Weather in Solovetsky

Planning a trip to Solovetsky? Get the latest weather information right here! Below you will find current data, detailed forecasts, and useful charts to help you plan your trip in the best possible way.

The climate in Solovetsky can be described as subarctic, softened by the influence of the White Sea. This means that the seasons are distinct: travellers can expect a long and rather frosty winter, as well as a short but charmingly cool summer. Spring and autumn are rapid transitional periods when the weather can be particularly changeable.

The winter months, especially January and February, are the coldest, with average temperatures ranging from -4.5°C to -6.6°C. Summer, from June to August, brings more comfortable weather, with August considered the warmest month with an average temperature of about +13.6°C. A feature of the local climate is the relatively small total amount of precipitation throughout the year. However, it is worth noting that in autumn and winter (especially from October to January), there is a significant number of days with precipitation, most often light snow or drizzle. Therefore, when planning your trip, do not forget to bring warm and waterproof clothing.

The weather in Solovetsky demonstrates a distinct change of seasons with characteristic temperature patterns. The annual temperature variation here is quite significant: from true winter frosts to a cool but refreshing summer. The coldest month is traditionally February, when the average temperature drops to -6.6°C, and minimum values can reach -8.1°C. Conversely, the peak of warmth occurs in August, when the air warms up to an average of +13.6°C, with maximum daytime temperatures around +14.6°C.

The summer months in Solovetsky – June, July, and August – offer visitors to the island moderate warmth. In June, average temperatures fluctuate between +7.6°C and +10.4°C, creating a fresh, invigorating atmosphere. July brings some warming, with temperatures from +11.7°C to +13.8°C. August, as the warmest month, is characterised by average values from +12.6°C to +14.6°C. Even at the height of summer, heat is a rarity here; the weather is more conducive to active outdoor recreation. Notably, daily temperature fluctuations in summer are small; the difference between day and night readings usually amounts to just a couple of degrees, ensuring comfortable conditions throughout the day.

Winter in Solovetsky is long and frosty. From December to March, the thermometer stays confidently below zero. In December, average temperatures vary from -4.0°C to -1.8°C. January brings further cooling (from -5.8°C to -3.2°C), and February frosts are the most perceptible, with average minimum temperatures of -8.1°C and maximums of -5.1°C. March also remains a winter month with temperatures from -6.1°C to -2.9°C. Just as in summer, the difference between day and night temperatures in winter is small, indicating consistently cold weather. The transitional seasons – April-May and September-October – are distinguished by rapid changes in temperature conditions, where the weather can be quite variable, preparing the island for either summer warmth or winter chills.

Precipitation in Solovetsky falls throughout the year, but its intensity and frequency vary noticeably. There is no pronounced rainy season here, and the total amount of precipitation in millimetres remains low on a monthly basis. Nevertheless, some periods are characterised by a higher probability of overcast weather and precipitation, while others are drier.

The wettest month, both in terms of precipitation amount (about 3 mm) and the number of days with it, is October – on average 19 days. It is followed by December (18 days), November (17 days), and January (16 days). Given the average temperatures, precipitation from November to March, and sometimes in April, falls predominantly as snow. During these months, one can expect frequent, but usually not too heavy, snowfalls or drizzle.

The least amount of precipitation (only about 1 mm per month) falls in the period from February to May. May also stands out as the month with the fewest days with precipitation – on average only 8 days. April and June are also relatively dry, with approximately 9 days with precipitation. In the summer months – June, July, and August – about 2 mm of precipitation falls, distributed over 9-11 days. Summer precipitation most often takes the form of short-term rains, which allows for planning outdoor activities even if the forecast predicts a small chance of rain.

When planning a trip to Solovetsky, it is important to carefully consider your wardrobe, as the weather here can be changeable and quite harsh at any time of the year. The key principle is layering. Bring clothes that are easy to combine: thermal underwear or thin tops, a fleece jacket or sweater, as well as windproof and waterproof outerwear. Given the frequent precipitation, especially in the autumn-winter period, and the piercing winds of the White Sea, such gear will protect you from the cold and damp. Do not forget comfortable, durable, and preferably waterproof footwear for long walks around the island.

Even if your trip to Solovetsky falls during the summer months (June-August), when the temperature is most comfortable, you should not take packing lightly. Average temperatures rarely rise above +14°C, and evenings can be quite cool. Be sure to put a warm sweater or fleece in your suitcase, a light but waterproof jacket in case of rain, as well as a hat to protect against the sun and wind. In the summer period, insect repellent and sunscreen may also be useful, as even in cool weather, the northern sun can be active, especially near the water. For the off-season (May, September-October), the layering principle is particularly relevant: the weather changes quickly, so be prepared for both sunny cool days and more noticeable cooling with precipitation.

A winter trip to Solovetsky (from November to April) requires the most serious preparation. You can expect steady sub-zero temperatures, often dropping to -8°C and below, as well as regular snowfalls. The foundation of your wardrobe should be: warm thermal underwear, several layers of warm clothing (woollen sweaters, fleece jackets), a very warm, windproof, and waterproof winter jacket or down coat, and insulated trousers. Do not forget a warm hat that covers your ears, a voluminous scarf, and warm mittens or gloves (preferably several pairs). Footwear should be winter-appropriate, with thick non-slip soles and good insulation, to protect your feet from the cold and moisture during walks across the snowy expanses.