Weather in Vladikavkaz

Planning a visit to Vladikavkaz or already exploring the city? Stay up to date with the current weather! Below you will find the latest data, forecasts, and useful charts to help make your stay as comfortable as possible.

The climate of Vladikavkaz can be described as temperate continental, with four distinct seasons. The city experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, allowing tourists to enjoy a variety of weather conditions depending on the time of their visit.

Winters in Vladikavkaz are usually cool, with average January temperatures around -1.3°C, sometimes dropping lower. Snow is not uncommon, creating picturesque winter landscapes. Spring arrives gradually, with rising temperatures and increasing precipitation, especially in May, when the number of rainy days reaches its peak. Summer is generally warm and pleasant, with average temperatures in July and August around 20.3°C, making it an ideal time for walking and exploring the city. Autumn brings gradual cooling and a decrease in precipitation, painting the city in golden tones.

Overall, the weather in Vladikavkaz offers variety, from fresh winter days to warm summer evenings. The highest amount of precipitation, judging by the number of rainy days, falls in late spring and the first half of summer, although the total volume of rainfall in millimetres remains moderate. This means that even during "wet" periods, rains may not be too intense, but rather more frequent.

The annual temperature progression in Vladikavkaz demonstrates a distinct change of seasons, offering diverse climatic conditions for visitors. The coldest months are traditionally January, with an average temperature of about -1.3°C (minimum values can drop to -5.3°C, and maximums rise to 2.7°C), and February, where the average temperature is -0.1°C (with nightly lows around -4.5°C and daily highs up to +4.3°C). Conversely, the hottest period falls in July and August, when the average air temperature steadily holds at the 20.3°C mark. In these summer months, daily highs regularly reach and exceed 25°C, creating ideal conditions for a summer holiday.

Summer months in Vladikavkaz, especially July and August, are characterized by pleasantly warm, and sometimes hot weather. Average maximum temperatures in these months are 25.2°C and 25.6°C respectively. Nights bring refreshing coolness, with temperatures dropping on average to 15.1°C - 15.3°C. Such a diurnal temperature range, amounting to about 10°C, makes evenings comfortable after the daytime heat. June is also a warm month with an average temperature of 18.0°C and maximum values up to 23.0°C.

Winter in the city is generally cool, but without extreme frosts. In December, the average temperature is 0.7°C, while night temperatures can drop to -2.9°C, and during the day the air warms up to +4.2°C. January is the coldest month, with average minimum temperatures of -5.3°C and daily highs around 2.7°C. February is slightly milder than January. In winter months, noticeable temperature fluctuations between day and night are also observed, usually within the range of 7-9°C. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with gradual temperature changes: for instance, in March the average temperature is 3.0°C, and in October it is 10.4°C, which allows visitors to enjoy comfortable weather before the onset of summer heat or winter cold.

In Vladikavkaz, there is a fairly clear distribution of precipitation throughout the year, although the city is not characterized by extreme droughts or seasons of torrential rains. One can distinguish a wetter period, which falls in late spring and summer, and a drier one covering the autumn-winter months. The total amount of precipitation remains moderate, however, its frequency varies noticeably depending on the season.

The greatest amount of precipitation falls in the period from May to July, when the average monthly indicator reaches 4 mm. August is also relatively wet with 3 mm of precipitation. At the same time, May and June stand out with the largest number of days with precipitation – on average 18 days in each. This suggests that during this time, rains are likely not very intense, but quite frequent. In July, the number of days with precipitation decreases slightly to 15. Spring months, such as March and April, also bring precipitation (2 mm), with 15 and 14 rainy days respectively.

The driest months in Vladikavkaz, when only 1 mm of precipitation falls, are January, February, November, and December. These months also register the lowest number of days with precipitation: 7 days each in January and December, 8 days in November, and 9 days in February. Given that average temperatures in January (-1.3°C), February (-0.1°C), and December (0.7°C) are around or below zero, precipitation in these months, and likely in November and early March, most often falls as snow. In autumn, in September and October, precipitation amounts to about 2 mm, with approximately 10 days with precipitation in each of these months.

When planning a trip to Vladikavkaz, it is important to consider the changeable nature of the local weather and choose your wardrobe correctly. The foundation of your luggage at any time of the year should be comfortable shoes for walking around the city and its surroundings. The principle of layering in clothing is your best ally. In summer (June-August) and late spring (May), when average temperatures range from 13°C to 20°C and higher, give preference to light clothing made from natural fabrics. However, considering that there are up to 18 rainy days in May and June, and 13-15 in July and August, be sure to take an umbrella or a light raincoat. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat for sunny days, as well as a light jacket or sweater for cool evenings.

For a visit to Vladikavkaz during the cold season – from November to March – more thorough preparation will be required. In winter (December-February), average temperatures hover around zero or slightly below, dropping to -5°C at night. You will need warm clothes: sweaters, fleece jackets, thermal underwear, as well as a warm windproof and waterproof jacket, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Given that precipitation at this time (about 1 mm, but 7-9 days with precipitation) can fall as snow, ensure you have warm and waterproof shoes. In transitional seasons, such as April, September, and October, the weather can be unpredictable. It can be quite warm during the day (average temperatures from 9°C to 15°C), but evenings and mornings are already cool. Here, layering will help again: T-shirts, shirts, light jumpers, and a mid-season jacket. An umbrella will also be useful, as there are from 10 to 14 days with precipitation during these months.