Weather in Olenek

Be prepared for any temperature changes when travelling to Olenek. In this section, we have compiled the latest weather data and detailed forecasts for you, so you can plan your time with confidence.

The climate in Olenek can be described as sharply continental and severe, which is typical for the northern territories of this part of the world. The weather here is distinguished by extreme contrasts: winter occupies most of the year, setting its icy rules, while summer, though short, brings long-awaited warmth and an opportunity to enjoy nature.

The winter months here are incredibly cold and dry. From November to March, average temperatures confidently stay below -25°C, and in January, frosts often reach -36°C and lower. Precipitation is practically non-existent at this time. Summer arrives rapidly and does not last long: in June and July, the air warms up to a comfortable +14°C, and on the warmest days, the temperature can rise to +18°C, making this period the best for travelling.

A characteristic feature of the local climate is stability and a low amount of precipitation throughout the year. Even in the "wet" summer months, rains are infrequent, and the amount of falling moisture is minimal. Tourists should consider that the off-season here is very fleeting: September already brings frosts, and May barely frees itself from the winter cold, so for a comfortable trip, it is better to choose the middle of summer.

The climate in this region is distinguished by incredible contrast and a true northern character. Olenek, located in harsh conditions, experiences extreme frosts during the winter period. The coldest month is January with an average temperature of -36.1°C, while night-time minimums often drop to -39.5°C. The cold here is prolonged: stable freezing temperatures are recorded from October to April, requiring the warmest gear from travellers.

Summer arrives here for a short time, bringing a long-awaited softening of the weather, but one should not expect exhausting heat. The warmest period falls in July, when the air warms up to an average of 14.1°C. Daytime temperatures at the height of summer reach a pleasant 18.0°C, which creates quite comfortable conditions for exploring the local nature, however, the nights remain cool even in this season.

The annual temperature range here is huge, which is typical for a sharply continental climate. If deep freezing prevails in winter, then in summer months, such as June and August, the thermometer stays in the positive range. The transition seasons are very short: already in September, the average temperature drops sharply to 3.0°C, quickly giving way to new frosts.

The climate in the village of Olenek is distinguished by extreme dryness, characteristic of the northern regions of Siberia. Due to low temperatures, the air here contains little moisture, so the total amount of precipitation during the year is small. In winter, from November to March, precipitation falls exclusively in the form of snow. Although the number of snowy days in the coldest months (January-February) is minimal — only 2–3 days, the snow cover holds stably due to the absence of thaws.

The summer months, especially July and August, are considered the cloudiest and most humid period of the year. Although the volume of falling moisture remains small, the frequency of precipitation increases noticeably: in July, it can rain on average for 12 days, and in August — about 10. Usually, this is a light drizzle or short-term rains, which rarely turn into heavy downpours.

The transition seasons here are rapid. Already in September, when the average temperature drops to +3°C, rains begin to be replaced by wet snow, and the number of days with precipitation remains sufficiently high (about 11). In spring, the weather gradually becomes drier, however, in April and May, snowfalls and rains are still possible, occurring approximately one week per month.

Travelling to Olenek requires careful preparation, especially if you are planning a trip during the winter period. From November to March, extreme frosts prevail here, when the thermometer often drops below -30°C, and sometimes reaches -40°C. The basis of your wardrobe should be high-quality thermal underwear, woollen sweaters, and a down jacket designed for an Arctic climate. Be sure to take care of a warm hat covering your ears, a scarf, and mittens, as well as special winter footwear with thick soles and natural insulation.

Summer in this region is short and cool, with an average temperature of about +14°C, so even in July, you should not count on strong heat. Since rainy days often occur in the summer months, it is worth packing a waterproof windbreaker, a raincoat, and comfortable waterproof shoes for walking. The principle of layering works perfectly here: a T-shirt, a fleece jumper, and a light jacket will allow you to feel comfortable with temperature changes during the day.

In the off-season, spring and autumn, the weather remains predominantly frosty, so winter gear will be relevant for most of the year. Despite the cold, the sun can be quite bright, especially when the rays reflect off the snow cover, so do not forget to bring sunglasses. Also, tourists are recommended to carry moisturising cream and lip balm to protect the skin from the effects of the cold wind and dry frosty air.