Weather in Kyiv

Planning a trip or just want to stay updated on weather conditions in Kyiv? Here you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and visual charts to help you better plan your day.

Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, has a temperate continental climate, characterised by four distinct seasons. This means travellers can expect significant weather changes throughout the year, from freezing winters to warm summers.

Winter in Kyiv is generally cold, with average temperatures below freezing from December to February, sometimes accompanied by snowfall. Spring brings gradual warming, with nature blossoming in April and May. Summer, from June to August, is usually warm and sunny, with average temperatures around 20-22°C, and sometimes higher. Autumn offers pleasant coolness and golden colours, with temperatures gradually dropping towards November.

As for precipitation, it is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, without a distinct rainy season. The number of wet days ranges from 8 to 14 per month, indicating changeable weather that is worth being prepared for, especially during the transitional seasons.

The temperature regime in Kyiv is marked by distinct seasonality with a noticeable annual range. The coldest month is traditionally January: the average temperature at this time is -2.1°C, with night-time lows dropping to -4.3°C, and daytime highs rarely rising above 0.1°C. The hottest period is considered to be August, when the average temperature reaches 21.4°C, and daytime peaks can reach 26.3°C. July is also very warm, with an average temperature of 21.3°C and maximum values up to 25.9°C.

Summer in Kyiv, from June to August, offers pleasant warmth, which can turn into heat during peak hours. In June, the average temperature holds at 20.6°C (maximum up to 25.4°C), while in July and August the air warms up on average to 21.3-21.4°C, with daytime highs around 25.9-26.3°C. Nights bring relief with temperatures of 15.7-16.8°C. The winter months – December, January, and February – are characterised by freezing weather. Besides the coldest January, in December the average temperature is around 0.0°C (from -1.7°C at night to 1.8°C during the day), and February is slightly warmer – averaging -0.6°C (from -3.3°C to 2.1°C).

Diurnal temperature fluctuations in Kyiv also depend on the season. In summer and the warm months of spring and autumn, the difference between daytime highs and night-time lows can be quite significant, reaching 9-10°C (for example, in May, June, August, September), ensuring cooler evenings after warm days. In winter, as well as in November, these fluctuations smooth out, usually amounting to 3-5°C. Transitional seasons show gradual temperature changes: spring begins with a cool March (average temperature 2.9°C) and quickly warms up by May (14.7°C), while autumn brings gradual cooling from a warm September (16.2°C) to a cold November (3.2°C).

In Kyiv, according to the provided data, precipitation is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, without a clearly defined rainy or dry season in terms of total volume. Monthly precipitation fluctuates slightly, amounting to just 1-2 mm. This suggests that heavy and prolonged rains or snowfalls leading to large accumulations are not typical, judging by these average values.

The nature of precipitation in Kyiv changes depending on the season. In winter, especially in December, January, and February, when average temperatures are around or below freezing (for example, the average January temperature is -2.1°C), precipitation is most likely to fall as snow or sleet. December sees an average of 14 days with precipitation, and January has 13, which are the highest figures of the year. In spring and autumn, both rain and short-term snow are possible in early spring or late autumn, while the number of wet days remains significant, for example, 11 days in March and April.

Summer months, such as June, July, and August, bring precipitation mainly in the form of rain. Despite the small total amount (only 2 mm per month according to data), June has about 12 days with precipitation, and July has 11. The "driest" months by precipitation volume are March and September (1 mm each). August and September stand out for the fewest number of days with precipitation – an average of 8 "wet" days in each. Thus, although precipitation volumes are small, they are spread over many days throughout the month, indicating frequent but not heavy precipitation.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Kyiv, it is important to consider the distinct change of seasons. In winter (December-February), when average temperatures drop below freezing (for example, to -2.1°C in January) and it often snows (up to 14 "wet" days in December), you will need a warm winter jacket or coat, a hat, gloves, a scarf, and waterproof warm shoes. Thermal underwear and warm sweaters will also be useful. In summer (June-August), the weather is usually warm, with average temperatures around 20-22°C (up to 26.3°C during the day in August). For this time of year, light clothing made of natural fabrics, T-shirts, shorts, sandals, as well as a hat and sunscreen are suitable. Since there are rainy days even in summer (8-12 per month), a light windbreaker or a compact umbrella will be very handy.

For transitional seasons – spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) – the best strategy is layering. The weather at this time can be changeable: from cool (average temperature 2.9°C in March, 3.2°C in November) to moderately warm (14.7°C in May, 16.2°C in September). Bring a mid-season jacket, sweaters or a fleece jacket, and comfortable closed shoes that can withstand moisture, as the number of days with precipitation remains significant (8-11 days per month). An umbrella or raincoat will also come in handy. Regardless of the season, comfortable footwear is a must for walking around Kyiv's numerous attractions.