Weather in Kharkiv

Planning to spend time in Kharkiv? Check out the latest weather data and forecasts right here. In this section, you will find up-to-date information to help you plan your day.

The climate in Kharkiv is characterised as temperate continental, with four clearly defined seasons. This means the city experiences significant temperature fluctuations between summer and winter, offering diverse weather conditions for visitors depending on the time of their trip.

Summer in Kharkiv is generally warm and sunny, with the highest temperatures occurring in July and August, when averages rise above 20°C, and maximums can reach 27-28°C. Winters, on the other hand, are cold with persistent freezing temperatures, especially in January and February, when the average temperature drops below zero. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with milder and more changeable weather.

One of the notable features of the climate in Kharkiv is the relatively low level of precipitation throughout the year, usually not exceeding 2 mm per month. Although the number of days with precipitation can be noticeable, especially in winter, the precipitation itself is most often not heavy. August stands out as the month with the fewest days of precipitation.

The climate in Kharkiv is characterised by distinct seasons with noticeable temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The coldest month is usually January, when the average temperature is -3.6°C, and minimum values can drop to -6.2°C. The warmest month is August, with an average temperature of +22.1°C and maximums reaching an average of +27.8°C. Thus, the annual temperature progression demonstrates a significant range, from frosty winters to hot summers.

The summer months in Kharkiv, especially July and August, are distinguished by warm, and at times hot, weather. Daily average temperatures during this period hover around +20°C to +22°C. Daytime highs often exceed +25°C, and in August can reach +27.8°C. Nights bring pleasant coolness, as the difference between day and night temperatures in summer can be around 10-11°C (for example, in August the average minimum is +16.4°C with an average maximum of +27.8°C), ensuring comfortable rest after the daytime heat.

Winter in Kharkiv is generally frosty. From December to February, monthly average temperatures stay below zero. January is the peak of the cold, when the average minimum temperature drops to -6.2°C, and the average maximum barely reaches -1.0°C. It is slightly warmer in December and February, but freezing temperatures still prevail. Daily temperature fluctuations in winter are less pronounced than in summer, amounting to approximately 5-6°C, but the sensation of cold is intensified by the constant sub-zero readings.

In Kharkiv, precipitation is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, without a clearly defined rainy season in terms of the volume of falling moisture. The average monthly precipitation for most of the year is about 2 mm. It is usually slightly drier in March, August, and September, when about 1 mm of precipitation falls. Overall, the city is not characterised by heavy downpours, but rather by moderate moisture.

The greatest number of days with precipitation occurs during the winter months. For instance, January and December average 13 wet days each. Given the negative average temperatures during this period (January: -3.6°C, December: -0.7°C), winter precipitation predominantly falls as snow. February is also a snowy month with approximately 11 days of precipitation. In transitional seasons, such as March (average temperature 1.7°C) and November (average temperature 2.4°C), precipitation can be mixed – rain or wet snow.

Summer months, such as June and July, bring precipitation in the form of rain, and the number of days with precipitation is about 10 per month. The lowest probability of precipitation is observed in late summer and early autumn: August is the "driest" month in terms of precipitation frequency, having on average just 4 wet days. September is also relatively dry – about 6 days with precipitation. The spring months, April and May, as well as October, demonstrate a moderate frequency of precipitation, ranging from 9 to 11 days per month.

When planning a trip to Kharkiv, it is important to consider the variability of the weather throughout the year. Winters (December-February) are cold here, with average temperatures below zero (from -6°C to 0°C), so warm layered clothing is mandatory: a down jacket or winter coat, hat, scarf, gloves, as well as insulated and waterproof footwear. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are characterised by transitional weather. It is still quite cool in March and November (average temperature from -2°C to +5°C), whereas in April, May, September, and October, the weather is milder (from +4°C to +21°C). In these seasons, it is worth bringing a mid-season jacket, jumpers, comfortable shoes, and definitely an umbrella, as the number of rainy days remains significant.

Summer in Kharkiv (June-August) is warm and sunny, with average temperatures from +15°C to +28°C. For the summer months, light natural fabrics, t-shirts, shorts, and sundresses are suitable. Don't forget sun cream, a hat, and sunglasses. Although the amount of precipitation decreases in summer, especially in August, a light jacket or raincoat may come in handy for evening walks or in case of rare rain. Regardless of the season, comfortable shoes for long walks around the city will be your best companion.

Given the temperature changes, especially during the transitional seasons, the principle of layering clothing will be your best helper. This allows you to easily adapt to changing weather conditions throughout the day. For example, a light jumper or fleece under a jacket will ensure comfort in the morning and evening, and can be removed during the day. An umbrella or a compact raincoat is also worth keeping with you for most of the year, as precipitation, although not heavy (averaging 1-2 mm per rainy day), happens regularly.