Weather in Shakhtyorsk

Stay updated on the current weather conditions in Shakhtyorsk. Below you will find the latest information, detailed forecasts, and useful charts to help you plan your day.

The climate in Shakhtyorsk is continental, with clearly defined seasons and significant annual temperature fluctuations. The city is characterized by very cold, long winters and short, moderately warm summers. A distinctive feature of the local climate is the comparatively low amount of precipitation throughout the year, making it quite dry.

Winter generally lasts from December to February, bringing significant frosts – the average temperature in January is around -14.5°C. Spring arrives gradually: it is still cold in March, but by May the air warms up to an average of +6.0°C. The summer months, from June to August, are the warmest, with average temperatures around +16.5°C in July and August, making this the most favourable time to visit. Autumn is characterized by rapid cooling: while September is still relatively warm (averaging +14.2°C), by November average temperatures drop below zero again, and the number of days with precipitation increases, often in the form of snow.

The annual temperature progression in Shakhtyorsk demonstrates a significant contrast between seasons, which is typical for a continental climate. The coldest months are traditionally January and February. In January, the average temperature is around -14.5°C, with night-time lows potentially dropping to -16.5°C, and daytime highs rarely rising above -12.5°C. February is slightly warmer, with an average temperature of -13.4°C. The warmest period falls in July and August, when average temperatures reach +16.3°C and +16.5°C respectively, and the daytime air warms up to an average of +18.5°C.

Winter in Shakhtyorsk is characterized as frosty and quite long. From December to February, temperatures remain consistently below freezing. In December, the average temperature holds at -10.5°C, with night-time drops to -12.3°C. January and February bring even harsher conditions with frequent frosts. Even in March, the average temperature remains below zero (-5.6°C), indicating the protracted nature of the cold season. Travellers planning a visit during the winter months should be prepared for low temperatures and choose appropriate gear.

The summer period in Shakhtyorsk, covering June, July, and August, brings moderate warmth. The highest temperatures are observed in July and August, when the average daily temperature reaches a comfortable +18.5°C, and the monthly average is around +16.5°C. Nights in the summer months remain fresh; for example, in July and August, the average minimum temperature stays around +14.2°C - +14.6°C. June is a transitional month to summer warmth with an average temperature of +10.5°C. It is important to note that diurnal temperature variations in Shakhtyorsk throughout the year are small: the difference between daytime highs and night-time lows is usually about 3-5°C, providing a relatively stable temperature background throughout the day.

Precipitation in Shakhtyorsk is distributed throughout the year, although the total amount remains comparatively low. There is no distinct season of torrential rains or, conversely, a prolonged absolutely dry period in the city. However, months with varying volumes and frequency of precipitation can be distinguished.

In winter, roughly from November to March, precipitation falls mainly as snow, due to consistently negative average temperatures (for example, -14.5°C in January, -2.0°C in November). In spring and autumn, mixed precipitation is possible. During the summer months, from May to September, when temperatures are positive (e.g., up to +16.5°C in August), precipitation takes the form of rain. The "wettest" month by total volume of precipitation is August, when an average of 4 mm falls. The lowest amount of precipitation, just 1 mm, is recorded in January and February.

Regarding precipitation frequency, the highest number of days with precipitation occurs in late autumn and early winter. Thus, December sees an average of 20 days with precipitation, and November sees 18 days. This is likely due to frequent but not heavy snowfalls. The fewest days with precipitation are observed in February – only 6 days. In the summer months, for example in June and August, the number of days with precipitation is 13-14, which indicates periodic but generally not very intense rains, given the low total volume. Overall, Shakhtyorsk is characterized more by frequent but light precipitation than by rare and heavy downpours.

When planning a trip to Shakhtyorsk, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly to feel comfortable in any weather. Given the continental climate with distinct seasons, the best strategy is layering your clothing. This will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day. Regardless of the season, be sure to bring comfortable shoes for walking, as they will be useful for strolling around the city.

In winter (from December to February), when average temperatures drop to -14.5°C and below, you will need the warmest clothing possible: thermal underwear, warm jumpers or fleece jackets, a windproof and waterproof winter coat or down jacket, warm trousers, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Although there is little precipitation (1-2 mm), the number of snowy days can be significant (up to 20 days in December), so waterproof shoes with good tread will be very useful. In the transition seasons – spring (especially in March-April, when the average temperature is from -5.6°C to +1.1°C) and autumn (especially in October-November, with temperatures from +6.9°C to -2.0°C) – you also cannot do without warm items. It is recommended to take a mid-season jacket, jumpers, waterproof outerwear, and an umbrella or raincoat, as the number of days with precipitation increases (up to 18 days in November).

Summer in Shakhtyorsk (June-August) is short and moderately warm, with average temperatures around +16.5°C. During the day, the temperature can rise to +18.5°C. For this time of year, light trousers, t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts (for cool evenings or sun protection), as well as a light jacket or windbreaker are suitable. Despite summer being the warmest period, evenings can be fresh (minimum temperature around +14°C). Sunscreen and headwear will be useful on clear days. Although precipitation in summer is low (2-4 mm), rains do happen (10-14 days with precipitation), so a light umbrella or raincoat will not be amiss.