Kyiv Weather Today

The Climate and Weather in Kiev, Ukraine

Kiev, the capital city of Ukraine, experiences a humid continental climate. The city is located in the northern part of the country, on the Dnieper River. This location and its continental climate result in distinct seasonal variations throughout the year. Let's take a closer look at the climate and weather patterns in Kiev.

Temperature

Kiev experiences warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature in July, the warmest month, is around 24°C (75°F), while in January, the coldest month, the average temperature drops to around -4°C (25°F). However, extreme temperatures are not uncommon, with the mercury occasionally rising above 30°C (86°F) in summer and dropping below -20°C (-4°F) in winter.

Seasonal Temperature Variation

The seasonal temperature variation in Kiev is quite significant. Spring (March to May) starts off cool, with temperatures gradually rising. Average temperatures during this season range from 4°C (39°F) in March to 18°C (64°F) in May. Summer (June to August) is the warmest season, with average temperatures ranging from 17°C (63°F) in June to 24°C (75°F) in August. Autumn (September to November) is mild, with temperatures gradually decreasing from 15°C (59°F) in September to 4°C (39°F) in November. Winter (December to February) is cold, with average temperatures ranging from -2°C (28°F) in December to -4°C (25°F) in February.

Precipitation

Kiev has a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year. The wettest months are June and July, with an average precipitation of around 70-80 mm. The summer months also experience frequent thunderstorms. In contrast, the driest months are February and March, with an average precipitation of around 30-40 mm. Snowfall is common in winter, with an average snow cover of around 30 cm (12 inches).

Seasonal Precipitation Variation

The precipitation in Kiev is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with no significant dry or wet season. However, there is a slight increase in rainfall during the summer months. Spring and autumn receive an average precipitation of around 40-50 mm per month, while winter months receive around 30-40 mm of precipitation per month.

Sunshine

Kiev enjoys a good amount of sunshine throughout the year. The city receives an average of around 1,800 hours of sunshine annually. The sunniest months are June and July, with an average of around 250 hours of sunshine each. In contrast, the winter months of December and January have the least sunshine, with an average of around 60-70 hours per month.

Wind

Kiev experiences moderate wind speeds throughout the year. The prevailing wind direction is from the west and northwest. The wind speeds range from around 10 to 15 km/h (6 to 9 mph), with occasional gusts during thunderstorms.

Extreme Weather Events

Kiev occasionally experiences extreme weather events. In summer, thunderstorms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning. These storms can occasionally cause localized flooding and damage. In winter, blizzards and heavy snowfall can disrupt daily life and transportation in the city.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kiev experiences a humid continental climate characterized by warm summers and cold winters. The temperature and precipitation patterns vary significantly throughout the year, with distinct seasonal variations. Visitors to Kiev should be prepared for both hot and cold weather, as well as the possibility of thunderstorms in summer and heavy snowfall in winter.