Weather in Vorkuta

Planning your day in Vorkuta or simply interested in the weather? In this section, you will find the latest weather updates, forecasts, and useful charts.

The climate of Vorkuta, located in northern Russia, is characterised as harsh subarctic. Travellers should be prepared for long and extremely cold winters, when temperatures consistently remain well below freezing. Summer here is short and cool, offering only a brief respite from winter conditions.

The winter period in Vorkuta covers most of the year, usually from October to April, and sometimes longer. Average temperatures during this time range from -15°C to -20°C, often dropping even lower. The warmest months are July and August, but even then, the average temperature rarely rises above +14°C. A characteristic feature of Vorkuta's climate is the low total amount of precipitation, although it falls quite frequently: mostly snow in winter and drizzling rain in summer.

Understanding these climatic features will help you properly prepare for your trip to Vorkuta. Regardless of the season, it is worth packing warm clothing. In winter, gear capable of protecting against severe frost and wind is essential, while in summer, a jacket and sweater will come in handy, as the weather remains fresh even in the warmest months.

The climate of Vorkuta is characterised by significant annual temperature fluctuations. The coldest month is traditionally January, when the average air temperature is around -19.3°C. During this period, night-time temperatures can drop on average to -22.3°C, while daytime highs rarely rise above -16.4°C. The warmest month is considered to be July, with an average temperature of +14.1°C. During the day in July, the air can warm up to an average of +18.5°C, while night-time temperatures drop to +9.7°C.

The winter period in Vorkuta is distinguished by its severity and duration. Already in October, the average temperature drops to -2.1°C, and by November it reaches -11.8°C. December brings further cooling with an average temperature of -15.1°C (minimum -18.0°C, maximum -12.2°C). January and February (average temperature -17.9°C) are the peak of winter, with persistent frosts. Even in March, the winter character of the weather is preserved, with an average temperature of -15.3°C, daytime readings around -11.7°C, and night-time frosts down to -18.9°C. The transition to positive temperatures occurs slowly, and only in May does the average temperature approach zero (-0.6°C).

Summer in Vorkuta is short and cool. In June, the average temperature is +6.9°C, with the air warming up to +10.4°C during the day and cooling down to +3.4°C at night. July, as the warmest month, offers more comfortable conditions: an average temperature of +14.1°C, a daytime maximum of about +18.5°C, and a night-time minimum of +9.7°C. In August, the temperature begins to decrease, averaging +11.2°C (from +7.6°C at night to +14.8°C during the day). September brings autumn coolness with an average temperature of +5.8°C. It is worth noting that even in the summer months, noticeable diurnal temperature fluctuations are observed; for example, in July, the difference between the average day and night temperature reaches almost 9°C.

Precipitation in Vorkuta falls throughout the year, but the total amount is small. The city is not characterised by a distinct rainy season or a dry period in the usual sense, as the average monthly precipitation remains consistently low. Most months receive about 2 mm of precipitation, with a slight increase to 3 mm in September, making it formally the "wettest" month in terms of moisture volume.

The nature of precipitation depends directly on the season. Given the harsh climate of Vorkuta, for most of the year, roughly from October to April, and often in May, precipitation falls mainly in the form of snow. Average monthly temperatures during this period are consistently negative. In the short summer period, from June to August, when temperatures rise above freezing, precipitation takes the form of rain, which is most often drizzling or not intense, given the small total volume.

Despite the small amount, precipitation in Vorkuta is a fairly frequent occurrence. The highest number of days with precipitation is observed in March, September, October, and November – on average about 17 days in each of these months. Even in January and June, about 16 days with precipitation are recorded. The "driest" month in terms of precipitation frequency is July, when there are on average only about 9 days with any precipitation. This means that although the intensity of precipitation is low, the probability of encountering snow or light rain, depending on the season, is quite high throughout most of the year.

When planning a trip to Vorkuta, it is important to pay special attention to clothing choices, as the climate here is harsh and requires careful preparation. In winter, which lasts from October to April (and sometimes longer), the foundation of your wardrobe should be very warm clothes. Be sure to bring thermal underwear, warm sweaters (wool or fleece), insulated trousers, as well as outerwear capable of protecting against severe frosts (down to -20°C and below) and piercing wind – a down jacket or parka with good insulation and a hood. Do not forget a warm hat that covers your ears, a scarf, mittens or gloves (preferably several pairs), and, of course, warm, waterproof footwear with thick soles. Given the frequency of precipitation in the form of snow, water resistance in clothing and shoes will be a big plus.

Even the short Vorkuta summer, occurring in June-August, remains cool. Average temperatures rarely exceed +14°C, and nights can be quite cold. Therefore, the principle of layering in clothing is relevant even in summer. Bring t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, jumpers or fleece jackets, as well as a windbreaker or light jacket, preferably waterproof, since it rains frequently in summer, albeit in small amounts. Comfortable closed-toe shoes suitable for walking will also be necessary. In the off-season (May, September), the weather can be particularly changeable, so a combination of warm items with lighter ones and protection against wind and precipitation will be key.

Regardless of the season, it is worth taking moisturizing cream for hands and face, as well as lip balm to Vorkuta, as the frosty or windy air can severely dry out the skin. Sunglasses may be useful not only in summer but also in winter on sunny days due to light reflecting off the snow. The main rule when packing a suitcase for Vorkuta is to be ready for low temperatures and wind at any time of the year.