Weather in Ulan-Ude

Get the latest information about weather conditions in Ulan-Ude. This section presents up-to-date data, detailed forecasts, and visual charts to help you plan your time in the city.

The climate in Ulan-Ude is characterized as sharply continental, which means significant annual and daily temperature fluctuations. The city is distinguished by a very cold, long winter with little snow, as well as a short but warm, and occasionally hot, summer. There is little precipitation throughout the year, making the climate quite arid.

There are four clearly defined seasons in Ulan-Ude. Winter lasts from November to March, with January being the coldest month with average temperatures around -22°C and minimal precipitation. Spring (April-May) is short, with a rapid increase in warmth. Summer (June-August) is warm; the average temperature in July is about +19°C, and this is the wettest period of the year, although the number of rainy days is still small. Autumn (September-October) is also short, with a rapid drop in temperature and the first frosts.

One of the remarkable features of the Ulan-Ude climate is the low amount of precipitation, especially in winter, when it is practically absent. This makes winters not only frosty but also sunny. In summer, despite an increase in the number of days with precipitation, the total amount remains moderate.

Ulan-Ude experiences a significant annual temperature range, which is typical for a sharply continental climate. The coldest month is traditionally January, when the average temperature drops to -21.8°C, and nightly lows can reach -27.7°C. December and February are also very frosty, with average temperatures around -18.7°C and -19.1°C respectively. The warmest month is considered to be July, with an average temperature of +19.0°C and daytime highs reaching an average of +24.5°C.

The summer months in Ulan-Ude – June, July, and August – are characterized by pleasant warmth, turning into heat during the daytime hours. Average daytime temperatures in June and August hover around +22°C (respectively +22.6°C and +21.6°C), and in July they rise to +24.5°C. Nights, however, remain noticeably cooler: average minimum temperatures in the summer period range from +10.1°C to +13.5°C. Such significant daily temperature fluctuations, reaching 10-12 degrees, are a characteristic feature of the local summer, so even on a hot day, the evening can bring freshness.

Winter in Ulan-Ude is harsh and long. From December to February, the thermometer consistently stays at sub-zero marks. Daytime highs in January rarely rise above -15.9°C, and in February – above -11.3°C. Nighttime temperatures in these months drop to -23°C...-27°C (average lows are -23.3°C in December, -27.7°C in January, -26.8°C in February). Notably, even in winter, noticeable daily temperature changes are observed. For example, in February, the difference between the average maximum (-11.3°C) and average minimum (-26.8°C) temperature is more than 15 degrees, which highlights the continental nature of the climate.

Ulan-Ude sees a very low level of precipitation throughout the year, highlighting the aridity of the local climate. The driest period falls in winter and early spring. From January to April, the amount of precipitation approaches zero (0 mm), and the number of days with precipitation is minimal – only 2-3 days per month. Given the freezing temperatures in January, February, and March (averages from -21.8°C to -6.8°C), any precipitation at this time falls as snow, however, its amount is extremely insignificant.

The summer months, from May to September, bring some increase in precipitation, although the total amount remains small. In May, about 1 mm of precipitation falls over 8 days. The maximum amount of precipitation, about 2 mm per month, falls in the period from June to September. The "wettest" months in terms of days with precipitation are August and September, with 11 such days each. During this warm time of year, precipitation falls mainly as rain; sometimes these can be short-term downpours.

In autumn, in October, the amount of precipitation drops to 1 mm, and the number of days with it to 5. With the arrival of November (1 mm, 5 days with precipitation) and December (1 mm, 6 days with precipitation), temperatures again become sub-zero, and precipitation shifts back to the form of snow. Overall, Ulan-Ude is characterized by a clearly defined dry season in winter and a relatively wetter, but still low-rain, summer period.

When planning a trip to Ulan-Ude, it is important to consider its sharply continental climate with significant annual and daily temperature fluctuations. Winter months (from November to March) are very cold here, with average temperatures dropping to -20°C and below. Therefore, your luggage must include: very warm outerwear (a down jacket or parka designed for severe frosts), several layers of thermal underwear, warm sweaters (wool or fleece), and insulated trousers. Do not forget a warm hat that covers your ears well, a voluminous scarf, very warm gloves or mittens, as well as winter footwear with thick non-slip soles. Even in winter, sunglasses will come in handy due to the bright sun reflecting off the snow, and lip balm to protect your lips.

Summer in Ulan-Ude (June-August) is characterized by warm, sometimes hot days, when t-shirts, light trousers, shorts, or dresses will be comfortable. However, evenings and nights can be significantly cooler due to large daily temperature drops, so be sure to take a sweater, a fleece jacket, or a light jacket with you. For spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) trips, the layering principle in clothing is best. T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and a windproof jacket will allow you to adapt to the changeable weather. Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes are your main companion in exploring the city.

Although Ulan-Ude is not famous for heavy rainfall, days with rain do occur in the summer months and early autumn (from May to September). A light folding umbrella or a compact raincoat may prove useful. Sunscreen is necessary in the summer period, as well as in spring and autumn on sunny days. Given the dryness of the air, especially in winter, moisturizing cream for hands and face will not be superfluous. And, of course, don't forget a small backpack for day walks and excursions.