Weather in Saint Petersburg

Planning a trip or just want to stay up to date with the weather in Saint Petersburg? In this section, you will find the most current information on weather conditions, as well as detailed forecasts.

The climate of Saint Petersburg can be characterised as temperate, with features of both maritime and continental influence. This means that all four seasons are clearly expressed here, each with its own characteristic weather conditions. The city is known for its changeable weather, so be prepared for surprises at any time of the year.

Winter in Saint Petersburg usually lasts from December to March; it is cold, with average temperatures in January and February around -5°C. Spring arrives gradually, with the first positive temperatures in April, but May already delights with warmth, boasting an average temperature of around +10°C, and daytime highs can reach +14-15°C. Summer, from June to August, is moderately warm; July is the warmest month with an average temperature of about +18°C and maximum values reaching +20-22°C. Autumn begins in September with gradual cooling, and by November, temperatures approach zero again.

A feature of the climate of Saint Petersburg, according to the presented data, is the large number of days with precipitation throughout the year – from 10 to 16 days monthly. At the same time, the total amount of precipitation is indicated as small, only 1-3 mm per month. This may mean that precipitation is most often insignificant, in the form of drizzle or light snow. Such weather creates a special, slightly melancholic atmosphere for which the city is famous.

The temperature regime in Saint Petersburg demonstrates a clear change of seasons with a noticeable annual temperature progression. The coldest month is typically January, when the average temperature drops to -5.0°C, and nighttime lows can reach -6.9°C. The warmest month is July, offering an average temperature of +18.1°C, while daytime highs average a pleasant +21.7°C. Thus, the annual amplitude of average monthly temperatures is quite pronounced, reflecting the continental features of the city's climate.

The summer months in Saint Petersburg – June, July and August – are characterised by comfortable warm weather, ideal for walking and exploring the city. Average daytime temperatures during this period range from +16.4°C in June to +18.1°C in July, and maximum values often exceed +20°C (up to +21.7°C in July). In the summer months, especially in June (average maximum +20.4°C, minimum +12.3°C) and May (average maximum +14.8°C, minimum +6.1°C), the difference between day and night temperatures can be more noticeable, reaching about 8-9°C, which ensures pleasant coolness in the evenings.

The winter period, covering December, January and February, brings a real Russian winter to Saint Petersburg with stable negative temperatures. Average values in these months vary from -2.9°C in December to -5.0°C in January. At night, the thermometer regularly drops below -6°C (for example, to -6.9°C in January and -6.8°C in February), and during the day it rarely rises above -1.4°C (in December) or -2.5°C (in February). Unlike summer, daily temperature fluctuations in winter are less pronounced, amounting to about 3-4°C, which creates a sensation of stably frosty weather. The transitional seasons – spring and autumn – are distinguished by a gradual change in temperatures, with April (average +4.1°C) and October (average +6.5°C) being key months for the shift in temperature regime.

In Saint Petersburg, precipitation is a fairly frequent phenomenon throughout the year, however, its intensity is generally low. Data shows that the amount of precipitation per month ranges from 1 to 3 mm, while the number of days with precipitation varies from 10 to 16. This suggests that the city is characterised more by prolonged periods of drizzling rain or light snow rather than heavy downpours or torrential rains. There is no clearly defined dry season or rainy season with high rainfall here, but there are periods with a higher or lower probability of precipitation.

The winter months, roughly from November to March, bring primarily snow to Saint Petersburg, given average temperatures below or around freezing. The highest number of days with precipitation during this period falls in December (16 days) and January (15 days). In these months, as well as in February (14 days with precipitation), the city is often covered with snow. November (13 days with precipitation) and March (12 days with precipitation) are transitional, when both snowfalls and sleet or freezing rain are possible.

In the warm season, from April to October, precipitation falls in the form of rain. The "wettest" months, both in terms of precipitation amount (3 mm) and the number of rainy days, can be considered July (16 days), August (15 days), and October (15 days). During these periods, the probability of catching rainy weather is somewhat higher. April, on the contrary, stands out as the "driest" month, with the least amount of precipitation (only 1 mm) and the fewest days with precipitation (10 days). May and June are also characterised by a relatively small number of rainy days (10 days each).

Thus, when planning a trip to Saint Petersburg, it is worth being prepared for the fact that precipitation is possible in any season. In summer, this will be mostly rain, often drizzling, and in winter — snowfall. The highest probability of encountering precipitation falls in July, August, October, and December, while April, May, and June may delight you with a larger number of dry days.

When planning a trip to Saint Petersburg, it is important to remember its capricious weather. Regardless of the time of year, the key principle when packing your suitcase should be layering. This will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day. Be sure to bring comfortable waterproof shoes, as you will have to walk a lot, and precipitation, according to statistics, is a frequent occurrence here, although not always heavy. A compact umbrella or raincoat will also become your faithful companion in almost any season.

If your trip falls during the cold period, which in Saint Petersburg lasts roughly from November to March, and sometimes includes April, pay special attention to warm clothing. Average temperatures in winter hover around -5°C, but can drop lower. You will need: a warm windproof jacket or coat, sweaters or fleece tops, thermal underwear, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Don't forget warm socks and winter shoes with non-slip soles, as ice and snow are possible. Given the significant number of days with precipitation (12-16 per month in winter), choose outerwear with water-repellent properties.

For a trip in the warm season, from May to September, the wardrobe will be lighter, but the principle of layering remains relevant. In summer, average temperatures stay in the region of +16°C to +18°C, but evenings can be cool, especially by the water. Take t-shirts, light shirts, jeans, or trousers with you. A light jacket, cardigan, or windbreaker will come in handy for evening walks or in case of rain, which is also likely (10-16 rainy days in the summer months). Although the sun may not be as active as in southern resorts, sunscreen for the face will not be superfluous on clear days, especially during long excursions.