Weather in Smolensk

Find out the current weather in Smolensk! In this section, you will find the latest data, detailed forecasts, and useful weather charts to help plan your day.

Smolensk welcomes guests with distinct seasons thanks to its moderate continental climate. This means the weather here can be quite varied throughout the year – from frosty winter days to warm summer sunshine. When planning a trip, it is important to consider these seasonal fluctuations to ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible.

Winter in Smolensk is usually cold, with average monthly temperatures dropping significantly below freezing, especially in January (averaging -4.9°C) and February. Spring brings a gradual awakening of nature and warming, although March can still remind you of winter. Summer is a time for long walks and exploring the city, as warm weather settles in from June to August, and the average temperature in July reaches +18.2°C. Autumn paints the city in golden tones, but at the same time brings coolness and prepares for the arrival of winter.

As for precipitation, it is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year in Smolensk, without a clearly defined rainy season. Although the monthly amount of precipitation is small (averaging 1-3 mm), the number of days with precipitation can be significant, especially in December, January, and July. This means that light rain or snow can become your companions at any time of the year, so a compact umbrella or raincoat will always come in handy.

The temperature pattern in Smolensk demonstrates a classic picture for a moderate continental climate with clearly defined seasons. The annual temperature range is quite significant: from frosty winter days to warm summers. The coldest month is typically January with an average temperature of -4.9°C, when minimum values can drop to -7.0°C. February is also characterized by low temperatures, averaging -4.1°C. The warmest months are July and August, with average temperatures of +18.2°C and +18.0°C respectively. In these summer months, the daily maximum often exceeds +22°C.

Winter in Smolensk is characterized by stable sub-zero temperatures. From December to February, the thermometer rarely rises above freezing. Average maximum temperatures during these months range from -2.8°C in January to -1.0°C in December, while nightly lows hold steady at marks from -4.3°C to -7.0°C. This is the time of a real Russian winter, when the city is enveloped in frosty freshness and the ground is often covered with snow.

The summer months, from June to August, give Smolensk pleasant warmth. Average daytime temperatures during this period range from +22.1°C in June to +22.7°C in August, creating comfortable conditions for walking and sightseeing. Nights bring refreshing coolness, with average minimum temperatures from +12.2°C to +14.0°C. It is worth noting that in the transitional seasons, especially in spring (for example, in April and May), and in summer, the difference between day and night temperatures can be quite perceptible, reaching 8-10°C, which should be taken into account when planning your wardrobe for the trip.

Precipitation in Smolensk is characterized by a relatively even distribution throughout the year, without a pronounced rainy season or drought period. The monthly amount of precipitation is small, fluctuating mainly from 1 to 3 mm. Despite this, days with precipitation are noted quite often, which indicates regular, but not abundant moisture throughout the year.

The greatest amount of precipitation by volume (3 mm) falls in June and July. However, if we speak about frequency, the "wettest" months are December (17 days with precipitation), January, and July (16 days each). The driest month by volume of precipitation is March (only 1 mm), and September stands out for the fewest number of days with precipitation (10 days). In winter, from December to February, as well as partially in November and March, precipitation falls mainly in the form of snow, which is typical for the climate of Smolensk. In the warm season, it is usually rain.

The frequency of precipitation in Smolensk is quite high. Even in September, which is considered one of the driest months by the number of days with precipitation, there are about 10 such days. In winter months, such as December and January, it can snow for more than half the days of the month. Given the small total amount of millimeters of precipitation, it can be assumed that they are most often light or moderate in nature, whether rain or snow, rather than prolonged downpours or heavy snowfalls, although individual more intense phenomena are not excluded.

When planning a trip to Smolensk, it is important to choose the right wardrobe to feel comfortable in any weather. Regardless of the time of year, comfortable shoes for walking around the city will be your best friend. Considering that precipitation, though not abundant, is frequent (from 10 to 17 days a month), a compact umbrella or a light raincoat will become indispensable companions. The principle of layering in clothing is an excellent choice for Smolensk, as it will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day, especially in the transitional seasons.

If your trip falls during the winter months (December-February), as well as early spring (March) or late autumn (November), be prepared for cold weather. Average temperatures during this period range from -4.9°C to +1.1°C, and night frosts are a common occurrence. You will need: a warm winter jacket (preferably windproof and water-repellent), sweaters or fleece tops, warm trousers, thermal underwear, a hat, scarf, and gloves. Do not forget warm, waterproof shoes, especially if snow is expected.

For travel in the warm season, from May to September, when average temperatures vary from +11.8°C to +18.2°C, your luggage should include lighter items. T-shirts, light shirts, trousers, shorts, or skirts will be appropriate. However, even in summer, evenings can be cool (minimum temperatures around +12°C - +14°C), so take a light jacket, cardigan, or windbreaker with you. On sunny days, sunscreen and a hat will not be superfluous. Despite the warmth, do not forget about possible rain – a light raincoat or umbrella will come in handy even in summer, especially in July, when there can be up to 16 rainy days.