Weather in Norilsk

Get the most up-to-date information about the weather in Norilsk. In this section, we have collected current reports, detailed forecasts, and visual charts to help you plan your day.

The climate in Norilsk is characterized as subarctic, with very severe and prolonged winters and short, cool summers. The city is known for its extremely low temperatures throughout most of the year. If you are planning a trip, be prepared for significant temperature fluctuations and harsh weather conditions, especially during the winter months.

There are two distinct seasons in Norilsk. Winter lasts from October to May, bringing severe frosts when average temperatures drop to -20°C and below, and minimums can reach nearly -30°C. Summer, falling in June, July, and August, is short and cool, with average temperatures around +9°C to +14°C. The transitional seasons, spring and autumn, are very short and quickly give way to either summer warmth or winter cold.

Precipitation in Norilsk is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, but the total amount is small, usually 2-4 mm per month. Despite this, the number of days with precipitation (most often in the form of snow) is quite significant, especially in the autumn-winter period, indicating frequent but not heavy snowfalls. This is an important factor for planning outdoor activities.

Norilsk is known for its sharply continental subarctic climate, which means significant annual temperature fluctuations. The coldest month is traditionally January, when the average temperature drops to -25.9°C, and nightly lows can reach -28.5°C and even lower. In contrast, the warmest month is July, with an average temperature of about +13.8°C, while daytime highs can rise to +17.1°C. Thus, the annual temperature amplitude in Norilsk is quite impressive, reflecting the severity of the local climate.

The winter period in Norilsk is extremely long and harsh. Already in October, the average temperature drops to -5.3°C, and from November to March, true Arctic frosts set in. Monthly average temperatures during this peak of winter (December, January, February) range from -22°C to -26°C. Daytime and nighttime temperatures in the winter months do not differ much, usually within 4-7°C, which means consistently freezing weather throughout the day. Even in April, the average temperature still remains at the level of -11.7°C, and only in May does the thermometer average approach zero (-2.6°C).

Summer in Norilsk is short and cool, covering mainly June, July, and August. In June, the average temperature is about +8.9°C, rising to peak summer values in July (averaging +13.8°C). August also remains relatively warm, with an average temperature of +12.8°C. Daytime highs in July and August can reach +16°C to +17°C, creating conditions for walks; however, nights remain cool, with temperatures around +10°C. Already in September, autumn quickly asserts itself, and the average temperature falls to +4.4°C, heralding the imminent arrival of the long winter.

In Norilsk, precipitation falls relatively evenly throughout the year, and its total amount is small. Between 2 and 4 mm of precipitation is recorded monthly, indicating the absence of a distinct rainy season or dry period in the traditional sense. Despite the small volumes, days with precipitation occur quite often, which is an important characteristic of the local climate.

The nature of precipitation in Norilsk directly depends on the season and harsh temperature conditions. For most of the year, roughly from October to May, and sometimes in September, precipitation falls predominantly as snow, which is not surprising given the negative monthly average temperatures. In the short summer period, from June to August, when the temperature rises above freezing, precipitation takes the form of rain. In transitional months, such as September and May, mixed precipitation is possible.

If highlighting the "wettest" periods, September is the month with the highest average amount of precipitation (4 mm), and October is the month with the maximum number of days with precipitation (an average of 19 days). It is followed by September with 18 days. The least amount of precipitation (2 mm each) is observed in many months, including January, February, March, April, May, July, and November. The "driest" in terms of days with precipitation can be considered February and July, when an average of 12 such days are registered. In general, one can expect precipitation approximately every 2-3 days throughout the year, but it is rarely heavy.

When planning a trip to Norilsk, it is extremely important to pay special attention to packing, as the climate here is harsh and does not forgive carelessness. The foundation of your wardrobe is the principle of layering, which will allow you to feel comfortable during sharp temperature changes and protect you from the piercing wind characteristic of this region. Waterproof and windproof outerwear will be your best friend at any time of the year, as precipitation, although not always heavy, occurs frequently.

If your trip falls during the long winter period, which in Norilsk lasts roughly from October to May, prepare for extreme cold. You will need: several sets of thermal underwear, warm sweaters or fleece jackets, very warm outerwear (a down jacket or parka designed for severe frosts), and insulated windproof trousers. A warm hat covering the ears, a voluminous scarf, and several pairs of warm gloves or mittens are mandatory. Pay special attention to footwear – it must be for winter, with thick non-slip soles, waterproof, and well-insulated. Don't forget lip balm and protective face cream to save your skin from frost and wind.

The short Norilsk summer, falling in June-August, also requires a thoughtful approach. Despite positive temperatures, the weather remains cool. Take a windbreaker or light jacket (preferably waterproof) with you, a warm sweater or fleece, long-sleeved T-shirts, and comfortable trousers. Footwear should be closed and comfortable for walking, such as trekking boots or sturdy trainers. Even in summer, a light hat and gloves will not be superfluous, especially for evening walks. Sunscreen will also come in handy, as the sun in polar latitudes can be active. In the short inter-seasonal periods (May, September), be prepared for any weather – from night frosts and snow to relatively warm days, so layering is especially relevant here.