April, November, and December — during these periods only 1 mm falls. Thus, there is no pronounced rainy season or arid period in Murmansk; the amount of precipitation is distributed relatively evenly, albeit with small peaks at the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.

In terms of the frequency of days with precipitation, May leads, counting on average 16 wet days. Precipitation is also observed quite often in June, August, and October — approximately 15 days in each of these months. The smallest number of days with precipitation falls on January, February, and December — about 10 days. It is important to note that with such a number of "wet" days and a small total volume, precipitation in Murmansk is generally not intense. It is most often light, drizzling rain or short-duration snowfall, rather than heavy downpours or abundant snowfalls.

When planning a trip to Murmansk, it is important to remember its severe northern climate, where the weather is often windy and changeable. The key principle when packing your suitcase is layering. Even in summer, evenings can be cool, and the average temperature rarely rises above +14°C. Comfortable, waterproof shoes are your faithful companion at any time of the year, as precipitation, although not abundant (1-3 mm per month), is frequent (10-16 days with precipitation monthly). Do not forget an umbrella or a raincoat, especially if your trip falls during the period from May to October, as well as a light windproof jacket.

A winter trip to Murmansk (from November to April) requires particularly careful preparation for low temperatures, which can drop to -13°C and below, and piercing wind. Be sure to take warm windproof outerwear (a down jacket or parka designed for severe frosts), thermal underwear, fleece jackets, woollen sweaters, and insulated trousers. Do not forget a hat that covers your ears, a scarf, and warm mittens or gloves. Given the frequent snowfalls, shoes should be not only warm but also waterproof, with a non-slip sole.

Even if you are travelling to Murmansk in summer (June-August), when the average temperature ranges from +10°C to +14.4°C, you should not neglect warm clothing. A light jacket, windbreaker, sweater, or fleece will come in handy for evening walks or in case of a cold snap. In the off-season (May, September-October), the weather can be very unpredictable, so the principle of layering is also relevant here: a t-shirt, a shirt or long-sleeve top over it, then a sweater and a jacket. Sunscreen may be useful on clear summer days, especially during the polar day, when the sun shines around the clock.