Weather in Nizhny Novgorod

Planning your day in Nizhny Novgorod? Check out the very latest weather data, forecasts, and useful charts right here in this section.

The climate of Nizhny Novgorod is characterised as moderate continental, with clearly defined seasons and significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Winters here are quite cold, with an average January temperature of around -8.5°C, while summers, by contrast, are warm and comfortable, with an average July temperature of about +19.6°C. This creates diverse conditions for visiting the city at different times of the year.

Guests of Nizhny Novgorod can expect a frosty winter, which lasts from December to February, bringing sub-zero temperatures and snow cover. Spring (March-May) is a transitional period with gradual warming as nature comes to life. Summer (June-August) is usually warm and sunny, ideal for long walks and sightseeing, with maximum temperatures reaching +24°C. Autumn (September-November) paints the city in vibrant colours, though temperatures begin to drop noticeably from October. Precipitation is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, without a distinct rainy season, although the highest number of wet days occurs in December, January, and July.

Nizhny Novgorod experiences significant annual temperature variations, typical of a moderate continental climate. The coldest month is traditionally January, when the average temperature drops to -8.5°C, and minimum nightly temperatures can reach -10.7°C or lower. Daytime highs in January rarely rise above -6.3°C. The warmest month is considered to be July, with an average temperature of +19.6°C. During this period, daytime temperatures often exceed +24°C, while nights remain warm with minimums around +15.2°C.

The summer months in Nizhny Novgorod, from June to August, offer residents and visitors warm and comfortable weather. In June, the average temperature is +16.7°C, gradually rising towards July. August also remains warm, with an average temperature of +18.4°C and maximum daily highs reaching +23.2°C. Summer days are often sunny, creating excellent conditions for walks and outdoor activities. The difference between day and night temperatures in summer can be noticeable, reaching 8-10°C, ensuring pleasant coolness in the evenings.

The winter period, from December to February, is characterised by steady frosts. Monthly average temperatures in December (-6.3°C), January (-8.5°C), and February (-7.6°C) stay significantly below zero. Nighttime temperatures regularly drop to -8°C...-10°C, and sometimes lower, while daytime highs rarely break the -4°C...-5°C mark. Daily temperature fluctuations in winter are less pronounced than in summer, averaging 4-5°C. The transitional seasons – spring and autumn – are distinguished by more significant temperature swings both during the day and from month to month. For example, in April, the difference between the average minimum (0.7°C) and maximum (10.9°C) temperature is more than 10 degrees.

Precipitation in Nizhny Novgorod is distributed quite evenly throughout the year in terms of total volume, with no pronounced rainy or dry season. However, the nature and frequency of precipitation change noticeably depending on the time of year. Winter months, particularly December and January, are distinguished by the highest number of days with precipitation, which, given the low temperatures, falls mainly as snow.

When considering the volume of precipitation, July is the month with the highest amount – averaging 3 mm, with about 13 days of precipitation. The lowest amount of precipitation, just 1 mm, is recorded in March, June, and September. In terms of frequency, December leads, where on average 14 days of the month are "wet". January and July follow closely behind, with 13 days of precipitation each. The fewest days with precipitation, 9 days each, occur in March and August.

The type of precipitation in Nizhny Novgorod is directly linked to the season. In winter, from December to February, as well as in the transitional months of November and March, precipitation most often appears as snow. Given that the monthly average precipitation amount during these periods is small (1-2 mm) but there are many days with precipitation, it can be assumed that this is often light but sometimes prolonged snow or frost. In summer, especially in July, precipitation can take the form of short-term rains, sometimes more intense. In spring and autumn, precipitation is mixed: ranging from rain to wet snow, especially in early spring and late autumn.

When planning a trip to Nizhny Novgorod, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly to feel comfortable in any weather. Given the city's moderate continental climate with noticeable seasonal temperature fluctuations, the key principle when packing your suitcase is layering. Regardless of the season, be sure to bring comfortable shoes for long walks around the city. An umbrella or a light waterproof jacket will also come in handy, as precipitation, although not always heavy, occurs quite frequently throughout the year.

If your journey falls during the cold period, from late autumn (October-November) to early spring (March-April), and especially in winter (December-February), when average temperatures drop to -8.5°C and lower, pay special attention to warm clothing. You will need: a warm winter jacket or down coat (preferably windproof and water-repellent), sweaters or fleece tops, warm trousers, thermal underwear, as well as a hat, scarf, and gloves. Do not forget insulated and non-slip footwear, as there may be snow and ice on the streets. Even in March and April, the weather can still be chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings.

For a trip during the warm season, from May to September, when average temperatures range from +12°C to +20°C and above, choose lighter items. T-shirts, shirts, light trousers, shorts, dresses, or skirts will be suitable. However, even in summer, evenings can be cool, so it is worth bringing a light jacket, cardigan, or windbreaker. In the summer months, especially in July and August, do not forget sunscreen and a hat for sun protection. Although the summer is warm, rainfall is also possible, so a compact umbrella or raincoat would not be amiss.