Weather in Vologda

Planning your day in Vologda or just curious about the weather? Here you will find the freshest meteorological data, including detailed forecasts and clear charts.

The climate of Vologda can be described as moderate continental. This means that all four seasons are clearly defined here, each with its own features. Prepare for noticeable temperature differences between winter and summer, allowing you to enjoy the full variety of weather conditions.

Winter in Vologda is generally quite cold and snowy, with average temperatures in January and February around -8°C. Spring arrives gradually, with melting snow and rising temperatures reaching a comfortable +10°C in May. Summer is warm but not sweltering, with peak temperatures in July (averaging +17.7°C), creating excellent conditions for walks and exploring the city. Autumn brings coolness and colourful landscapes, with temperatures gradually dropping to freezing values by November.

Regarding precipitation, it is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, without a distinct rainy season. The number of "wet days" ranges from 10 to 16 per month, indicating frequent but, judging by the total amount of precipitation, not overly heavy rain or snowfall. The highest number of days with precipitation occurs in July, and the lowest in April.

The temperature regime in Vologda is characterised by significant annual fluctuations, typical of a moderate continental climate. The coldest months are traditionally January and February: the average temperature in January is -8.3°C (with lows around -10.5°C and highs around -6.1°C), and in February -8.1°C (lows -10.6°C, highs -5.5°C). Conversely, the peak of warmth falls on July, when the average temperature reaches +17.7°C, with average daily highs rising to +21.9°C and nightly lows constituting a comfortable +13.5°C.

The summer months, from June to August, offer pleasant warmth in Vologda. In June, the average temperature is +15.3°C (from +10.5°C at night to +20.1°C during the day), and in August it is +16.3°C (from +12.0°C at night to +20.7°C during the day). Diurnal temperature fluctuations are most pronounced in the spring months, especially in April (the difference between the average minimum of -1.1°C and maximum of +8.8°C is almost 10 degrees) and May (from +5.0°C to +15.4°C). In summer, the difference between daytime heat and nighttime cool is also palpable, reaching 8-10 degrees, which ensures freshness in the evenings.

Winter in Vologda settles in for a long time and is distinguished by frosty weather. From December to February, freezing temperatures prevail. In December, the average temperature holds at the -6.4°C mark (from -8.3°C to -4.5°C). The transitional seasons demonstrate a gradual change in the temperature background: March is still quite cool with an average temperature of -3.7°C, but already in April, average values move into the positive zone (+3.9°C). In autumn, starting from October (average temperature +4.7°C), a rather rapid cooling occurs, and by November the city meets the first steady frosts with an average temperature of -1.3°C.

When planning a trip to Vologda, it is worth considering that precipitation here is a fairly regular phenomenon, but typically not too heavy. Throughout the year, the number of days with precipitation varies, however, no pronounced season of torrential rains or, conversely, prolonged drought is observed. The total monthly precipitation is quite low, indicating the predominantly light nature of rains and snowfalls.

The winter months, from November to March, in Vologda are characterised mainly by snowfalls. January and December stand out with the highest number of days with precipitation in the winter period (15 days each), while the average air temperature steadily stays below zero, ensuring a stable snow cover. Snow is usually light but can fall quite often. In March, despite still freezing average temperatures, the amount of precipitation and days with it decreases somewhat (1 mm, 11 days), heralding the arrival of spring.

With the arrival of warmth, starting roughly from April, snow gives way to rain. The summer months, especially July, are the period with the highest frequency of precipitation — on average 16 rainy days, while the total amount of precipitation reaches its annual maximum (3 mm), sharing it with June. Summer rains, like winter snow, are most often light. April stands out as the month with the fewest days with precipitation (10 days) and one of the lowest indicators for their volume (1 mm).

Thus, although precipitation in Vologda is distributed relatively evenly by the number of "wet" days throughout the year (from 10 to 16), in terms of the amount of falling moisture, June and July can be considered the "wettest" (3 mm each), and March and April the "driest" (1 mm each). Be prepared for the fact that the probability of encountering precipitation exists in practically any month, but it is rarely intense or prolonged.

When preparing for a trip to Vologda, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly to feel comfortable in any weather. Winter here (from December to February, and often in November and March) is quite frosty, with average temperatures around -6°C to -8°C, so be sure to bring very warm outerwear: a down jacket or insulated coat, a hat, a scarf, and mittens/gloves. Do not forget thermal underwear, warm sweaters (wool or fleece), and insulated trousers. Footwear should be waterproof and have a thick sole to protect against snow and cold. Since precipitation in the form of snow is quite frequent, albeit not heavy, water-repellent properties for clothes and shoes will be very handy.

In summer (June-August), Vologda experiences pleasant warm weather with average temperatures of +15°C to +18°C, and daily highs can reach +20-22°C. For this time of year, light t-shirts, shirts, shorts, skirts, and dresses are suitable. However, evenings can be cool, so do not forget a light jacket, cardigan, or sweater. Considering that even in summer there are up to 16 days with precipitation (albeit small, 2-3 mm), a compact umbrella or light raincoat will not be amiss. For the transitional seasons – spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) – the principle of layering works best. Temperatures during these periods can fluctuate greatly: from light frosts to +15°C. Bring a demi-season jacket (preferably wind- and water-resistant), sweaters, jeans or thick trousers, as well as comfortable closed shoes capable of withstanding possible rain.

Regardless of the season, comfortable shoes for walking are an absolute necessity, as Vologda is rich in sights that are best explored on foot. Since the weather can be changeable, and precipitation happens all year round (though mostly light), a small folding umbrella or a light waterproof jacket will become your faithful companions. Sunscreen and sunglasses may come in handy in summer, even if the weather does not seem too hot. The main thing is to be ready for various manifestations of the moderate continental climate of Russia and enjoy your trip!