Weather in Мурманск by month: what to expect

Мурманск lies well above the Arctic Circle, so its weather follows a distinct polar rhythm. Winters here are long and cold, with January and February often bringing temperatures below -10 °C. The city sees very little sunlight during these months, with January averaging almost none at all. By March, days grow noticeably longer, though the air remains chilly.

Summer in Мурманск is brief but surprisingly mild. From June to August, temperatures hover around +10...+15 °C, occasionally reaching +19 °C in July. This is the best time to explore the city, as daylight stretches nearly around the clock. September marks the start of autumn, with temperatures dropping quickly and the first frosts appearing by late month.

Winter temperatures in Мурманск are consistently low, with January averaging -11.9 °C and nighttime lows dipping to -15 °C. Even in March, the cold lingers, though daytime highs occasionally rise above freezing. The real shift comes in May, when temperatures climb to +5.6 °C on average, and by June, the city enjoys +10.6 °C.

July is the warmest month in Мурманск, with an average of +15 °C and highs reaching +19.8 °C. However, the warmth doesn’t last long—by September, temperatures fall to +8.5 °C, and October brings a sharp drop to +1.6 °C. November and December see the return of subzero temperatures, with December averaging -8.7 °C.

Precipitation in Мурманск is spread fairly evenly throughout the year, though August tends to be the wettest month with 72.6 mm of rain. Snow is common from October to April, with January and February seeing a mix of snow and sleet. Even in summer, rain showers are frequent, particularly in June and July.

The driest period in Мурманск is April, when precipitation drops to 29.4 mm. However, this doesn’t mean dry weather—snow can still linger into early spring. By May, rain becomes more common, and the city’s lush greenery emerges. September and October bring a mix of rain and early snow, signaling the return of winter.

Visiting Мурманск in winter means preparing for extreme cold. From November to March, pack thermal layers, a windproof coat, gloves, and a warm hat. Waterproof boots are essential, as snow and slush are common. Even in April, temperatures remain near freezing, so don’t underestimate the chill.

Summer in Мурманск is mild, so lightweight layers work well, but a jacket is still necessary for cooler evenings. Rain is always a possibility, so a waterproof shell is useful. From June to August, days are long, but nights can be cool, so a sweater or fleece is a good idea. For September trips, bring warmer clothing as temperatures drop quickly.