Weather in Petrozavodsk

Planning a trip or a walk around Petrozavodsk? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and useful charts, to ensure your holiday is as comfortable as possible.

The climate of Petrozavodsk is characterised as moderate-continental, with clearly defined seasons. It is known for significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, which is typical for this type of climate. Travellers should be prepared for changeable weather, especially during the transitional seasons.

Winter in Petrozavodsk is quite long and cold; average temperatures in January and February hover around -7°C, often dropping lower. Snow cover is usually stable. Summer, conversely, is relatively short and moderately warm. The warmest months are July and August, with average temperatures around 16-17°C. Spring and autumn are transitional periods with gradual changes in temperature regimes; spring arrives quite late, while autumn can be prolonged with a gradual cooling trend.

Regarding precipitation, the total amount is generally low and distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, with a slight increase during the summer months. A notable feature is the rather large number of days with precipitation throughout the year – from 10 to 16 days per month. This suggests that overcast weather with light rain (or snow in winter) is not uncommon here, even if the total amount of precipitation remains moderate.

The temperature regime in Petrozavodsk is distinguished by clearly defined seasonality with substantial temperature fluctuations during the year. The coldest months are January and February, when the monthly average temperature holds steady at -7.1°C. During these months, average minimum temperatures drop to -9.1°C and -9.3°C respectively, while daytime maximums rarely exceed -5°C. The warmest period falls in July, with an average temperature of +17.3°C (average maximum +20.3°C, minimum +14.2°C), and August, when the average temperature is +16.4°C (average maximum +19.3°C, minimum +13.4°C).

Winter in Petrozavodsk is quite severe and prolonged. Freezing weather sets in as early as December, with an average temperature of -4.7°C. In January and February, the frost strengthens, ensuring a stable snow cover. Even March remains cold in a wintery way, with an average temperature of -3.5°C and night frosts down to -6.5°C. The transition to positive daily average temperatures occurs in April, when the average temperature rises to +1.7°C, although night temperatures can still drop below freezing.

The summer months gift Petrozavodsk with pleasant, moderate warmth. In June, the average temperature is +14.8°C, with daytime maximums around +18.5°C. The most comfortable months for outdoor recreation are July and August, when daytime temperatures often exceed +20°C. However, nights remain quite cool, especially at the beginning of summer. For instance, in June, the difference between the average maximum (+18.5°C) and minimum (+11.0°C) temperature is 7.5°C. Similar fluctuations are observed in May (a difference of 8.1°C), which is worth considering when planning evening walks. Autumn arrives quickly: by September, the average temperature drops to +11.5°C, and in October to +4.9°C, heralding the imminent arrival of winter. November is already characterised by near-zero average temperatures (-0.2°C).

Understanding the precipitation distribution patterns in Petrozavodsk will help you better plan your trip. The city is not characterised by sharp shifts between dry and rainy seasons; rather, precipitation here is a fairly regular occurrence throughout the year, although its intensity and type vary.

The nature of precipitation in Petrozavodsk depends directly on the time of year. Winter months, roughly from November to March, when daily average temperatures steadily stay below freezing (for example, -7.1°C in January and February, -3.5°C in March), bring snowfall. In spring and autumn, the weather is more variable, and both rain and wet snow are possible, especially during transitional periods such as April (average temperature +1.7°C) and October (+4.9°C). In summer, from June to August, rain falls. Given that the monthly precipitation norm during this period is only 2-3 mm, this primarily refers to light, possibly drizzling, or short-term rains rather than heavy downpours.

Regarding quantitative indicators, the highest volume of precipitation (3 mm) is recorded in July and August. In terms of the frequency of days with precipitation, July and December lead – with an average of 16 "wet" days in each of these months. The "scantiest" month for precipitation is March, when only 1 mm falls. The lowest number of days with precipitation, about 10, is observed in May. It is important to remember that even during relatively "dry" periods, the probability of precipitation remains, so light protection against rain or snow will be a useful addition to the luggage of any traveller heading to Petrozavodsk.

When preparing for a trip to Petrozavodsk, it is important to consider its changeable climate and significant seasonal temperature fluctuations. The principle of layering your clothes will be your best friend at any time of year. For the winter months (from December to March), as well as late autumn (November) and early spring (April), when temperatures often drop significantly below freezing (in January and February the average is -7.1°C, with minimums down to -9.3°C) and piercing winds are possible, you will need very warm clothing. Be sure to bring an insulated wind- and water-resistant jacket or down coat, thermal underwear, warm sweaters or fleece tops, a hat, a scarf, and gloves (mittens are better for severe frosts). Don't forget insulated and waterproof footwear, as it often snows during this period and there are many damp days (from 11 to 16 per month).

For the summer months (from June to August), when the average temperature ranges from +14.8°C to +17.3°C, and daytime maximums can reach +20.3°C, you will need lighter clothing. However, considering that evenings can be cool (for example, in June the average minimum is +11.0°C), do not forget to bring a light jacket, a windbreaker, or a sweater. Since summer in Petrozavodsk is also characterised by frequent, albeit not heavy, rains (12-16 days with precipitation per month with a total amount of 2-3 mm), waterproof outerwear or a compact umbrella will be very useful. Comfortable closed shoes, such as trainers, are ideal for walking. In May, when the average temperature is around +8.2°C, it is also worth sticking to the principle of layering, combining t-shirts with warmer items and not forgetting protection against possible precipitation.

In autumn (September-November), the weather in Petrozavodsk gradually becomes colder. In September it is still relatively warm (average +11.5°C), but by October the average temperature drops to +4.9°C, and November brings the first frosts (average -0.2°C). Therefore, for an autumn trip, you will need warm items: sweaters, a mid-season jacket (preferably waterproof and windproof), a hat, and gloves, especially towards the end of the season. Waterproof shoes are also important, as the number of days with precipitation remains high (13-14 days). Regardless of the season, always bring comfortable footwear for long walks. Given the frequency of precipitation year-round, a compact umbrella or a light raincoat will become your reliable companion. In the summer period, sunscreen and insect repellent may come in handy, especially if you plan trips into nature.