Weather in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

Heading out for a walk or planning activities in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky? In this section, you will find the freshest and most accurate weather information, including up-to-date data, detailed forecasts, and useful weather charts.

The climate of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is characterised by distinct seasonality and significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Be prepared for long, frosty winters and short, relatively cool summers. Overall, it is a subarctic climate influenced by the proximity of the Pacific Ocean, although precipitation levels here are moderate.

Winter in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky typically lasts from November to March, with January and February being the coldest months featuring average temperatures around -12°C...-13°C. Spring (April-May) is a transitional period with gradual warming as nature slowly awakens. Summer, the most comfortable time for a visit, falls between June and August. In July, the warmest month, the average temperature reaches a pleasant +14.2°C, creating excellent conditions for exploring the surroundings. Autumn (September-October) brings rapid cooling and the first frosts, preparing the city for the new winter season.

One of the features of the climate in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is the relatively small total amount of precipitation, averaging 2-5 mm per month. However, this precipitation is distributed over 10-15 days each month, indicating frequent but not intense phenomena — whether it be light snow in winter or drizzling rain during the warmer months. Thus, a key aspect to consider when planning a trip is the pronounced temperature contrasts between seasons and readiness for changeable weather with light precipitation.

The climate in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky demonstrates significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The coldest months are January and February, when the average temperature holds at -12.8°C and -11.7°C respectively. During these winter months, the thermometer regularly drops to -15°C...-16°C at night, while daytime highs rarely rise above -8°C...-10°C. The warmest month is July, with an average temperature of +14.2°C, when daytime temperatures can reach a pleasant +17.9°C, and nights cool down to +10.4°C. August is also quite warm, with an average value of +13.3°C.

The winter period in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is characterised by steady frosts. Already in November, the average temperature drops to -4.5°C, and freezing temperatures prevail from December to March. Daytime and nighttime values during this period can vary significantly, but overall the weather remains frosty. For example, in March, despite the approach of spring, the average temperature is still -6.4°C, with night frosts down to -10°C.

The summer months, from June to August, bring long-awaited warmth, though without exhausting heat. June temperatures average +9.2°C, gradually rising towards July. The weather at this time is usually pleasantly warm, ideal for outdoor activities. The transitional seasons — spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) — are distinguished by rapid temperature changes. In April, the average temperature is around -1.0°C, and by May it rises to +2.9°C. In autumn, the reverse process occurs: from September's +9.3°C, the temperature quickly falls to +3.2°C in October. The difference between day and night temperatures throughout the year averages 6-8°C, which is worth considering when choosing clothes.

Precipitation in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is characterised by an interesting feature: its total volume throughout the year is small, but it falls quite frequently. The city does not have a clearly defined rainy season or, conversely, a prolonged dry period, judging by the amount of moisture falling. On average, between 2 to 5 mm of precipitation is registered monthly. At the same time, the number of days with precipitation fluctuates from 10 to 15 per month, indicating regular but, as a rule, non-intense atmospheric phenomena.

The nature of precipitation depends directly on the season. In the cold period, which lasts approximately from November to April, when monthly average temperatures drop below zero (for example, -12.8°C in January, -1.0°C in April), precipitation falls primarily as snow. Given the small volume, this is most often light snowfall or snow flurries. With the arrival of warmth, roughly from May to October (for example, in July the average temperature is +14.2°C), precipitation shifts to a liquid phase — rain. Summer and autumn rains are also usually not forceful; they may be drizzling or brief showers.

If we analyse the data by month, November stands out as the month with the highest average amount of precipitation (5 mm) and the greatest number of days with it (15 days). The "driest" months in terms of precipitation volume are February and June, when only 2 mm falls. At the same time, February also has the fewest days with precipitation — on average 10 days. Thus, even in months with minimal precipitation, the probability of encountering overcast weather with light precipitation remains significant, which is worth considering when planning a trip to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

When planning a trip to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, it is important to carefully approach your wardrobe selection, considering the harsh climate and significant temperature changes throughout the year. In winter (from November to March, and sometimes April), you will need very warm clothing: an insulated windproof jacket or down coat, thermal underwear, fleece jumpers, warm trousers, a hat, a scarf, and gloves or mittens. Footwear should be waterproof, have thick soles, and be well-insulated to protect against frosts that can drop to -15°C and below, as well as snow. Since precipitation is frequent (10-15 days a month) albeit not heavy, water-repellent properties for outerwear and shoes will be extremely useful.

In summer (June-August), the weather becomes significantly milder, with average temperatures around +14°C, but evenings can be cool. It is recommended to pack clothes based on the layering principle: T-shirts, long-sleeve tops, a light sweater or fleece jacket, as well as a windbreaker or a light waterproof jacket in case of rain. Do not forget comfortable shoes for walking, as the city and its surroundings are perfect for active recreation. Despite moderate temperatures, the sun can be active, so sunscreen and headwear will come in handy. In the off-season (April-May and September-October), the weather is most changeable: warm days are possible, as well as sharp cooling with frosts and precipitation in the form of rain or wet snow. During this period, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, and footwear are especially relevant.

Regardless of the season, when packing your suitcase for Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, consider the frequent, albeit light, precipitation. A compact umbrella or raincoat may prove very useful. Comfortable, broken-in shoes are a mandatory item, as you will surely want to explore the city and its picturesque surroundings. For summer hikes, insect repellent may be useful. Given the significant difference between day and night temperatures even in summer, always have an extra layer of clothing with you.