Weather in Samara

Are you planning your trip or just curious about the weather in Samara? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions, as well as detailed forecasts and useful charts.

The climate of Samara is characterized as temperate continental, which means distinct seasons with significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Prepare for a real Russian winter and a warm, sunny summer, while spring and autumn serve as rather quick transition periods.

Winters in Samara are generally cold and frosty, with average monthly temperatures significantly below zero, especially in January and February. Summer, on the other hand, is warm and quite sunny, peaking in July and August when the air warms up to comfortable, and sometimes even hot, levels. One notable feature of the climate is the relatively low amount of precipitation throughout the year, making the weather generally more predictable, albeit with a small number of rainy or snowy days each month.

The temperature patterns in Samara demonstrate significant annual fluctuations typical of a continental climate. The coldest month is traditionally January, when the average temperature drops to -10.3°C, and night frosts can reach -13.2°C. Conversely, the peak of summer warmth occurs in July, with an average temperature of +21.7°C, when daily highs often rise to +26.9°C, creating excellent conditions for outdoor activities.

Summer months in Samara are a time of real warmth and sunshine. Starting from June, when the average temperature is +18.4°C, and reaching its height in July (+21.7°C) and August (+20.4°C), the city enjoys comfortable weather. Daytime temperatures during this period often range from +23°C to +27°C, and sometimes higher, while nights bring pleasant coolness with temperatures around +13°C to +16.5°C. Such noticeable diurnal temperature variations, especially in July and August, when the difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum can exceed 10°C, make summer evenings particularly refreshing.

Winter in Samara is a classic Russian winter, frosty and prolonged. From December to February, the thermometer stays confidently at sub-zero marks. In January, the coldest month, average daytime temperatures are around -7.3°C, while nights drop to -13.2°C. February is slightly warmer, with average values around -8.9°C (maximum -5.9°C, minimum -11.8°C). Even on the "mildest" winter days, the maximum temperature rarely rises above -5°C. The differences between day and night temperatures in winter are less pronounced than in summer, averaging 5-6°C, but the stable freezing weather is felt around the clock, creating conditions for winter sports and entertainment.

Precipitation in Samara is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, but the total amount is small. The city is not characterized by a distinct rainy season or a prolonged dry period. The average monthly precipitation ranges within 1-2 mm, suggesting that heavy and prolonged downpours or snowfalls are rare here. Rather, it is a matter of frequent but low-volume precipitation.

The nature of precipitation changes depending on the season. In the winter months, roughly from November to March, when temperatures drop below freezing, precipitation falls mainly as snow. January and February, the coldest months, are consistently snowy. With the arrival of spring in April, snow is replaced by rain, which prevails during the warm season – from May to September. Autumn months, especially October and November, can bring both rain and the first snow as temperatures drop.

Regarding the frequency of precipitation, the highest number of days with it falls in January (on average 12 days) and February (11 days). Precipitation is also observed relatively often in March, October, and December (10 days each). The "driest" month, with the fewest rainy days, is August – only about 5 days. In other months, such as April, May, June, July, and September, the number of days with precipitation ranges from 7 to 9, which means that approximately once every 3-4 days, you can expect light rain or snow in the respective season.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Samara, it is important to consider its distinct seasonality. In winter, from December to February, as well as in early March and late November, real Russian frosts await you. Average temperatures at this time stay significantly below freezing (January: -10.3°C, February: -8.9°C), so warm layered clothing is your main ally. Be sure to bring: thermal underwear, warm sweaters or fleece jackets, a windproof and waterproof winter coat or down jacket, warm trousers, as well as a hat, scarf, and gloves (mittens are better for severe frosts). Don't forget insulated waterproof shoes with non-slip soles, as the streets are often covered with snow, and the number of days with precipitation in the winter months reaches 10-12.

The summer months in Samara (from June to August) will delight you with warmth, and sometimes heat, with average temperatures from +18.4°C to +21.7°C and highs up to +26.9°C. For this season, light and breathable clothing is suitable: t-shirts, tops, shorts, skirts, light dresses, and trousers made of natural fabrics. Since the sun can be active, do not forget sunscreen, headwear (a cap or hat), and sunglasses. Evenings can be a bit cooler, especially by the Volga, so a light sweater, cardigan, or windbreaker will come in handy. Despite the small total amount of precipitation (1-2 mm per month), short summer rains are possible (5-9 "wet" days), so a compact umbrella wouldn't hurt.

In spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), the weather in Samara is changeable. It can be quite warm during the day (in May, the average temperature is +14.4°C, in September +13.7°C), but coolness is felt in the morning and evening (in April, average +7.6°C, in October +7.0°C). During these periods, the layering principle is ideal: a t-shirt or long-sleeve top, a sweater or fleece on top, and a demi-season jacket. It is also worth having an umbrella or a light raincoat with you, as the number of days with precipitation in these months ranges from 8 to 10. Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes are your key to comfortably exploring Samara, as the city invites you to take walks along the embankment and the historic centre.