Weather in Nalchik

Planning a trip to Nalchik or already here? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions, including detailed forecasts and visual charts to help you plan your day.

The climate in Nalchik is characterized as temperate continental, with four distinct seasons. This means travellers can expect noticeable weather differences depending on the time of their visit. The city offers diverse weather conditions worth considering when planning a trip.

Summer in Nalchik is generally warm and sunny, especially in July and August, when the average temperature stays around +20°C, and daytime highs can reach +24°C and above. Winters are quite cool, with average temperatures in January and February around -1°C to -2°C, and night frosts dropping the thermometer to -5°C. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with gradual temperature changes.

As for precipitation, it is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, without a pronounced dry or rainy season. The highest amount of precipitation (about 5 mm) and rainy days (up to 21 days) occurs in May, while in other months precipitation ranges from 2 to 4 mm. Overall, the weather in Nalchik allows you to choose a comfortable time to visit depending on your preferences – whether it be a warm summer for walks or cooler seasons for exploring the city's culture.

The annual temperature trend in Nalchik demonstrates a distinct change of seasons, offering diverse climatic conditions throughout the year. The hottest months are undoubtedly July and August, when the average air temperature steadily holds at around +20.1°C. During these summer months, daytime highs regularly reach +24°C to +25°C, creating warmth that is usually not stifling. The coldest period is winter, especially January, with an average temperature of -1.8°C, and February, where the average is -0.7°C. Nighttime temperatures in these winter months often drop significantly below freezing, reaching an average of -5°C and even lower.

Summer in Nalchik is characterized by pleasant warmth, ideal for outdoor activities and walks. Daytime temperatures from June to August usually fluctuate in a comfortable range from +22°C to +25°C. Evenings and nights bring noticeable relief from the daytime heat: average minimum temperatures in summer are about +13°C in June and rise to +15°C in July and August. This significant temperature difference between day and night hours, which can reach 10 degrees or more, is a characteristic feature of the local climate, ensuring comfortable sleep and freshness in the mornings.

The winter months in Nalchik, covering the period from December to February, bring cool and at times frosty weather. Average daytime temperatures during this period range from +1.9°C (January) to +3.6°C (December, February). However, nights are regularly frosty, with average minimums from -3.7°C in December to -5.6°C in the coldest month, January. It is worth noting that the transitional seasons – spring and autumn – are distinguished by milder and more changeable weather conditions. For example, in April, the average daytime temperature already reaches +14.2°C, while nights are still quite cool, with readings around +3.3°C. Similar noticeable daily temperature fluctuations persist into the autumn period.

Precipitation in Nalchik is distributed unevenly throughout the year, although without pronounced extreme seasons of drought or continuous rain. In general, periods of higher humidity can be observed, mainly in late spring and early summer, and drier periods, especially in late summer and winter in terms of total precipitation volume.

The highest amount of precipitation falls in May and June, when the monthly average reaches 5 mm. May also stands out with the highest number of days with precipitation – on average 21 days. June is also quite wet, with 18 rainy days. Spring months, such as March (4 mm, 19 days) and April (4 mm, 16 days), also bring a noticeable amount of moisture, most often in the form of rain.

The "driest" months in terms of precipitation amount are the winter ones – January, February, November, and December, when only 2 mm is recorded. However, the number of days with precipitation in these months remains at the level of 11-12, indicating frequent but not heavy precipitation. Given the negative average temperatures in January (-1.8°C) and February (-0.7°C), as well as zero in December, precipitation in winter mainly falls as snow. Regarding the lowest frequency of precipitation, August stands out here: only about 10 days with precipitation (3 mm), making it the driest month in terms of the number of rainy/snowy days.

When planning a trip to Nalchik, it is important to choose the right wardrobe to feel comfortable in any weather. The climate here is temperate continental, with distinct seasons, so your luggage will depend on the time of year. Comfortable footwear for walking around the city and its surroundings is an absolute necessity in any season. It is also worth remembering the principle of layering clothing, as daily temperature fluctuations can be significant, especially in spring and autumn.

In winter (December-February), it is quite cool in Nalchik, with average temperatures around 0°C and night frosts down to -5°C. Despite the small amount of precipitation (about 2 mm), it falls frequently (11-12 days a month), mainly as snow. Therefore, be sure to bring a warm winter jacket or coat (preferably waterproof and windproof), a hat, a scarf, gloves, and warm, waterproof shoes. In spring (March-May), the weather gradually improves but remains changeable. Frosts are still possible in March, while May already delights with warmth up to +18°C, but is the rainiest month (5 mm of precipitation and up to 21 rainy days). You will need a mid-season jacket, sweaters, as well as an umbrella or raincoat and water-resistant shoes.

Summer (June-August) in Nalchik is warm, with average temperatures around +20°C and daytime highs up to +25°C. Precipitation is moderate, but short-term rains are possible. Pack light clothing made of natural fabrics, t-shirts, shorts, and sundresses. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. For the evening or cool days, a light cardigan or windbreaker will come in handy. In autumn (September-November), the temperature gradually decreases. September can still please with warm weather (up to +20°C), but by November it becomes cool (about +7°C during the day and night frosts are possible). You will need warmer clothes: sweaters, jeans, a jacket. In October and September, an umbrella will also be useful, as there are still plenty of rainy days (12-13 days).